Are you a parking pro or pretender?

You’re late and you’ve been circling the streets looking for a parking space. Suddenly, the perfect spot appears. Did everyone miss it or is there a reason it’s empty? Sometimes that empty space can be too good to be true. Tackle our quiz to see if you’re a parking pro or pretender.

Words: Andrew Rasch

1. You see two parking spaces at a shopping centre, one with a pram symbol and the other with the symbol for disability parking. If you don’t have a disability parking permit, or a young child on board, which of the following statements is most accurate?

A. You can park in either space for as long as you like
B. You can park for up to 15 minutes in either space
C. You can only park in the space with the pram symbol, but it’s generally frowned upon
D. It’s illegal to park in either space

2. Can you legally reverse into an angle parking space on the side of the road?

A. Yes, but only when the angle is 90 degrees, or the space is signposted as ‘rear in’
B. Yes, but only when the angle is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees
C. No, not under any circumstances

3. Can you stop your vehicle in a ‘no parking’ zone?

A. Yes, but only for up to five minutes when picking up or dropping off passengers or goods
B. Yes, but only for up to two minutes when picking up or dropping off passengers or goods
C. No, you can’t ever stop in a ‘no parking’ zone

4. You can park your vehicle in an active bicycle lane.

A. True
B. False

5. When parallel parking on a road without marked parking bays, what’s the minimum space you need to leave between your vehicle and the vehicle in front or behind?

A. 1.5 metres
B. Two metres
C. As much as practicable to allow any other vehicles to exit their parking space
D. One metre

6. Can you ever park in a bus zone or at a bus stop?

A. Yes
B. No

7. Can you legally park in front of a pedestrian ramp?

A. Yes
B. No

8. Can you ignore the time limit on a permissive parking sign (e.g. with a green 1P or 2P) if it’s a public holiday?

A. Yes, always
B. Yes, if the sign specifies a parking control for a particular day (or days) of the week
C. No

9. When parking on a narrow street, opposite another parked vehicle, what is the minimum distance you need to leave between the two vehicles?

A. Two metres
B. Five metres
C. Three metres
D. There’s no minimum distance specified, but drivers should leave enough space for vehicles to pass

10. If your vehicle breaks down or you suffer a medical emergency, the usual parking and stopping rules don’t apply.

A. True
B. False

* Any parking fine issued by SA Police will also attract a $99 Victims of Crime Levy

How did you score?

1–3 You’d better ask someone to park for you.

4–6 You need to study the rules more, so you don’t get a parking ticket.

7–8 Nice work. You can park with confidence.

9–10 Outstanding! You should park cars for a living.

Do you have a parking question?

RAA's Road Safety team can help. Email motoringroadrules@raa.com.au or call 8202 4570.

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