How Many Inches From the Curb Should You Park?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 09, 2020

While parking laws vary from city to city, most state that drivers must park within 12 inches of the curb with both tires parallel to the curb when parking on the street. Failure to do so often results in a citation, especially in areas that are heavily patrolled.

Some cities even have an 18-inch limit; however, parking a car more than 10 or 12 inches from the curb increases the chance of another vehicle grazing it as it passes. On the other hand, parking too close to the curb is risky as a slight misjudgment can result in the passenger-side wheels scraping against the concrete.