Practice question

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

  1. No more than 6 inches from the curb
  2. No more than 12 inches from the curb
  3. No more than 18 inches from the curb
  4. Directly against the curb

Answer: B — No more than 12 inches from the curb

When parallel parking, your vehicle should be no more than 12 inches from the curb. This guideline ensures that your vehicle is close enough to the curb to avoid obstructing traffic and to facilitate safe passage for pedestrians, while also allowing for some distance that prevents damage to the vehicle from the curb itself. Maintaining a distance of up to 12 inches also adheres to traffic regulations that are designed to keep the roadways clear for other vehicles and enhance overall safety for all road users. Having your vehicle positioned within this range strikes a balance between accessibility and safety, making it a practical requirement for effective parallel parking.

Practice more: Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Practice Test →