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Parallel parkingFrance

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Traffic signs
Traffic rules
France

76. Parallel parking

Parallel parking is a method of parking a vehicle parallel to the edge of the road, usually in a space between two parked vehicles. It is commonly used where parking spaces are arranged along the side of a street.

Parallel parking normally involves positioning the vehicle beside the available space and reversing into it while carefully checking mirrors, blind spots and surrounding traffic. The vehicle should finish within the permitted parking area and close enough to the road edge without obstructing other road users.

Parallel parking
Parallel parking along a street in Fleury-la-Vallée. (Yonne, France)
Wikimedia.org • François GOGLINS • CC BY-SA
What is parallel parking?

Parallel parking means positioning a vehicle parallel to the edge of the road, typically between vehicles already parked along the kerb or roadside.

What should you check before parallel parking?

Check mirrors and blind spots, signal when required and make sure there is enough space to complete the manoeuvre without endangering pedestrians, cyclists or other traffic.

How should a vehicle be positioned after parallel parking?

The vehicle should be completely within the permitted parking area, reasonably close to the road edge and positioned so that it does not unnecessarily obstruct traffic or access to other vehicles.

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