Perpendicular parking in Minneapolis.

[prash]

I owned a german Ford Fiesta in school, and always sqeezed it into spaces in downtown DC. Often it resulted in more than one car in a space. I did this after meter hours and never got a ticket. I guess they never knew which car "snuck" in and which was already there.

[shack01]

Originally Posted by SmartShanna

The scary parking issue is head in parking when you have a big a** vehicle on your right. You back out slowly to get out of the space and onto the street--you can't see around the truck or whatever next to you and no oncoming cars can see you in the smart. So, will we will have to park with the end of our smart in line with the F-350 or Tacoma just so we can be seen?

How about one of those orange flags on a long stick that bicycles use? Just mount it sticking straight back so that it flutters as you begin to back out! ;)

tm

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by shack01

How about one of those orange flags on a long stick that bicycles use? Just mount it sticking straight back so that it flutters as you begin to back out! ;)

tm

Just be thankful that you are 5" taller than in a mini, and that your eyeballs are closer to the back of the car than in a SUV. Hopefully if you back out slow, you'll see around the parked cars, eventually.

[DaveInTexas]

Originally Posted by gamernotwatcher

Just in the past couple weeks a friend received a parking ticket for not parking close enough to the curb, in an angled parking space . When downtown, I was definitely planning on leaving my smart tail near the end of the space so that other vehicle drivers do not become frustrated by moving up several more spaces only to find my smart taking up the desired space. (backing up downtown is not smart)

If his car was as short as a mini or Miata and the tail was not sticking out, I would go fight the ticket as it is more of a safety hazzard to have the car all of the way forward. I always park my car with the back even with the majority of cars. It keeps the other people from hittin my bumper that back in to the spot in front of me and also keeps people from getting frustrated that there is not a spot available and keying my paint job.

[tedkidd]

Originally Posted by propes

Since the best way to find out is to ask, I asked both Minneapolis and St. Paul if it'll be legal for a fortwo to park perpendicularly in what's normally a parallel spot. The answer? No. It encoded in statute, and it would have to be changed in order to allow it.

478.10. To be parallel to curb. No person shall stand or park a vehicle in a roadway other than parallel with the edge of the roadway, headed in the direction of traffic, with the curbside wheels of the vehicle within twelve (12) inches of the edge of the roadway, and not closer than four (4) feet to another vehicle parked at the curb, except as provided in section 478.30. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 411.010)

Wonder how they feel about motorcycles. Parking perpendicular is often the best option for lots of reasons. Sometimes it's the only option. Ever ridden a BMW K12? Really poorly designed kick stand (too tall). If there is ANY camber there is no way to park parallel or it'll tip over.

[Old-Duckman]

Originally Posted by SmartShanna

The scary parking issue is head in parking when you have a big a** vehicle on your right. You back out slowly to get out of the space and onto the street--you can't see around the truck or whatever next to you and no oncoming cars can see you in the smart. So, will we will have to park with the end of our smart in line with the F-350 or Tacoma just so we can be seen?

Been doing that with motorcycles for years...

A few other tips that might cross from bikes to Smart:

Stay in the center of your lane at a traffic light or some idiot is bound to try to "squeeze" by you.

Assume that you are invisible. I also own a 1972 Triumph Spitfire (a rather small car in its own right). I have more people pull out on me when I am in the "Spit" than when I am on a motorcycle.

Leave yourself a "bubble of safety" on freeways. IOW, if possible leave room front, rear and sides. On a bike it is easy to accelerate into that place. I'm afraid that with the Smart I will have to think much farther ahead due to its lack of acceleration and top speed (w/respect to a MC). At least with the Smart there will be more protection should the unfortunate happen...plus I will stay dry in the rain!!

Of course I will not give up motorcycles...gotta have something for that "speed fix."

[abelenky]

Originally Posted by propes

The response from St. Paul also added that both of the Twin Cities do not allow multiple cars, even if they fit, to park in a single metered space.

It seems to me that this rule is unenforceable.
If two cars fit into a single space, BOTH cars can claim, "I was there first! Its my space!", and put blame on the other car.

Unless the officer actually sees the second car pull into the space, the drivers of both cars have an excellent defense.

[Smart by Design]

Originally Posted by prash

I owned a german Ford Fiesta

I remember those. Too bad they don't offer something similar today.