Chapter 3: Parking Rules

Knowing how to park a vehicle legally and safely is a fundamental driving skill that impacts traffic flow and public safety. Proper parking prevents collisions, ensures clear visibility at intersections, and keeps critical access routes open for emergency vehicles and pedestrians. This information is a key part of the driver’s knowledge test and is essential for responsible vehicle ownership.

Parking involves more than just finding an empty space; it requires following specific procedures to secure the vehicle and adhering to laws about where and when parking is permitted. Iowa law clearly defines legal parking practices and explicitly prohibits parking in areas where a stopped vehicle would create a hazard.

General Parking Rules

Whenever a driver parks a vehicle, they must ensure it is properly secured and positioned correctly according to the type of parking space and the characteristics of the road.

Securing the Vehicle

Before leaving a parked vehicle, a driver must follow several steps to ensure it will not move or become a hazard:

1. Set the Parking Brake: This provides a mechanical lock on the wheels, separate from the hydraulic brake system, and is the most important step in securing a vehicle.
2. Place the Vehicle in Gear: For an automatic transmission, shift to “Park.” For a manual transmission, shift into a low gear (like first) or reverse.
3. Turn Off the Engine and Remove the Key: Never leave a vehicle running and unattended.
4. Check for Traffic: Before opening the driver’s side door, a driver must check their mirrors and blind spot for passing vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians. Open the door only when it is safe to do so.
5. Lock the Vehicle: This helps prevent theft of the vehicle or its contents.