Chapter 3: Parking Rules

Knowing how to park a vehicle legally and safely is a fundamental responsibility for every driver. Proper parking ensures the smooth flow of traffic, protects pedestrians, and keeps critical areas like fire hydrants and crosswalks clear for emergency and public use. Mastering these rules is essential for passing the skills test and avoiding fines, towing, and dangerous situations in daily driving.

General Parking Rules

Whenever a driver parks a vehicle, they must ensure it is stationary and does not pose a hazard to other road users. This involves more than just finding an empty space.

Securing the Vehicle

Before exiting the vehicle, a driver must make it safe.

1. Set the parking brake firmly. This provides a mechanical lock on the wheels that is separate from the transmission.
2. For automatic transmissions, shift the gear selector into “Park.”
3. For manual transmissions, shift into a low gear (first gear) or “Reverse.”
4. Turn off the engine and remove the key.

Parking on a Hill