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In cases of emergency, or where there has been an accident or a mechanical breakdown.In Virginia, it is illegal to stop a vehicle in a manner that impedes the highway or renders it dangerous, except: Those localities do not allow other drivers to drive their vehicle into the space or to block access to the space by stopping immediately behind the first vehicle. For example, in Alexandria, Hampton, Lawrenceville, Luray, Martinsville, the City Richmond, and Smithfield, a driver who pulls up parallel with a parked vehicle with the intention of backing into the parking space behind the parked vehicle has the right to the parking space. Interestingly, some localities prohibit “stealing” parking spaces. If you have ever had someone “steal” your parking space, you know how frustrating it can be. Is someone allowed to “steal” my parking space? For example, in Smithfield, it is illegal to parallel park within two feet of another vehicle. Other jurisdictions are more concerned with leaving enough room so that other cars can get out. In Botetourt County, the City of Roanoke, and Roanoke County, vehicles must be parallel parked no more than four (4) feet apart. In Newport News, vehicles must be parallel parked no more than three (3) feet apart. Localities also vary as to how much space they require between vehicles. How much space must be between two parallel parked vehicles? Prince William, which is the most generous, allows vehicles to be parked within two (2) feet of the curb. Cape Charles, Chesterfield, and the City of Richmond require vehicles to be parked within eighteen (18) of the curb. Other localities like Botetourt County, Charlottesville, Hampton, Lawrenceville, Newport News, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Smithfield, Tappahannock, and Williamsburg, require vehicles to be parked within twelve (12) inches of the curb.
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Some localities, like Gloucester, Harrisonburg, and Norfolk, require vehicles to be parked within six (6) inches of the curb. The distance from the curb that a driver may parallel park their vehicle varies depending on the locality. How far from the curb can I be when parallel parking? Drivers are also allowed to park at an angle where permitted by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the Department, or local authorities. However, drivers are allowed to parallel park next to the left curb or edge of the road on one-way streets. In Virginia, drivers are generally required to park their vehicle close and parallel to the right edge of the curb or road. Which side of the road do I parallel park on? Regardless of which camp you fall into, all drivers are subject to the laws and regulations that govern parallel parking. Others (like this author) will circle the block until they find a space large enough to accommodate an airplane. Some drivers can skillfully wedge their vehicle into a parking space with just inches to spare. Parallel parking is an art and a science.
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