Photo: Raphael Loquellano, Pexels
When parking on a hill, turn your front wheels so the car would roll into the curb, or off the road, if the brakes failed. Downhill, turn the wheels toward the curb. Uphill with a curb, turn them away from it. With no curb, turn them toward the edge of the road. This guide covers hill parking, distances from hydrants and crosswalks, and curb colors, using the California, New York and Oregon handbooks. Distances differ between states, so learn your own state’s numbers for the permit test.
Parking on a hill: which way to turn your wheels
| Situation | Turn front wheels | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Downhill, with a curb | Toward the curb (right) | The car rolls into the curb |
| Uphill, with a curb | Away from the curb (left), then let the car roll back a few inches until the tire gently touches the curb | The back of the front tire rests against the curb |
| Uphill or downhill, no curb | To the right, toward the edge of the road | The car rolls away from the center of the road |
| Sloping driveway | So the car will not roll into the street | Keeps it off the road |
This is California’s guidance. In every case, also set the parking brake and leave the car in park. New York says the same in short form: put the vehicle in park (or first gear in a manual) and turn the wheels toward the curb or side of the road so the car will not head into traffic.
Memory tip: “Up, up and away”: uphill with a curb, wheels away from it. Every other case, wheels toward the curb or road edge.
How far from a fire hydrant can you park?
It depends on the state. That is why permit tests ask it.
| Do not park within | California | New York | Oregon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire hydrant | 15 feet | 15 feet | 10 feet |
| Crosswalk | 20 feet (15 feet if it has a curb extension) | 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection | 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection |
| Traffic light, stop or yield sign | Not listed in the section checked | 30 feet | 50 feet, if your car hides the sign or signal |
| Railroad crossing | Not listed in the section checked | 50 feet | 50 feet of the nearest rail |
| Fire station driveway | 15 feet | Not listed in the section checked | 15 feet on the same side, 75 feet on the opposite side |
| Disabled access ramp | 3 feet | Not listed in the section checked | Not listed in the section checked |
New York allows a car within 15 feet of a hydrant only if a licensed driver stays in it to move it in an emergency. Never park in the crosswalk itself.
What do curb colors mean?
California uses a full colored-curb system. Other states and cities may use paint differently or not at all, so read the local signs and your own handbook.
| Color | California meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers |
| Green | Park for a limited time (posted on a sign or painted on the curb) |
| Yellow | Stop to load or unload passengers or freight, for no longer than the posted time |
| Red | No stopping, standing or parking (buses may stop in red zones marked for buses) |
| Blue | Parking for a disabled person, or someone driving them, with a placard or special license plate |
Disabled parking abuse is expensive. Oregon, for example, says fines begin at $165 and go up to $1,000.
Parallel parking in five steps
- Find a space at least three feet longer than your car. Signal.
- Stop about two feet from the car ahead, with your rear bumper level with the front of the space.
- Check your mirror and over your shoulder for traffic, bikes and pedestrians.
- Back in at about a 45-degree angle.
- When your rear wheel is within 18 inches of the curb, start turning the wheel away from the curb to straighten up. Pull forward and back if you need to.
Those are California’s steps. Oregon requires you to park parallel to and no more than 12 inches from the curb. Not every state tests parallel parking: see US road test by state.
Leaving a parked car
- Engine off, parking brake on, key out (Oregon’s checklist for an unattended car).
- Check mirrors and look back for bikes before you open your door.
- When pulling out, signal, check your blind spot and yield to traffic.
State parking guides
- California colored curbs and parking rules, including hill parking
- New York parallel parking guide
- Pennsylvania parallel parking test
- How to pass the Texas parallel parking test
Common questions
Which way do you turn your wheels when parking uphill without a curb?
To the right, toward the edge of the road, so the car rolls away from traffic if the brakes fail.
Do you need the parking brake on a flat street?
Using it every time is a good habit, and on a hill it is part of the handbook routine.
How close to the curb do you have to park?
Oregon says no more than 12 inches. Check your state’s figure.
What does a red curb mean?
In California, no stopping, standing or parking.
Can I park in front of a hydrant if I stay in the car?
In New York, only if a licensed driver stays in the car to move it in an emergency. Do not assume other states allow it.
Is parallel parking on every road test?
No. It depends on the state. See the road test comparison.
All US topics: learning to drive in the USA.
Sources
- California DMV, “California Driver’s Handbook: Navigating the Roads (Continued)” (dmv.ca.gov)
- New York State DMV, “New York State Driver’s Manual” (dmv.ny.gov)
- Oregon DMV, “Oregon Driver Manual: Parking and Stopping” (oregon.gov)