Which dashed line should the reversing alignment line align with for parking?
3 Answers
The reversing alignment line should align with the 3rd dashed line. Below is relevant information about parking: 1. "Non-character type" reverse parking: For "non-character type" reverse parking, the vehicle should be perpendicular to the target parking space. Using your vehicle's B-pillar as a reference point with the first parking space, you can generally reverse into the third parking space. 2. "Linear type" parallel parking: For "linear type" parallel parking, use the front vehicle as a reference, align the car body, turn the steering wheel right, and when the angle between the two vehicles reaches 45 degrees, observe and straighten the steering wheel while reversing. If estimated correctly, you can complete the parking in one maneuver.
When I was learning to reverse park, I found that aligning the guide line with the second dashed line worked best. This was the standard reference point taught by the driving school instructor. At first, I often got it wrong—trying to align with the first line resulted in a crooked car body that crossed the line, while aligning with the third line was too late and left insufficient space. After repeated practice, I realized that the second dashed line provides the ideal distance from the entrance, allowing the car to enter smoothly without hitting the wall. Of course, this position isn’t absolutely fixed; if the parking space is narrower or wider, I’d observe the mirrors in advance and make slight adjustments. The key is to double-check references, such as aligning your shoulder with a pillar or covering the dashed line with the mirror before turning the wheel. Beginners shouldn’t rush—if you make a mistake, correct it slowly, and you’ll get the hang of it quickly with practice. Remember, always ensure the safety zone is clear before reversing; don’t focus solely on the dashed lines and neglect the overall environment.
As someone who frequently teaches others how to reverse park, I believe that aligning with the second dashed line is a safe starting point for beginners. This position is typically designed in the middle of the garage markings, allowing for smoother steering. If you can't align properly, don't worry—you can try a few times to get a feel for it: drive straight to the garage entrance and observe when your shoulder aligns with the target point. If you miss the alignment, stop in time, straighten the wheels, and start over. With more experience, you'll notice that when the car body tilts, you need to turn the steering wheel quickly to avoid hitting the edges. Safety first—always keep the window open while reversing to listen for surrounding sounds, and adjust your position if there are obstacles inside the garage. In short, the second dashed line is a good starting point, but not the only rule—practice makes perfect.
