Open Space

• When circling a parking lot to find an available space, slow down and signal your intention as soon as an open space has been found. If someone else has signaled their intention first, then proceed to the next available opening.
  
  Turn the wheels of your car so that the front bumper of your vehicle is just beyond reach of the car just before your space (assuming that there are cars already occupying both spaces adjoining the space where you want to park).
  
  Sharply turn the steering wheel and slowly enter the parking spot. Make sure that your car has clearance on both sides and that there isn't anything else occupying your space such as a shopping cart.
  
  Straighten out the wheels of the car as you pull it up to the parking space wheel stop. If your car is facing another car, make sure that you leave about one foot between front bumpers. Stop your car, get out and make certain that the rear of the vehicle is within the allotted space.
  
  

Tips

• If you own a larger vehicle such as a big SUV or full-sized pickup truck, you may have to swing out into the driving lane in order to turn your vehicle. Avoid narrow spaces if your vehicle cannot safely fit between the white lines. Never park in handicapped or other restrictive parking spaces even "just for a moment." Always use your turn signals to indicate your intentions.