Q&A for How to Use Parking Lot Etiquette

Only if doing so doesn't upset another waiting person who was there before you. It is hard to know what to advise you exactly without knowing the layout and your positioning.

If it is private propery, you generally do not. However, if you are involved in an accident, your insurance company will probably not be very forgiving if they learn that you were ignoring the signs, regardless of whether or not they are legally enforceable.

No. You do not have to leave immediately. That person was being rude.

It depends on the laws in your state, the specific details of the property where your child is driving, your child's age, and your child's license or learner's permit status. That said, if you are being safe and are in a secluded area, it's unlikely that anyone will bother you.

If you don't check to see if any cars are coming, you might reverse into a driver passing through or even a pedestrian, or get hit by a driver yourself.

If you were there first and had your turn signal on, indicating that you intended to turn into that spot, and if it is safe to do so, then yes. Otherwise no. At best you will look like a jerk, and at worst you'll cause an accident. If you "steal" a spot the other driver felt was theirs, it could spark road rage.

The pedestrian always has the right of way to a motor vehicle. You could either wait for the pedestrian to move or choose another parking space.

The cars searching for a spot have the right of way. Think of it as if you were backing out of a driveway to the road. Same concept.

You should go straight across the street so that you are on the road for as short a time as possible.

Drive on the right side of the ramp, as if you were driving on a regular road.

If you pull through, not having seen the other car, then yes, you should reverse back into the first spot. Preferably, let the other driver know you're sorry, that you didn't see the other car. Anyone who pulls through after clearly having seen the other driver is not a nice person.

Yes, you can.

Yes, that would probably be considered rude by most people.

There really is no definitive answer where the limit is when you can still claim a parking spot after you've passed it, but it's a very fine line. I see an opportunity to be kind here. No, you don't have to let the other person have it. But why not show some heart, take a few breaths, and add some happiness to the world? However little, it beats the stress, anger and conflict you could create if you take the spot.

Backing into parking spots is a good method if you are comfortable doing so. If someone is driving aggressively around you while you're trying to park and they hit you, it will be their fault. Just keep your eyes open and be alert.

No. The rule is that you have to wait until the obstacle in your path or lane is cleared. Even if there's two lanes each way, if she's stopped to get ready to park but you exit your lane, you're just expanding the problem for other drivers. Just stop, keep your distance, wait for the driver to park, then continue your way.

If it is blocking pedestrian traffic or any other moving traffic, yes, it may be towed.

It depends on the exact parking lot as different jurisdictions, cities, etc. have different rules, but it's possible to get a ticket for ignoring traffic signs like arrows.

Before you start your maneuver, i.e. to exit your space, you check to see if it is safe to do so. If there's no pedestrians, cyclists or other cars, then your path is free and you can start your maneuver. Once you have started, then others must wait for you to complete your maneuver. Otherwise, you could back back into your spot endlessly if a new car comes along every time you're in the middle of it. So the answer is neither: once you're in motion, the other cars have to wait until you're done.

No. Of course, laws change by state, country, time, etc. But it is usually not allowed to park anywhere where you block any traffic. You can't park at a traffic light, on the highway, before a garage or driveway, etc. As soon as the parked car blocks any flow of traffic, it is illegally parked. There could be circumstances, of course; if that car was forced to (temporarily) stop, right when and where you're backing out, then a little patience goes a long way. But, no, the other person cannot block your exit.

No, this is not necessary.

Because there is a better reason for parking cars in a certain direction that is more important than the ease of getting into your car. It is recommended to always park your nose toward the aisle, i.e. pull in backward into the parking spot, because these maneuvers are small and comparatively require a lot of work from the engine, which is better done with a warm engine (it is warm when you arrive) rather than a cold engine. Same for the tires; they are warm after you've driven, and will wear less when you need to turn them every which way to park the car.

You can if there is enough space to safely get around them, but you should be very careful about their maneuvers and also any pedestrians around.

Just as on the road, the same rules apply here. Those coming from your right have the right of way. If your route crosses or in any way obstructs their route, then you have to yield. In general, if you're in doubt, always yield. It's nicer, kinder, less stressful and, above all, results in far fewer accidents. Even if you're not in doubt, just yield. The split seconds you win by taking the first turn are lost due to stress and anxiety.

When exiting a garage, you never have the right of way. You can only enter the lanes when an opening presents itself or someone allows you entry.

As a general rule, the driver backing up has the responsibility to use due care and will be liable for damage or injuries from failing to do so. Any driver hitting a stopped vehicle or object is clearly in the wrong, regardless of how or why the vehicle or object got there.

The person backing out is almost always the one who would be found at fault for any collision.