What are the standards for parking position on a slope start?
4 Answers
Parking position standards on a slope start refer to parking at a fixed position on a slope with a gradient greater than or equal to ≥10% and a slope length greater than or equal to 30 meters. The vehicle body should be less than 30 centimeters from the road edge line, and the front bumper and front axle of the car should be aligned with the pole line, with a distance of 50 centimeters both in front and behind. The slope start must be completed within the specified time, without stalling, rolling back, or exceeding the time limit. Below are the specific details: Parking Techniques: The key is to align the front of the car with the parking position before ascending the slope, minimizing adjustments while on the slope. Observe the rearview mirror and the front hood of the car; when the right one-third aligns with the edge line, it should be within 30 centimeters. Operation Method: Start the car with the right foot firmly on the brake; do not release the foot brake or handbrake, then shift the gear from P to D and wait for about 2 seconds; press the button on the handbrake with the right hand, but do not release the handbrake; then press the accelerator while releasing the handbrake. The speed should be low and steady, avoiding sudden changes and frequent gear shifts; maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle in front to prevent rear-end collisions due to insufficient power or stalling; when approaching the top of the slope, watch for oncoming vehicles or pedestrians to avoid traffic accidents.
As experienced drivers, we all know that parking on slopes requires extra caution to prevent the car from rolling. With over a decade of driving experience, I've summarized a few key tips: try to find a relatively flat spot to park, and make sure to turn the wheels correctly—turn them to the right when facing uphill with the front of the car pointing outward, and to the left when facing downhill with the front pointing inward. This way, if the handbrake fails, the curb can still stop the car. After parking, don’t rush—first pull the handbrake as tight as possible, then shift into 1st gear or reverse. The worst scenario is parking on a steep slope where the car behind is too close, risking a scrape, so it’s best to leave at least 50 cm of space. Remember, never rely solely on the P (Park) gear, as prolonged stress on the transmission gears can cause damage. By paying attention to these details, even the steepest slopes in underground garages can be handled safely.
When teaching new students at the driving school, I emphasize the standard procedure for parking on a slope: First, always park close to the curb and align the vehicle properly. Turn the front wheels at an angle—fully to the right when facing uphill and fully to the left when facing downhill. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, follow the sequence—firmly press the brake, engage the parking brake, and shift into park. For manual transmission vehicles, always shift into first gear or reverse before turning off the engine. During demonstrations, I specifically remind students to keep the wheels within 30 centimeters of the curb, ensuring contact with the roadside curb to act as a block. Additionally, check the parking brake indicator on the dashboard to confirm it's fully engaged before exiting the vehicle. These practices not only help pass the driving test but also ensure daily driving safety.
When driving to the mall on weekends, steep parking spots are common. My advice is to look for spots with gentler slopes and angle your wheels: turn right when facing uphill, left when facing downhill. After stopping, pull the handbrake firmly all the way. For automatics, hold the brake pedal longer before shifting to P; for manuals, leave it in 1st gear for extra stability. Before closing windows, lean out to check wheel positioning—avoid getting too close to curbs to prevent rim scratches. Keep a wheel chock in your bag; wedge it behind the rear wheels on extreme slopes for double security. Though these steps add half a minute, they prevent rollbacks and potential rear collisions—far more convenient than dealing with accidents.
