Chapter 3: Parking Rules

Knowing how to park a vehicle legally and safely is a fundamental responsibility for every driver. Proper parking ensures that traffic can flow smoothly, pedestrians are safe, and emergency vehicles have unobstructed access when needed. The Kentucky road skills test requires demonstrating proficiency in parking maneuvers, particularly parallel parking, and the written exam will test your knowledge of where you can and cannot legally park.

General Parking Rules

Properly parking a vehicle involves more than just finding an empty spot. It includes securing the vehicle correctly and positioning it appropriately for the type of space and terrain.

Securing Your Vehicle

Whenever a driver leaves a vehicle unattended, they must take specific steps to ensure it is secure. The engine must be stopped, the ignition locked, and the key removed. It is also crucial to set the parking brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from rolling, especially on an incline. For automatic transmissions, the gear selector should be in “Park.” For manual transmissions, it should be in reverse (if facing downhill) or first gear (if facing uphill).

Parking on a Hill

When parking on a hill, the direction of the front wheels is critical to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail. There are four scenarios to remember:

• Uphill with a Curb: Turn the front wheels away from the curb (to the left). If the car rolls, the front tire will catch on the curb, stopping the vehicle.
• Uphill without a Curb: Turn the front wheels to the right, toward the shoulder of the road. If the car rolls, it will move off the roadway rather than into traffic.
• Downhill with a Curb: Turn the front wheels toward the curb (to the right). The front tire will rest against the curb, holding the vehicle in place.
• Downhill without a Curb: Turn the front wheels to the right, toward the shoulder of the road. The vehicle will roll away from the road if it moves.

Pro-Tip:
A simple way to remember how to park uphill with a curb is the phrase “Up, Up, and Away.” When parking uphill, turn your wheels up and away from the curb. For all other situations, turn the wheels toward the nearest edge of the road.