Car rental Bossier City, LA

Top tips for renting a car in Bossier City

Bossier City is generally a straightforward and relaxed place to drive. The roads are wide and open, and in the immediate area, traffic is only a concern during peak times. As with any new city, it's essential to understand the driving conditions in the area before you go. Follow these tips for navigating the roads in Bossier City.

What are the road rules and driving conditions in Bossier City?

When driving in Bossier City, you've got to follow typical Louisiana road rules, including driving on the right-hand side of the road, obeying road signage, wearing a seatbelt, not using your phone while driving, and always adhering to local speed limits.

Louisiana enforces a right-turn-on-red rule, which means you can turn right at a red light after you've come to a complete stop first, as long as there's no signage prohibiting it. One unique road rule to follow in Bossier City is this: you can't wear headphones while driving in Louisiana.

Speed limits in Bossier City start at 25 miles per hour (mph) on most residential roads, but can climb slightly on bigger roads like the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway and Louisiana Highway 72 (LA 72), where the limit is 35 mph. Bossier City only introduced traffic circles a few years ago, and to ease the transition for locals and visitors alike, has recommended sticking to a 15 mph limit when navigating these.

In the winter, Bossier City and nearby Shreveport can get chilly and icy, so you'll need to be prepared if you're traveling during this time. However, temperatures don't tend to dip much lower than 45°F, nor does the area receive lots of snowfall – so it's likely you won't need snow tires or chains to drive in the area.

What is parking like in Bossier City?

Parking in Bossier City is a total dream – not only is it easy to access, but it's also primarily free, except for a few hotspots downtown. If you're happy with a street spot, you'll find them throughout the city on major roads, a few metered but most free with a time limit. Just be sure to check that there are no parking restrictions to consider or permits required before you leave your rental car. If you'd prefer to park in a lot, these are attached to many of Bossier City's attractions and malls, including Brookshire Grocery Arena, Walgreens, the Pierre Bossier Mall, and Home Depot.

Are there toll roads in Bossier City?

Currently, there are no toll roads in Bossier City, LA – a win for drivers who want to save their dollars without compromising their travels throughout the area. However, a toll road has been proposed to connect Bossier City to Shreveport, so in the coming years, expect a charge to cross this once it's fully constructed.

Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Bossier City?

Bossier City, LA has plenty of convenient gas stations scattered across the area, many of which are along major thoroughfares like Benton Road, Benton Spur, Airline Drive, and Old Minton Road. You'll find a Brake Time and a Smoko's within short driving distance of the Pierre Bossier Mall, and a Shell at Barksdale Boulevard before you turn into the Brookshire Grocery Arena.

Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is still new in Bossier City, but you can easily navigate the area in an EV – just be sure to plan ahead. Most of the chargers in the area are located in car dealerships close to Benton Road, including Orr Nissan (2323 Viking Drive) and Orr Kia of Bossier (3601 Benton Road). Once you head into Shreveport, options open up a little more, with many chargers located in the auto village in the city's south. EV chargers can be hard to find in the downtown area, so always juice up before you drive.

Do I need to rent a car in Bossier City?

Most visitors to Bossier City opt to rent a car for freedom and flexibility in the area, which is framed by beautiful sights like national parks and wildlife refuges that are hard to access using public transit. From behind the wheel of your own rental car, you'll have an access-all-areas pass to Bossier City, Shreveport, and beyond. For a super-smooth drive in and around the area, use Turo to find car rentals that tick your boxes, whether you opt for a comfortable SUV or an easy-to-navigate compact car rental.