PARKING can be challenging, especially when space is tight.
But would you get in trouble for parking too close to another car even if you don't touch it? Here's what you need to know.
Can I be fined for parking too close to another car?
No, you can not be fined for parking too close to another car.
There is no minimum requirement specifying how far away you need to park from another car.
However, drivers are expected to offer other motorists enough space to manoeuvre out safely.
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“Drivers who are parking should leave enough space for the vehicles next to them to be able to safely leave without causing a collision,” the DMV said.
The advice is usually 'tyres and tarmac' — meaning you should be able to see the tyres and road beneath the car parked in front of you.
In crowded areas, parking distances can be tight, which is why there is a 'common sense' requirement rather than a strict legal one.
In case of an emergency, you could contact the police and a car parked too closely as an obstruction if you cannot get out onto the road.
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t park too close to a vehicle that has a blue badge disability permit showing for access reasons.
Make sure you apply the handbrake before you leave the car and switch the engine off so you don't cause any accidental collisions while you are gone.
What should I do if someone hits my parked car?
Coming back after running your errands and finding that someone has hit your parked car is infuriating.
Government advice says that if you are in an accident "causing damage or injury" you must give your name and address and the vehicle registration number to anyone with "reasonable grounds for requiring them", e.g. your insurance provider.
If the driver left a note or stuck around, you need to exchange insurance details, and they may even offer to pay for the damage on the spot.
Be sure to take pictures of the damage for your records before contacting your insurers.
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Report the accident to your insurance company even if you do not plan to make a claim.
If you do not own the vehicle you will need to give the owner's name and address.
You should report the accident to the police within 24 hours if you do not give your details at the time of the incident.
Your insurance company will also be able to give you more advice specific to your situation.
What should I do if I hit someone's parked car?
If you collide with another vehicle, parked or otherwise, you should stay at the scene or make contact with the driver of the car you hit.
If you can't wait around you should leave a note on their vehicle.
Failure to do so may result in a simple accident becoming categorised as a hit-and-run.
