Chapter 3: Parking Rules

Knowing how to park a vehicle legally and safely is a fundamental driving skill that ensures traffic flows smoothly and emergency services have clear access. Correct parking prevents collisions, protects pedestrians, and demonstrates a driver’s courtesy and awareness. Mastering these rules is essential for passing the road test, where parking maneuvers are specifically evaluated, and for avoiding costly tickets, towing fees, and dangerous situations in everyday driving.

General Parking Rules

Properly parking a vehicle involves more than just finding an empty space. It requires following a set procedure to ensure the vehicle is safe and legally positioned.

Securing the Vehicle

Whenever a driver leaves a vehicle, they must ensure it is properly secured. This involves setting the parking brake firmly, placing the vehicle in “Park” (for an automatic transmission) or in gear (for a manual transmission), turning off the engine, and locking the doors. Taking the keys is a critical final step to prevent theft.

Parking on a Hill

When parking on a grade, a driver must turn the front wheels in a specific direction to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail. The direction depends on whether there is a curb and whether the vehicle is facing uphill or downhill.

• 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 vehicle rolls backward, the back of the front tire will catch the curb.
• Downhill without a Curb: Turn the front wheels toward the side of the road (the right). If the vehicle rolls, it will move off the roadway rather than into traffic.
• Uphill without a Curb: Turn the front wheels toward the side of the road (the right). If the vehicle rolls backward, it will move away from the center of the road.

Pro-Tip:
A simple way to remember how to park on a hill with a curb is “Up, Up, and Away.” When parking Uphill with a curb, turn your wheels Up and Away from the curb. For all other situations, turn the wheels toward the side of the road.