Parallel & Street Parking Tips
Parallel parking can be tricky, here are a few pointers to help you should you find yourself needing to park on the street.
-
Go slowly and pull up next to the parking spot to be sure that your vehicle will fit in the space.
-
Be sure to keep your foot on the brake and put your blinker on to notify and oncoming traffic of your intentions.
-
Pull along side the car in front of the parking space you want, leaving approximately 2-3 feet between the two vehicles.
-
Line up your rear tires with the rear bumper of the same vehicle.
-
Turn your steering wheel as far as you can toward the parking space.
-
Put your car in reverse.
-
Slowly back up until you are at a 45 degree angle (at which point your front door should be lined up with the rear bumper of the car next to you) and stop.
-
Turn your steering wheel as far as you can in the opposite direction (away from the parking space).
-
Slowly back up until you are parallel to the curb.
-
Straighten out your wheel and move as far backwards or forwards as necessary to center your vehicle in the space, while leaving enough room for the surrounding vehicles to maneuver in or out of the spaces as well.
-
Be sure to read any parking regulation signs before leaving your vehicle to avoid any tickets or towing, and if necessary be sure to put money in the meter and have ample coins available.
-
Before leaving your vehicle be sure to place any valuables within your car in the trunk or under the seats so they are out of sight.
-
If you are in a metered space make a mental note of the time, and be sure to refill the meter as necessary. Parking meters don’t allow all-day privileges; you’ll need to put quarters in on an hourly basis.
How to find a SAFE parking garage for your car
Taking the proper precautions when parking your car in a garage!
Are Parking Garages really Liable for damages they caused?
What do I do if my car gets damaged in a Parking Garage?
What do those tiny and confusing street signs really mean?
Useful Links
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/dot/html/motorist/parking/prkintro.html
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/consumers - NYC Dept of Consumer Affairs
http://www.bbb.com -Check the status of a parking garage for complaint history
http://www.nyc.gov/nypd - If you have to file a complaint or get copy of accident record |
