Can You Cross the Line in Parallel Parking?
4 Answers
No, crossing the line during parallel parking will result in a 10-point deduction. Below is relevant information about parallel parking: Introduction: Parallel parking is a component of the driving test's Subject 2, designed to assess a driver's ability to correctly park a vehicle on the right side of the road. The requirement is for the driver to park the vehicle in the right-side parking space without the wheels touching the lane boundary or parking space boundary. Notes: Adjust both side mirrors—lower the left mirror enough to see the left rear wheel, while the right mirror should just show the car body. Park the car 30cm-50cm away from the yellow line, remember to signal and check the mirrors, and slow down when you can see the wheels making contact with the ground.
As a traffic law enforcement officer patrolling the city year-round, I must solemnly declare: parallel parking should never involve crossing or touching the line. In reality, both solid and dashed roadside markings carry clear meanings—crossing them constitutes a violation that may result in fines or towing. I've witnessed numerous cases where drivers took shortcuts by parking over the line, only to face fines of 100-200 yuan, or worse—blocking bicycle lanes or pedestrian pathways, causing congestion or accidents. The fundamental principle is to keep all wheels within the markings when parking, leaving adequate space for others. Remember, rules aren't just words—they're safety baselines. Especially during rush hours, line-crossing behavior exacerbates urban chaos, which is why I always emphasize the importance of lawful parking.
I've been instructing novice drivers for over a decade, and never crossing the line during parallel parking is a fundamental rule. Crossing the line constitutes a direct traffic violation and affects driving safety scores. The key lies in proper operation: slowly approach the curb and adjust your steering to keep the vehicle body parallel inside the line. Common mistakes stem from impatience or lack of technique, which naturally disappear with practice. Additionally, variations in vehicle height or road slope can exacerbate line-crossing situations, increasing the risk of scrapes. I recommend using rearview mirrors to confirm positioning or finding open spaces for repeated practice. Ultimately, following regulations is a crucial step in developing good driving habits.
Having driven for over 15 years, I was also curious about whether I could park on the solid line. Once I did, and the police issued a ticket, explaining that it violated the Road Traffic Safety Law. It was a profound lesson: in big cities, roadside markings cannot be casually ignored, or you might be recorded and fined. My habit now is to check the surroundings before parking, leaving ample space for pedestrians or bicycles. Technically speaking, just control your speed and take turns slowly—don’t rush.
