Is 30 cm Mandatory for Parallel Parking?
3 Answers
Parallel parking should be within approximately 30 cm. If it exceeds 30 cm, 10 points will be deducted. The deduction criteria for parallel parking are as follows: 1. Regulations: If the tires touch or press against the parking space or lane lines during driving, 20 points will be deducted. After the vehicle is parked in the space, if the body extends beyond the parking space lines, 20 points will be deducted. If the vehicle is not properly aligned after parking, 5 points will be deducted. Failing to park the vehicle in one forward and one reverse movement, 20 points will be deducted. Contacting or scraping the parking poles, 20 points will be deducted.
I've been driving for over ten years. When I was learning to drive, my instructor always emphasized parallel parking about 30 centimeters from the curb, but this isn't a strict rule—it's more of a safety guideline. In practice, parking too close risks scraping tires or hitting pedestrians when opening doors, while parking too far makes your car vulnerable to scratches from passing vehicles, especially on narrow streets. I've seen many novice drivers get scolded for crooked parking. What truly matters is adapting to the environment: urban roads are best kept within 30 cm, while suburban areas allow slightly more leeway (but avoid exceeding 50 cm to prevent traffic obstruction). Driving examiners enforce this standard strictly, but real-world driving prioritizes overall safety—I use mirrors or body lines as reference points to avoid fines or accidents. With improved skills, I now effortlessly maintain 20-40 cm spacing. The key is developing consistent habits and avoiding shortcuts.
I have been teaching people to drive for over five years. The guideline of parking 30 centimeters away from the curb is indeed a standard in driving school tests to assess beginners' control skills. However, this is not an absolute rule. In real-life parking situations, factors like road width and vehicle size come into play, and some local regulations only require not obstructing traffic. During lessons, I emphasize: students should first learn the benchmark, aligning with reference points, such as keeping the rear wheel a fist's distance from the curb. Once they gain proficiency, they'll realize a difference of 10 or 8 centimeters isn't a big deal—as long as the car is parallel and doesn't block the blind path. Don't forget to check the rearview camera or parking sensors for assistance; being overly precise can cause unnecessary stress. Regular practice is key; keeping the margin of error within 10 centimeters is considered acceptable. Don't let numbers restrict your flexibility.
