New Mexico driving lesson · Right-of-Way, Speed & Parking
Parking rules & no-parking zones
A 3-minute lesson from the New Mexico course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A parked car must never be a hazard. Park where you are (1) far enough from any travel lane not to interfere with traffic and (2) visible to vehicles from both directions. Then know the distances: they're heavily tested.
Every time you park:
Use a designated area if possible
Set the parking brake; leave a manual in gear, an automatic in "park"
Check traffic before opening your door; exit on the curb side if you can
Shut the door as soon as you can after getting out
Never leave the keys in the vehicle; lock the doors
You find a spot 22 feet from a fire hydrant and 40 feet from a stop sign. Both are legal: you need 15 feet from the hydrant and 30 feet from the stop sign. Pull within 18 inches of the curb and set the brake.
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 is it illegal to park?
Within 15 feet
Within 25 feet
Within 5 feet
Within 10 feet
Answer: Within 15 feet
You must not park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.