How to Angle Park

Co-authored by Simon Miyerov

Last Updated: April 25, 2022 References

Angled parking spots let drivers glide into them quickly and efficiently with minimal steering. You’ll probably find angled parking spots in high-traffic areas like cities and parking garages, though they’re also common on one-way streets. Because of how little maneuvering is involved, learning to park at an angle couldn’t be easier!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Pulling In

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Locate a parking spot. Angled parking spots are most common in high-traffic areas, so spots may come and go quickly. Look for spaces between cars or other drivers who are preparing to leave.^{[1]
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- You’ll commonly find angled parking spots in commercial lots, multilevel garages, and busy side streets.^{[2]
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2
Put on your turn signal and check for traffic. Using your turn signal will tell the cars behind you why you’re slowing down, and prevent anyone else from trying to park in your spot.^{[3]
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- Always check for traffic, pedestrians, and other potential obstacles, even when you’re just parking.
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3
Turn into the spot carefully. Start turning into the spot when your mirrors are even with the line on the side nearest you. When in doubt, go slowly rather than quickly, to avoid overshooting the spot or crashing.^{[4]
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Finish pulling into the spot. Continue turning until the front of your car is in line with the cars next to you. Come to a stop at the line, curb, or wall that marks the spot, being careful not to bump into anything and damage the front of your car.^{[5]
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Put your car into park. Keep your foot on the brake until you’re securely parked. If you’re parking on an incline, pull the parking brake to prevent your car from rolling down the hill.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Backing Out

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Put the car in reverse. If you’re using the parking break, don’t forget to disengage the parking brake before driving.^{[7]
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Check behind you for cross traffic. Cross traffic may be hard to see in an angled spot, so you can also back out slowly and check again for oncoming traffic. Don’t start backing out fully until you’re sure no one is approaching.
3
Pull straight out the parking spot, slowly. Don’t start turning the wheel yet or you might hit the cars beside you. Check again for oncoming traffic once your line of sight is clear, and stop if you see another car coming -- they have the right of way.
4
Turn the wheel once you’re halfway out of the spot. Turn the same way you turned into the spot -- angled sports are meant to be exited the same way they were entered. Turning your wheel the wrong way will force a much sharper turn. Aim for a smooth, loose arc, and reverse until your car is on the road, pointed straight ahead.^{[8]
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5
Shift your car into drive and rejoin the flow of traffic. Before you start moving, make sure your steering wheel is straightened and not pointing into the parking spot. Keep an eye out for nearby drivers exiting their parking spots.
- Watch your speed until you’re out of the parking lot or garage.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What should you remember when pulling into an angled parking spot?

Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor
Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment.

Simon Miyerov

Driving Instructor

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try to avoid parking too close to your left. When you're parking in an angled parking spot, make sure to pull into the middle of the spot. If your car is closer to the corner left, you might not be able to open your car door freely.
Question

Is 1 on an automatic gear the same as L?

Community Answer

1 does not mean L. Every automatic car has its own numerology. L means low gear, and it may go up to second or third gear. 1 usually means first gear.