text: Add savvy plans that keep you off the freeways during rush hour ( generally weekdays from 7am to 9 : 30am and 3 : 30pm to 7pm ) and a dash of patience for the guaranteed gridlock traffic nightmare , and you will discover firsthand why Angelenos consider their home the center of the universe .
  
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  Freeways are normally clear of traffic unless there is a major event .