What angle should you back into a space when parallel parking?

What angle should you back into a space when parallel parking?

• A. 45 degrees.
• B. 30 degrees.
• C. 60 degrees.
• D. 90 degrees.

Answer: (A)

Back-in parallel parking is most manageable when you approach the space at roughly a forty-five degree angle to the curb. This angle gives enough room for the rear of your vehicle to swing into the space while the front stays clear of the car ahead and away from the curb. As you begin backing, steer toward the curb to start the turn, then gradually straighten once your rear bumper is inside the space so the car aligns with the curb. If you start with too small an angle, the back end may not clear the car in front and you’ll have to reposition; if you start with too large an angle, you risk hitting the curb or over-rotating and needing extra adjustments. The forty-five degree approach balances control with enough room to maneuver smoothly into the space.

Back-in parallel parking is most manageable when you approach the space at roughly a forty-five degree angle to the curb. This angle gives enough room for the rear of your vehicle to swing into the space while the front stays clear of the car ahead and away from the curb. As you begin backing, steer toward the curb to start the turn, then gradually straighten once your rear bumper is inside the space so the car aligns with the curb. If you start with too small an angle, the back end may not clear the car in front and you’ll have to reposition; if you start with too large an angle, you risk hitting the curb or over-rotating and needing extra adjustments. The forty-five degree approach balances control with enough room to maneuver smoothly into the space.