There’s almost nothing in this world worse than a crowded parking lot - you can’t find a place close up to park, everyone’s driving like a maniac, there are shopping carts EVERYwhere (not to mention senior citizens in the middle of the gosh darn road)... what’s a driver to do? Well, the first step is to get a little bit of parking lot etiquette. As your mother probably told you, manners matter! That doesn’t only apply to the dinner table or social situations either. It also works for the parking lot! Take a look at our list of parking lot etiquette rules to live by, and then share them with everyone you know to help make the world a better place, one parking lot at a time.
- Make sure your car is pulled into the space far enough, but not too far. If you have a normal-size car, pull your vehicle all the way into the space so the rear of your car is in line with other cars. This makes it easier for other drivers to see past your car when they are backing out of adjacent spaces, and also gives the widest possible driving lane between rows. Pulling in properly is particularly helpful when shoppers pushing loaded carts are sharing the driving lane with moving vehicles. If you drive a super small vehicle, park so that the back end of your car is in line with the cars beside you. This lets drivers know that the space is occupied and does not give a false impression that the parking spot is vacant.
- Never force your car into a space that’s too small. Standard parking spaces are generally 9 feet wide while compact car spaces are only 7 feet wide and shorter. Obviously, a large SUV or pickup will not fit easily in a compact car space. Quite simply put, they are not supposed to fit.
- Watch for pedestrian crosswalks in parking lots. Crosswalks are common near the main entrances and exits of most large garages and lots. Created for the safety of pedestrians coming from and returning to their cars, they are usually marked with diagonal white or yellow stripes and often marked with a pedestrian crossing or stop sign. As much as you are in a hurry to find a spot, slow down. Watch for pedestrians and obey all signs in the parking lot.
- Park straight in a parking space. In a parking lot or garage where cars are parked in slots, leave room on each side so you can open your doors without hitting the cars beside you. Park in the middle of a marked parking space. Overhanging the stripes will crowd the driver who parks next to you will inevitably lead to door dings in the paint.
- Don’t straddle a line and take up two spaces in a parking lot or garage. Some people with new cars or those who don’t want to risk having their car’s sides banged by adjacent car doors will park in the middle of two spaces. This is not only rude; it also makes it impossible for others to park at all. Crowded garages and lots need every space.
- Take your turn when waiting for a parking place. In a crowded parking garage or lot, when you see someone pulling out of a space, get as close as you can and turn on your turn signal to let other drivers know you have “dibs” on the space. If another car is close to the space and has its turn signal on already, you lose! The other car gets the space. If you and another driver both think you found the space first, be generous and let it go. A parking space is not worth a fight. Another spot will be vacant soon.
- Make your intentions clear when walking in a parking lot. If you’re walking back to your car and you sense a car crawling down the aisle behind you, don’t assume they’re sightseeing. They want your parking space!
- Finally, don’t expect miracles. Even if you are already driving this way, or decide to adopt these courteous practices, don’t expect others to do the same. Be careful of letting your expectations for others’ behavior contribute to your own potential parking lot rage. Take a few deep breaths, and take your time.
