When parallel parking, how many inches from the curb should your vehicle be?

When parallel parking, the correct distance from the curb is no more than 12 inches. This guideline ensures that your vehicle is close enough to the curb to avoid obstructing traffic while still leaving enough space to avoid any potential tire or vehicle damage. Staying within this 12-inch range helps maintain safety and accessibility on the road, allowing other vehicles and pedestrians to navigate safely around parked cars.

A distance of more than 12 inches may indicate that the vehicle is not properly parked and could cause a hazard, whereas being closer than 12 inches could risk the tires hitting the curb or potentially making the vehicle unstable. This standard helps drivers park their vehicles correctly and demonstrates good driving practice and consideration for other road users.