Ideally you should be as close as possible to the curb when you finish parking, just to lessen the chances that your car won't accidentally get hit or scraped by cars driving too close to you on the side of the road. However, 12-18 inches is usually a safe distance away from the curb.
18 inches
12 or less inches
When parallel parking, you should aim to be no more than 12 inches (about one foot) away from the curb. Being too far from the curb can obstruct traffic and may lead to a parking violation. It's important to ensure that your vehicle is safely and properly positioned to allow for the smooth flow of traffic.
18 inches
When parking parallel to the curb, you should aim to be about 6 to 12 inches away from the curb. This distance helps ensure your vehicle is safely positioned without obstructing traffic or being too close to the curb, which could risk damage to your tires or wheels. Always check local regulations, as some areas may have specific requirements.
In California, when parallel parking, your tires must be within 18 inches of the curb. If you are parked more than 18 inches from the curb, you could be subject to a parking citation. It's important to ensure your vehicle is aligned properly to maintain safety and comply with local parking regulations.
In New Jersey, vehicles must be parked within 6 inches of the curb. Parking too far from the curb can result in a ticket, as it is considered a violation of state parking regulations. Always ensure your vehicle is parallel to the curb and not obstructing traffic.
In New York City, you must park your vehicle within 12 inches of the curb. Parking too far from the curb can result in a ticket, as it is considered a violation of parking regulations. Always ensure your vehicle is parallel to the curb and does not obstruct traffic.
In Pennsylvania, when parallel parking, your vehicle should be no more than 12 inches from the curb. This distance helps ensure that your vehicle is safely positioned and allows sufficient space for other vehicles to pass. Always ensure that your vehicle is aligned properly and does not obstruct traffic.
From the Calfornia DMV web page on parking: When you park alongside a curb on a level street, the front and back wheels must be parallel and within 18 inches of the curb. Park parallel to the street if there is no curb.
When parallel parking, you should aim to position your vehicle about 6 to 12 inches away from the curb. This distance allows for safe clearance from the curb while ensuring you don't obstruct traffic. Additionally, it helps prevent damage to your vehicle's tires and rims from hitting the curb. Always check local laws, as regulations can vary by location.
18 inches