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

The appropriate distance for a vehicle to be parked parallel to the curb is typically up to 1 foot. This distance allows for a safe and accessible space between the vehicle and the curb, which can be crucial for many reasons, including avoiding damage to both the vehicle and the curb, and for clear passage of pedestrians or other vehicles. Being too far away, such as 3 feet, can unnecessarily take up more roadway space and create hazards for other drivers. Parking too close, such as at 6 inches or even attempting to park as close as possible, can lead to issues with getting into and out of the vehicle safely, and it can obstruct pedestrian pathways, which is not compliant with safe parking practices. Keeping a distance of up to 1 foot strikes a balance between safety and accessibility while conforming to recommended practices for parallel parking.