Chapter 3: Parking Rules

Knowing how to park legally and safely is a fundamental driving skill that prevents accidents, ensures traffic flow, and avoids costly fines and towing. Proper parking protects pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and other drivers by keeping critical areas unobstructed. Mastering these rules is essential for the driver’s exam, which tests knowledge of specific parking distances and procedures, and for responsible vehicle ownership.

General Parking Rules

Properly parking a vehicle involves more than just finding an empty space. It requires securing the vehicle to prevent it from moving unexpectedly and positioning it correctly according to the type of parking.

Securing the Vehicle

Regardless of where a driver parks, they should always follow these steps:

1. Come to a complete stop in the desired space.
2. For automatic transmissions, shift the gear selector to “Park.” For manual transmissions, shift into a low gear or reverse.
3. Set the parking brake firmly. This provides a crucial mechanical backup to the transmission.
4. Turn off the engine and remove the key.