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.
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.
18 inches
I don't know how much it varies from state to state but it was "within 6 inches" when I took my test many years ago.
A no parking sign typically extends about 18 inches from the curb or edge of the road.
Yes, you can be ticketed for parking too far from the curb. Most jurisdictions have specific regulations that require vehicles to be parked within a certain distance of the curb, typically no more than 12 inches. Failure to comply with this rule can lead to receiving a parking citation. It's important to check local parking laws, as they may vary by location.
About 10-16 inches.
Apparently it's 18 inches in most places.