Chapter 3: Parking Rules

Knowing how to park legally and safely is a fundamental driving skill that is often overlooked. Proper parking ensures the smooth flow of traffic, keeps emergency routes clear, and prevents accidents involving pedestrians and other vehicles. Understanding these rules is crucial for passing the driver’s test and for avoiding costly fines and towing fees in everyday driving situations.

Parking a vehicle involves more than just finding an empty space. Alaska law specifies how to secure a vehicle, where parking is prohibited, and the rules for specially designated zones. Following these regulations is mandatory for all drivers.

General Parking Rules

Whenever a driver parks a vehicle, they must ensure it is done safely and correctly according to the situation. This includes securing the vehicle properly and positioning it correctly based on the terrain and type of parking space.

Securing the Vehicle

After stopping, a driver must properly secure the vehicle to prevent it from moving. This involves:

1. Setting the parking brake firmly.
2. Placing the vehicle in “Park” (for automatic transmissions) or in gear (for manual transmissions).
3. Turning off the engine and removing the ignition key.
   It is illegal in Alaska to leave the engine running in a parked and unattended vehicle.

Parking on a Hill

When parking on a grade, a driver must turn the front wheels in a specific direction to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail. The direction depends on whether there is a curb and whether the vehicle is facing uphill or downhill.

• Downhill with a Curb: Turn the front wheels toward the curb. The curb will act as a block.
• Uphill with a Curb: Turn the front wheels away from the curb. If the vehicle rolls backward, the back of the front tire will hit the curb.
• Downhill without a Curb: Turn the front wheels toward the right shoulder or edge of the road.
• Uphill without a Curb: Turn the front wheels toward the right shoulder or edge of the road.

Pro-Tip:
A simple way to remember which way to turn the wheels when parking uphill with a curb is “Up, Up, and Away.” When parking uphill, turn the wheels up and away from the curb.