What is the ideal distance from the side line when reversing into a parking space?
3 Answers
The optimal distance between the car body and the corner of the parking space when reversing is 30cm. Below are specific details about reversing into a parking space: 1. Scoring criteria: Failing to follow the designated route or sequence results in disqualification; the car body crossing the line results in disqualification; failing to fully enter the parking space results in disqualification; stopping midway results in disqualification. 2. Tips: Start by turning the steering wheel one and a half turns to the right when beginning to reverse. Observe the upper part of the wheel in the right rearview mirror; it should be about 40cm from the right line of the parking space to ensure the right side does not cross the line when reversing. Watch the left rearview mirror, and when the left line of the parking space becomes visible, immediately turn the steering wheel half a turn back to the left and continue reversing. Observe both left and right rearview mirrors; when the solid lines of the parking space appear on both sides and the distances are roughly equal, immediately turn the steering wheel one full turn back to the left and continue reversing.
Regarding the distance from the side line when reversing into a parking space, I've been driving for over 20 years, from trucks to family cars. Generally, it's recommended to leave 30 to 50 centimeters of space. This depends on your vehicle size and garage width—smaller cars can be closer, while SUVs need more room. I remember when I was younger, I always parked too close for convenience, only to scratch the paint when opening the door against the wall. When practicing, find an empty parking lot and use your phone to record videos for reference. After a few tries, you'll get the hang of it. The key is the position of the side line in the rearview mirror: seeing about half the line's width is safest. Also, with tight city parking spaces, leaving too much room wastes space and inconveniences others. Safety first—don't rush, take it slow. Beginners can schedule a few sessions with a professional instructor to quickly get the hang of it.
How far should you be from the side line when reversing into a parking space? I believe 30 to 50 cm is the standard range. For example, when I drive a compact car, I usually leave about 40 cm, which is just enough to open the door without hitting anything. Several factors affect this: if the garage is narrow, stay farther away; for vehicles with a long wheelbase, stay closer. I recommend using a rearview camera or parking assist features—setting guidelines on the screen can directly display the distance, improving accuracy. From personal experience, when reversing, observe the reference point of the side line through the car window; if the line appears thinner at the bottom of your view, it's about right. Similarly, parallel parking follows the same principle—leave a safe gap to avoid scratches. Practice simulating different scenarios, and once you're familiar, you won't even need the camera.
