The search query “424 area code” is a request for geographical information, as this code is a key identifier for the prestigious Westside region of Los Angeles.
The 424 area code is a geographic area code located in Los Angeles County, California, primarily serving the western and southern parts of the county, including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Inglewood, and Torrance. It operates as an overlay for the historic 310 area code, which means all local calls in this region require mandatory 10-digit dialing.
This article details the location, major cities, time zone, and the essential dialing rules for the 310/424 area code complex.
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Location and Geographic Coverage
The 424 area code serves the affluent and commercially important West Los Angeles region, known for its entertainment, technology, and coastal communities.
Primary Location and Time Zone
- State: California (CA), United States.
- Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (PT). This includes Pacific Standard Time (PST) and Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) during the summer.
Major Cities and Areas Covered
The 424 area code covers the same territory as the original 310 area code. Key locations include:
- Beverly Hills / West Hollywood (Shared with 323).
- Santa Monica / Malibu (Coastal communities).
- Culver City (Hub for entertainment and tech industries).
- South Bay Cities: Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, and Inglewood.
- Santa Catalina Island (located offshore).
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The 310 Overlay and Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
The 310 area code was created in 1991 when it split from the original 213 area code. However, rapid growth led to the exhaustion of 310 numbers within fifteen years.
The 424 Overlay
- New Code: Area code 424 was implemented as an overlay for the entire 310 region in 2006.
- Function: The 424 area code covers the identical geographic area as the 310 area code. New phone lines and services in this area may be assigned either a 310 or a 424 number.
Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing
Because the 310 and 424 codes share the same territory, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for all calls across this region.
- Rule: You must dial the full Area Code + 7-Digit Local Number for every local call.
- Example: Calling a 310 number in Torrance from a 424 number in Santa Monica requires dialing 310-XXX-XXXX (or 424-XXX-XXXX).
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Communication and Identity
Both the 310 and 424 area codes are recognized as local to the West Los Angeles and South Bay regions, maintaining a prestigious identity separate from the central 213 (Downtown LA) or valley 818 codes.
- Local Trust: For businesses, a 424 number establishes an immediate and familiar presence in the lucrative Los Angeles County market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between 310 and 424?
There is no geographical difference. The 424 area code was simply added as an overlay to the entire region served by 310 to ensure a continued supply of phone numbers.
Do I need to dial ‘1’ before the area code?
No. For calls within or between the 310 and 424 area codes, you only need to dial 10 digits (Area Code + Number). Dialing ‘1’ is only necessary if the call is considered long-distance outside of the general Los Angeles/Southern California region.
Are there any scams associated with the 424 area code?
As a major California area code, 424 is frequently used by scammers employing neighbor spoofing tactics to make their calls appear local. Always be cautious of unsolicited calls, even if the area code is familiar.
