What is the standard size of a parking space?

[DeLukas]

According to the "Specifications for Setting On-Street Parking Spaces in Urban Roads," the standard size of a parking space is determined based on the size of the vehicle. For small vehicles, the standard dimensions are 2.5~2.7 meters in width and 5~6 meters in length. The width of a single-lane turning lane should not be less than 3.5 meters, while a double-lane should not be less than 5 meters. The turning section should accommodate a vehicle's one-time turning needs. For safety or to accommodate medium and large vehicles, the length is often set to 6 meters or more. Details are as follows: (Length ≤ 6m, width ≤ 1.8m) vehicles: The spacing between vehicles should not be less than 0.5 meters, and the distance between the vehicle and walls or the end of the parking space should also not be less than 0.5 meters. (6m < length ≤ 8m, 1.8m < width ≤ 2.2m) vehicles: The spacing between vehicles should not be less than 0.7 meters. Small vehicle parking space: Length ≥ 5 meters, width 2.2-2.5 meters. Large vehicle parking space: Length 7-10 meters, width 4 meters, depending on the vehicle type. According to the "Code for Design of Garage Buildings," the specific dimensions for small vehicle indoor parking spaces are as follows: The design dimensions for small vehicles are 4.8m (length) x 1.8m (width) x 2.0m (height). For perpendicular parking, the minimum parking space size should be 5.3m (length) x 2.4m (width), with a minimum driveway width of 5.5m at the front. The minimum distance between the small vehicle and the side walls should be 0.6m, and the distance to the front and rear walls should be 0.5m. Modern underground garages have large floor areas and numerous parking spaces. To ensure smooth vehicle traffic, driveways are planned to be relatively wide. Driveways, as horizontal passages dedicated to parking spaces, account for a significant portion of the garage's floor area, often 50% or more. Parking space arrangements can be categorized into three types: parallel, angled (30°, 45°, 60°), and perpendicular. Large vehicle parking spaces should not use angled or perpendicular arrangements. Details are as follows: Parallel parking space: Standard length is 6 meters, width is 2.5 meters. Angled parking space: Diagonal length should be 6 meters, width 2.8 meters, with a vertical distance of 2.5 meters between the two diagonal lines. Perpendicular parking space: Length ≥ 5 meters (typically 6 meters), width 2.5 meters. The optimal standard size is 2.5m x 5.3m. The "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates that on-street parking spaces should not be set on roads with a width of less than 6 meters, nor on crosswalks or main roads of expressways. In urban areas, local authorities may designate parking spaces where pedestrian and vehicle traffic is not obstructed. On-street parking spaces should not interfere with bicycle lanes or occupy non-motorized vehicle space. They should not be placed near intersections, building entrances, or bus stops. Parking restrictions should be clearly marked, and impacts on vehicle traffic should be minimized. Additionally, on-street parking spaces should not have ground locks to prevent private occupation. Roads where parking is prohibited may have barriers, posts, or bollards installed. After removal or cancellation of parking spaces, all related signs, markings, and facilities should be promptly cleared to prevent illegal parking and ensure road safety. Public parking lots should not have on-street parking spaces within 200m~300m. Quantitative regulations for on-street parking spaces: The "Specifications for Setting On-Street Parking Spaces in Urban Roads" provides quantitative rules based on road width. For two-way roads: if the actual width exceeds 12 meters, parking spaces can be set on both sides; if between 12 and 8 meters, on one side; if less than 8 meters, no parking spaces. For one-way roads: if the actual width exceeds 9 meters, parking spaces can be set on both sides; if between 9 and 6 meters, on one side; if less than 6 meters, no parking spaces. For disabled parking spaces, the specifications require that at least 2% of total parking spaces be designated for disabled use, with a minimum of one space if there are 20 or more parking spaces. Parking space marking colors: White: Paid parking spaces; Blue: Free parking spaces; Yellow: Reserved parking spaces; Time-limited parking spaces: Dashed borders, 10cm line width; parking times marked inside, with numbers 60cm high. Disabled parking spaces: Special markings; yellow grid lines on both sides indicate no-parking zones for disabled access; other vehicles must not occupy these spaces. Yellow grid lines: 120cm width, outer line width 20cm, inner fill line width 0cm, 45° angle, with outer line length matching parking space markings. Prohibited areas for on-street parking spaces: Fire lanes, roads with no-parking signs/markings, or construction zones obstructing traffic; Roads designated for disaster relief or emergency evacuation; Sidewalks (if set, must not block tactile paving); Near building entrances; Intersections, railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads (<4m), bridges, steep slopes, tunnels, and areas within 50m of these locations; Within 30m of bus stops, emergency stations, gas stations, fire hydrants, or fire stations (except for authorized use); Within 20m of intersection channelized areas; Near underground utility access points or within 15m; Within 200m of off-street parking lot entrances.

[Shelly]

As a daily driver, I've noticed that standard parking spaces are typically about 5 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, which fits my family sedan perfectly. Whether at shopping malls or residential areas, I can easily maneuver in and out. In places where parking is tight and spaces are compressed, the risk of scratches and collisions increases, so I always check the available space before parking. In fact, standard dimensions are set for safety reasons—ensuring enough room to open doors and move around without accidents. Older neighborhoods or free parking lots might cut corners, shrinking spaces to 4.8 meters long and 2.4 meters wide, which raises safety concerns. I recommend choosing regulated parking lots that follow standard dimensions to prevent minor mishaps. Internationally, parking space sizes vary slightly—for example, in the U.S., they're larger at around 2.7 meters × 5.5 meters—but the goal remains the same: convenience for drivers and operational efficiency. When designing parking lots, adhering to these standards is essential; otherwise, peak hours can lead to chaos and long queues.