Chapter 3: Parking Rules

Knowing how to park legally and safely is a fundamental driving skill that is often tested on the road exam and is crucial for daily driving. Improper parking can obstruct traffic, create hazards for pedestrians and other vehicles, and lead to expensive fines or even having your vehicle towed. Mastering these rules ensures you are a courteous and responsible driver who contributes to a safe and orderly traffic environment.

General Parking Rules

Properly parking a vehicle involves more than just finding a space. It requires following specific procedures to ensure the vehicle is secure and positioned correctly, whether on a flat surface or a steep hill.

Securing Your Vehicle

Whenever a driver leaves a vehicle, they must follow these steps to ensure it is secure:

1. Stop the engine.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in the “Park” gear (for automatic transmissions) or in gear (for manual transmissions).
4. Remove the key from the ignition.
5. Lock the doors.
   Before opening the door to exit, always check for passing bicyclists, motorcyclists, and other vehicles.

Parking on a Hill

The direction you turn your front wheels when parking on a hill is critical to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail. There are four scenarios:

• 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 car rolls backward, the back of the front tire will hit the curb.
• Downhill without a curb: Turn the front wheels toward the road shoulder. The vehicle will roll away from the road.
• Uphill without a curb: Turn the front wheels toward the road shoulder. The vehicle will roll backward but away from the center of the road.

Pro-Tip:
A helpful mnemonic for parking uphill with a curb is “Up, Up, and Away.” When parking Uphill, turn your wheels Up and Away from the curb.

Parking Types

• Parallel Parking: This is parking parallel to the road in line with other vehicles. The front and rear wheels must be within 18 inches of the curb.
• Angle Parking: Common in parking lots and on some streets, this involves parking at an angle to the curb. A driver should approach slowly and turn into the space, ensuring the front of the vehicle does not obstruct the traffic lane.
• Perpendicular Parking: This involves parking at a 90-degree angle to the curb or parking line.