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Before everyone goes off the deep end, please revisit the forum FAQs. If you don't agree with someone, refute their argument or position; a personal attack doesn't do that.
PS - doesn't do to keep the mudslinging going, either. Nuff said.
"Its length of 250 cm (98.4 in) equals the width of a truck or a regular parking slot"
That length sounds like the Euro model.
The US model is 106.1 inches long (taken from smart's website tech specs)
"Its length of 250 cm (98.4 in) equals the width of a truck or a regular parking slot"
That length sounds like the Euro model.
The US model is 106.1 inches long (taken from smart's website tech specs)
This is true, but considering the width of commercial trucks you see parked with no restrictions on the streets (not nec even close to the curb) - which come in all varieties and sizes, from wide duellies to truly extra wide delivery vehicles, busses and RVs - I'd again stress that it is all about the circumstances of that street that dictates whether parking a Smart perpendicular is appropriate and safe. It would be nice if the same sort of per instance judgement and 'looking the other way' by the authorities applied as it does on many city streets where people habitually break the laws and park up on the curb, etc.
I'm not really sure who gets hurt if you park perpendicular, seems like a victimless crime to me, so the question really is if you get caught by dirty Harry "do you feel lucky.... do you punk?"
I say go for it. Better to ask forgiveness than permission.
Last edited by Smartdavis; 03-23-2008 at 06:38 PM..
This is true, but considering the width of commercial trucks you see parked with no restrictions on the streets (not nec even close to the curb) - which come in all varieties and sizes, from wide duellies to truly extra wide delivery vehicles, busses and RVs...
Once again a quick look at the California Vehicle Code reveals:
35100. (a) The total outside width of any vehicle or its load shall not exceed 102 inches, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
The exceptions notes in this section deal with wide loads, which require special techniques, including lead and following vehicles, special permits, etc.
I believe most states have similar restrictions on vehicle width.
35100. (a) The total outside width of any vehicle or its load shall not exceed 102 inches, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
The exceptions notes in this section deal with wide loads, which require special techniques, including lead and following vehicles, special permits, etc.
Since the smart 451 is 106.1 inches long, it is longer by over four inches than the widest standard vehicle width, I don't see much chance of California changing the parallel parking laws.
Make sure you are following all applicable laws when parking your car. It is the driver's responsibility, the smart will not save your ass if you park the wrong way to the curb.
Quote:
I'm not really sure who gets hurt if you park perpendicular, seems like a victimless crime to me, so the question really is if you get caught by dirty Harry "do you feel lucky.... do you punk?"
I say go for it. Better to ask forgiveness than permission.
Who gets hurt are the other drivers who have to go around your car sticking out into the traffic lane. You are wider by almost 1/2 foot than the widest legal standard vehicle (a Hummer is 81.2" wide, your smart would stick out almost 2 feet from that). It is better to obey the law than to throw yourself at the mercy of the court because you parked the wrong way.
(a Hummer is 81.2" wide, your smart would stick out almost 2 feet from that). It is better to obey the law than to throw yourself at the mercy of the court because you parked the wrong way.
Depends on the Hummer. The H1 - which as far as I know can legally park anywhere - is 101 inches wide. As others have already pointed out, there are RVs and commercial buses wider than that.
At the end of the day, there are those that believe that Rosa Parks should just have taken a seat on the back of the bus. Others may feel more comfortable with a bit of a civil disobedience if it draws attention to an issue that is important to them. Different personalities can choose the approach that best suits them.
If I lose a $20 ticket, I can live with that. At least I had an opportunity to do my small part in changing perceptions about how a new and novel approach to the automobile like the Smart can factor into solving some of the environmental and population density problems facing today's urban landscape.
I’m not likely going to change spdickey’s mind on this issue, and he is not likely to change mine. At the end of the day, we can all feel good about being early adopters behind a very cool little car for our own unique, personal needs/wants.
** DavidV
Last edited by DavidV; 03-24-2008 at 12:05 AM..
Reason: 'cause it's late and my sentence structure shows it
Actually, I'm not sure a 106 inch car would stick out more than a 102 inch parallel parked car would. I'm guessing that there is some space between the front of the front wheels and the nose end of the car. If that is at least 4 inches, then if you park the smart with wheels touching the curb, you wouldn't stick out more than the widest cars. I'd have to go measure the car to see if that spacing is more than 4 inches, and it's too late in the evening to do that now.
Don't forget the 18 inches, if the 102"-wide car is a foot from the curb,that gives a smart, with tires against the curb 114" to fit within. That's without accounting for any overhang at the curb.
First off, most of your newer city buses are 102" wide... so that would be a good point of reference.
The 450 was able to be parked nose in. Remember - the 451 is a bit longer. There are videos and pics around on the internet of the 451 being parked nose in or rear in, and for most roads - it is simply too long (especially on some of the side streets here in DC).
Add to that, a lot of people park by feel around here. Would you rather subject your doors or your bumpers to the bumpers of these other cars? Admittedly, in 2 years, I have never had someone do it to me and leave a mark - but then again, I have a trailer hitch receiver on the back of my VUE, and my front plate has seen better days.
I do try to park in places where there is something like a hydrant in front of me to leave open space, where people only get behind me though.
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