Which Dotted Line to Look at for Parallel Parking?

[LeEliana]

Parallel parking involves looking at the second dotted line. Here is a related introduction to parallel parking: Practical Application: 12-word tips for parallel parking: Accurate estimation, quick steering, and steady driving. After stabilizing the car, turn the steering wheel one and a half turns to the right, then slowly release the clutch to let the car reverse. Parking Techniques: Before moving into the parking space, position the car close to the left line of the garage. Adjust the left and right rearview mirrors—lower the left mirror to see the left rear wheel, and adjust the right mirror to see the car body. Adjust the interior rearview mirror so that you can see the middle of the rear windshield when you look up.

[VanJuliet]

I've been driving for over a decade, and parallel parking is as easy as eating for me. I remember when I first learned to drive, the instructor emphasized using the dashed lines on the ground to judge the position. Generally, before parking, you need to align parallel to the car in front, then slowly reverse. When you see your wheel aligned with the second dashed line in the rearview mirror, immediately turn the steering wheel fully—this allows the car to smoothly slide into the spot. However, it's not just about focusing on one line; you also need to watch your speed, as parking spaces in the city are narrow, and missing the reference point can easily lead to a scrape. A few more practices will help you get the hang of it, especially in congested areas—accurate references can save a lot of time. When parking, I usually scan the surroundings first to ensure safety and no obstacles before starting the maneuver.

[Roy]

When I first got my driver's license, parallel parking made me quite nervous. The instructor taught me multiple times that when parking, I should focus on the second dashed line. The specific steps are: align the car with the one in front, then reverse, and the moment I see the rear wheel cover the second dashed line in the rearview mirror, quickly turn the steering wheel. During practice, I often made mistakes, such as looking at the first or third line, resulting in crooked parking. After more practice, I realized that controlling the speed is the most crucial—the slower, the easier it is to align the points. Now, with more driving experience, I know this reference point makes parking steadier and reduces the risk of reversing errors. Don’t just focus on the lines; also check the blind spots to avoid hitting pedestrians or obstacles on the sidewalk.

[JohnAnn]

Over the years of teaching driving, I've always told students that the second dashed line is the most accurate reference for parallel parking. The process is simple: first align parallel to the curb, then observe the wheel position through the rearview mirror while reversing. Turn the wheel immediately when the tire just covers the second dashed line. This reference point is well-designed to allow smooth entry into the space. Practice should be done at low speed, frequently checking mirrors to confirm position rather than relying solely on visual estimation of the road surface. Mastering this will make real-world parking much less prone to errors.