
Straight parking spaces have a standard width of 2.5 meters and a length of 5 meters or more. Angled parking spaces have a standard width of 2.8 meters, a diagonal length of 6 meters, and a perpendicular distance between the two diagonal lines of 2.5 meters. Advantages of straight and angled parking spaces: Straight parking spaces are convenient for parking, while angled parking spaces save more space compared to straight ones. Disadvantages of straight and angled parking spaces: Straight parking spaces take up more space and are generally suitable for roadside parking. Angled parking spaces are limited by direction when parking or driving and are generally suitable for outdoor parking lots. Considerations when choosing a parking space: Avoid spaces directly facing ramps, curves, or corners as they are difficult to park in. Avoid spaces near temporary parking spots, as the vehicles there are not fixed and can be disorderly, making it hard to identify the culprit in case of scratches. Avoid spaces too close to exits, as they are far from elevators and easily occupied by temporary vehicles.

Last time I helped a friend plan a parking lot, I specifically researched this data. The standard dimensions for straight parking spaces are quite crucial, especially as cars are getting bigger these days. The standard size for a regular sedan space is 5.3 meters × 2.5 meters, while SUVs or commercial vehicles require at least 6 meters in length. Angled parking spaces are even more particular, commonly tilted at 45° to 60°, with dimensions around 5 meters × 2.5 meters. Some places use different angles, but all must ensure a minimum aisle width of 5 meters. I remember once seeing two Highlanders squeezed into a tight spot, with doors barely able to open a crack, so dimensions really can’t be taken lightly. Fire lanes must be separately designated, with a width greater than 4 meters—this is a non-negotiable rule in planning.

The most headache for parking space designers is balancing dimensions. Nowadays, standard straight parking spaces in newly built shopping malls are typically 5 meters long and 2.4-2.5 meters wide, with high-end malls offering 2.6 meters. Angled parking spaces are usually designed at 60 degrees for space efficiency, with 5.2m×2.5m being the mainstream size. Special attention should be paid to EV charging spaces, which are 30cm wider than regular spots to accommodate charging stations. Disabled parking spaces have stricter requirements, needing at least 6 meters in length and 3.5 meters in width to meet regulations. For narrow driveways, we recommend perpendicular parking, reserving angled spaces only for corner locations.

As a seasoned driver with 15 years of experience, I've encountered all kinds of bizarre parking spaces. A standard straight parking space of 5m×2.5m is considered basic, and my Crown barely fits. Angled parking spaces actually test your skills more—a 45° space with 2.2m width becomes a headache when parked next to an SUV. Nowadays, new residential areas mostly design spaces at 2.5m wide, while older communities often have spaces around 2.3m. A crucial tip is to park nose-out in angled spaces for easier reversing, especially in spots with pillars. Through testing, only spaces longer than 5.5m are suitable for MPVs; a standard family parking space is barely enough for a GL8.

From the perspective of car factory designers: When developing new vehicles, we always consider parking space compatibility. The standard straight parking space of 5m×2.5m serves as the basic reference, though many actual sites shrink to 4.8m×2.3m. Angled parking spaces are recommended at 75 degrees with dimensions of 5.2m×2.4m for optimal turning radius. Note that luxury vehicles often exceed 1.9m in width, making 2.7m the ideal parking space width. Charging spaces require at least 2.8m in width to allow for charging gun access. Many underground garages have obstructive support columns, requiring a net parking width deduction of 20cm.

Property companies must carefully plan parking spaces. The minimum dimensions for straight parking spaces in residential areas are 4.8 meters in length × 2.4 meters in width, while angled parking spaces at 60 degrees require 5.2 meters × 2.5 meters. Special reminder: turning lanes should be 6 meters wide, and two-way lanes need to be 7 meters wide. Every three parking spaces should include a widened space for SUVs. Currently, new energy vehicle parking spaces must be widened—our charging-equipped spaces are designed to be 3 meters wide and 5.5 meters long. If dimensions are insufficient, it's better to have fewer spaces rather than risk frequent collision disputes.


