Perpendicular parking?

[ClearwaterZiggy]

Does anyone know if "perpendicular parking" in a "parallel parking" space is legal in the US? I've seen it all over Europe. Is it a state-by-state thing?



thanks!

Ziggy...

[jwight]

Probably by city; not legal in very many places - most have the "right two wheels parallel with the curb" language in their parking ordinances.

[dennyrex]

it's state by state, or perhaps even city by city rules there, but in the main, no. most laws specify right side wheels parallel to the curb.
whether it is enforced is another matter.
do you feel lucky today?

[Toolman]

Originally Posted by dennyrex

do you feel lucky today?

Punk??? (couldn't resist)

[ClearwaterZiggy]

Originally Posted by Toolman

Punk??? (couldn't resist)

LoL... maybe not feeling so lucky today... but in just a few months, beach parking down here is often hard to come by.

[unclejed]

I checked with the police here in Austin, Texas and the sergeant who responded said it would be "perfectly legal", so looks like it's fine to do, here at least!

[padi176715]

I would argue that if it is within the painted lines then it is legal. The reason for places stating that the right wheels must be to the curb is so people do not drive on the wrong side of the street to park. Let the fun begin

[Mike T]

If you don't mind exposing the softest part of the tridion to the "touch parkers", go right ahead. If a space is so small that a smart will only fit in sideways, some touch parking is to be expected.

[jediknight36]

I do it all the time here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, even parking in places that are not really spots. Im pushing it, but so far, no big deal

Originally Posted by Mike T

If you don't mind exposing the softest part of the tridion to the "touch parkers", go right ahead. If a space is so small that a smart will only fit in sideways, some touch parking is to be expected.

What are touch parkers and what do you mean "softest part of the tridion"?

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by jediknight36

What are touch parkers and what do you mean "softest part of the tridion"?

Touch parkers, parking by feel, etc. implies touching the vehicles in front/behind you while parking. Just back up until you hit something...

The tridion is exposed metal on the side of the car. If someone was "parking by feel" and their bumper contacted the exposed tridion on the side of the car, it would likely dent it or at least scuff it and that's not a simple panel swap.

I won't even park normally in a really tight spot (even when I will fit) if it means that the people in front or behind me will likely hit my car to get out. My favorite parking spot is in the middle of a three car row. The car behind and in front have no reason to get near my car when pulling out.