Does the Side Mirror Touching the Line Count as Passing in Parallel Parking?
2 Answers
It counts as passing because the infrared system only checks if the car body or tires touch or cross the line. Several details, if not handled properly, can lead to varying degrees of touching the side parking space boundary line: Failing to maintain about 30cm distance from the parking space: When entering the parallel parking area from the previous task, try to adjust the distance between the vehicle and the parking space to approximately 30-50cm. Being too far or too close can easily result in touching the line or even affect subsequent reference points. Turning the steering wheel too early or too late: Delayed steering response. Maintain the correct posture and act swiftly, knowing exactly when to turn the wheel. Not straightening the wheels promptly after exiting the parking space. Failing to stop immediately after the car is aligned: During the parking operation, once the car is fully inside the space, always check via the side mirrors to see if the car is straightened, and stop promptly after alignment. Poor speed control: Going too slow may cause the car to stop midway, while going too fast can make it hard to judge reference points accurately, affecting timely steering. Also, when turning the steering wheel to the full lock, ensure the left foot pressing the clutch is steady to prevent sudden speed changes. Therefore, maintaining clutch control and managing speed are crucial for accurate reference point judgment. Rote memorization without understanding reference points: Many learners only memorize the reference points taught by the instructor. The parking process requires three steering actions, and often, after the first turn, they forget to check the other side mirror. For doubts during practice, avoid rote memorization without comprehension—understand the reasoning behind each step. Side mirrors not adjusted properly during preparation: Whether the mirrors are slightly higher or lower, the reference points can differ significantly from the original setup.
Yesterday while accompanying my cousin practicing driving, he happened to ask about this. The most crucial point in parallel parking is ensuring the vehicle body doesn't touch the lane boundary line throughout the process. Since side mirrors are considered extensions of the vehicle body, touching the line results in an immediate 100-point deduction. During the test, that white line appears particularly conspicuous in the camera view. Like in our city's test center, there are sensors embedded in the ground - the moment a mirror grazes the line, the computer immediately beeps an alarm. Actually, the plastic housing at the base of the mirror mount is most prone to sweeping the line, especially with taller vehicles. My advice is to consciously park 5cm farther from the right side if necessary, and remain cautious even with folded mirrors. As anyone who's passed knows, mistiming the steering during the final exiting maneuver often leads to this exact mistake.
