How Many Seconds Count as Parking During Reverse Parking?
4 Answers
So-called midway parking refers to the vehicle having no displacement change within 2 seconds, which the computer will judge as midway parking. Below are some tips for reverse parking in Subject 2 of the driving test: 1. Identify the parking spot number: Find the correct boundary line at 1.5 meters; stop at the sensor line and don't mistake the garage direction; locate the garage first when parking, and don't confuse left and right directions. 2. Shift to reverse gear and check the rearview mirror: Don't stop the car after crossing the line twice; observe the car body in the rearview mirror, quickly turn the wheel back when the garage entrance is more than half visible; look at the garage corner, steer toward the wider side. 3. Check if the car is aligned: Ensure both side lines are parallel; straighten the wheel after alignment, and be clear about the number of steering wheel turns; once the car is aligned, don't move it further, stop the car after the rearview mirror crosses the line; park in the garage for three seconds, and carefully consider left and right when exiting.
How many seconds count as parking when reversing into a parking space? That's an interesting question. As a regular commuter, I can share some experience. According to traffic rules, parking is typically defined as a vehicle remaining completely stationary for over 15 to 30 seconds, such as when parked by the roadside, which may involve fines for illegal parking. However, reversing into a parking space is a dynamic process—stopping for a few seconds to adjust your direction or check for obstacles doesn't count as formal parking and isn't a violation. In practice, the driving test requires completing the maneuver within 2 minutes, and brief pauses don't affect the score. The key is to use the rearview camera or sensors to ensure safety. If you stop too long and block others, it's best to turn on the hazard lights as a warning. Bottom line: safety first—don't stress over the seconds, just be flexible.
How long is considered not stopping when I'm reversing into a parking space? I got my driver's license last year and now drive to work every day. From personal experience, pausing for one or two seconds to check reference points or look at the rearview mirror during reversing is normal and doesn't count as stopping. Stopping refers to when the car remains stationary, such as when you've found a parking spot and turn off the engine. During the driving test, the examiner instructed that parking space operations should be completed within 90 seconds, and brief pauses in between are fine and won't result in point deductions. However, don't pause for more than 5 seconds to avoid wasting time. It's best to use aids like cameras when reversing, as they allow you to see the surroundings clearly even in a momentary stop. With more practice and familiarity, you'll naturally control the stopping time better, making your driving smoother.
Having driven for 40 years, my perspective on reverse parking is: pausing ensures stability. What's a second or two? That's not parking—parking means remaining stationary for an extended period. Briefly stopping during reverse parking to adjust position or confirm rear safety is the wise approach. Don't rush—safety outweighs haste. Ensure wheels are properly aligned before proceeding to avoid scrapes. Simply put, momentary pauses are part of the technical maneuver.
