Iowa driving lesson · Right-of-Way, School Buses & Parking
Parking rules
A 3-minute lesson from the Iowa course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
You're responsible for making sure your parked vehicle doesn't become a hazard. Park in a designated area when you can, and learn Iowa's no-parking distances—hydrants, stop signs, fire stations, and railroad crossings are favorite test questions.
When you park:
Park in a designated area, if possible
If you must park on a roadway, park as far away from traffic as possible
If there is a curb, park within 18 inches of it or closer
Park far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic
Check traffic before opening your door; get out on the curb side if necessary
You find a spot 8 feet from a fire hydrant on a city street. That's legal—the limit is 5 feet—as long as it isn't a painted hydrant red zone, and you park within 18 inches of 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 a fire hydrant may you legally park?
No closer than 10 feet
No closer than 15 feet
No closer than 20 feet
No closer than 5 feet
Answer: No closer than 5 feet
You may not park closer than 5 feet from a fire hydrant.