A 3-minute lesson from the Colorado course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Parking isn't just finding a space. Secure the vehicle, avoid prohibited spots, and on hills turn your wheels so a rolling car ends up against the curb or off the road instead of in traffic.
Know the rule
Leave an automatic in park. With a standard transmission, leave it in low gear facing uphill and reverse gear facing downhill.
Where parallel parking is allowed, park within 12 inches of the curb, or as close as possible to the outside edge of the shoulder, so traffic isn't blocked or slowed.
You park facing uphill on a street with a curb. Turn the front wheels away from the curb (left) and let the car roll back gently until the back of the front tire rests against the curb.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
How close to the curb must your vehicle be when parallel parking, where permitted?
Within 12 inches of it
Within 3 feet of the curb
Within 18 inches of the curb
Within 6 inches of the curb
Answer: Within 12 inches of it
Where parallel parking is permitted, your vehicle must be within 12 inches of the curb, or as close as possible to the shoulder edge.
