While parallel parking, how much space should you leave between your car and the parked vehicle?

Leaving at least 2-3 feet of space between your car and the parked vehicle while parallel parking is important for several reasons. This distance provides sufficient room to maneuver your vehicle into the parking space without risks of hitting the other car. It also allows for easy entry and exit for both your vehicle and the parked vehicle. Additionally, a 2-3 foot gap fosters safety by ensuring you have enough space to avoid objects such as door handles or other obstacles that may protrude from the parked car.

This distance is generally regarded as practical and helps maintain a buffer zone that minimizes the likelihood of dents or scratches to either vehicle. It also helps improve the overall flow of traffic on the road, as it reduces the potential for drivers getting blocked or frustrated when trying to navigate around parked cars. Thus, maintaining this space is a key practice for safe and effective parallel parking.