
Parking must be a certain distance from the roadside depending on the situation. Article 56 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates: Motor vehicles shall be parked in designated areas, and parking on sidewalks is prohibited. However, this does not apply to parking spaces marked in accordance with the provisions of this law. Article 63 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: Parking is prohibited on road sections with no-parking signs or markings. Parking is also prohibited at intersections, railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads less than 4 meters wide, bridges, steep slopes, tunnels, and within 50 meters of these locations. Additionally, parking is prohibited in front of bus stops, emergency stations, gas stations, fire hydrants, or fire stations, and within 30 meters of these locations, except for vehicles using these facilities.

When parking, it's generally required to get as close to the curb as possible. The rule is usually that the wheels shouldn't exceed one meter or two feet in distance, roughly within 30 centimeters. After years of driving, I've realized that parking close to the curb helps avoid obstructing traffic and reduces accident risks. Especially on the road, parking compactly allows others to pass smoothly and reduces the chance of your car getting scratched. Once, I parked slightly farther away in a narrow alley, and my side mirror almost got hit by a bus. Since then, I've made it a habit to step out and check before parking close to the curb. For beginners, I recommend practicing more—find an open space to simulate parking and ensure a safe distance, which benefits everyone.

When I first got my driver's license, my instructor emphasized that when parking, the car should be close to the curb, with a distance not exceeding the length of a forearm, about 30 centimeters. This ensures that other vehicles can turn without obstruction and helps avoid parking tickets. The first time I parked in the city, I was so nervous that my car was half a meter away from the curb, and a police officer warned me about the dangerous distance. With practice, I got better—aligning with the curb or a tree and keeping the wheels close. After parking, stepping out to check the distance is a basic step—safety first. On slopes, remember to turn the wheels inward to prevent rolling. In short, developing good habits helps avoid trouble.

Regarding parking regulations, vehicles should park parallel to the curb, typically within 30 centimeters, to prevent obstructing traffic. Violations may result in tickets or towing. Requirements vary by location—for instance, stricter enforcement on narrow streets and more leniency in open areas. As a driver, pay attention to roadside signs and adjust positioning based on road width. Always check mirrors when reversing to confirm spacing and ensure safety.


