10 surprisingly rude parking habits (and how to avoid them)
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Let’s face it—parking can be frustrating.
Whether you’re circling a packed grocery lot or backing into a tight space downtown, it’s easy to lose patience.
But did you know that some everyday parking habits many of us don’t think twice about are actually quite inconsiderate?
A little courtesy behind the wheel can go a long way.
Here are ten common parking missteps—and simple ways to be a more thoughtful driver the next time you’re out and about.
You’re waiting with your blinker on while someone loads their bags.
Suddenly, another driver darts in and steals the space.
Sound familiar? It’s one of the biggest parking pet peeves—and a clear breach of etiquette.
If someone is clearly waiting, it’s best to move along and look for another space.
Whether it’s accidental or on purpose, parking over the lines is frustrating for everyone else.
This is especially true in crowded lots where space is tight.
Driving a large or luxury vehicle isn’t a free pass—park carefully or find a less busy area if you’re worried about dings.
Slowly following someone as they walk to their car or tailgating them as they pull out can be unsettling.
Give people space and time to load their trunk, buckle up, and safely exit.
Honking or creeping too close only adds stress.
Tight parking doesn’t excuse slamming your door into someone else’s car.
Take a moment to open your door gently—and check for people or objects nearby.
A little caution protects both your car and your neighbor’s!
We all pause to check a message or sip coffee.
But if someone’s waiting for your spot, be considerate and move along once you're ready.
Lingering too long can cause unnecessary frustration in busy lots.
Handicap spots, curbside pickup lanes, and “expectant parent” spaces exist for a reason.
Even if the lot seems empty, you never know when someone who truly needs that spot will arrive.
Using it without proper tags or permission isn’t just rude—it’s illegal in many places.
Never park in a way that blocks driveways, exits, fire lanes, handicap ramps, or other vehicles.
If you’re only dropping someone off, pull to the side and keep it quick.
Inconveniencing others—even briefly—can be risky and inconsiderate.
Parking crooked or squeezing into a compact spot when your vehicle clearly doesn’t fit causes a domino effect down the entire row.
If the lines are too tight, look for a better space—you’ll make everyone’s life easier!
In snowy cities, it’s common for residents to “claim” a spot they’ve shoveled out.
While not a law, ignoring local norms like this can cause tension.
Be mindful of weather-related rules and signage, especially after storms or in smaller communities.
It might seem harmless to double park while running in quickly, but it can block traffic or emergency vehicles.
If you must do it, stay in the car and make it fast.
Never walk away from a double-parked vehicle.
You might wonder if any of this really makes a difference.
It does.
Practicing good parking etiquette helps keep our public spaces safer, less stressful, and more respectful.
A few extra seconds of consideration can save a lot of hassle for everyone around you!
Read next: Ditch the car, keep the comfort: Why families are loving this car-free community
Have you ever had someone swipe your spot, or seen an act of unexpected parking kindness? Got a helpful tip others could use? Share your story in the comments—because we’ve all had a parking moment worth talking about!
Whether you’re circling a packed grocery lot or backing into a tight space downtown, it’s easy to lose patience.
But did you know that some everyday parking habits many of us don’t think twice about are actually quite inconsiderate?
A little courtesy behind the wheel can go a long way.
Here are ten common parking missteps—and simple ways to be a more thoughtful driver the next time you’re out and about.
Practicing good parking etiquette helps keep public areas safe and stress-free for everyone. Image Source: Pexels / penny faragher.
1. Cutting in on someone’s spot
You’re waiting with your blinker on while someone loads their bags.
Suddenly, another driver darts in and steals the space.
Sound familiar? It’s one of the biggest parking pet peeves—and a clear breach of etiquette.
If someone is clearly waiting, it’s best to move along and look for another space.
2. Taking up two spaces
Whether it’s accidental or on purpose, parking over the lines is frustrating for everyone else.
This is especially true in crowded lots where space is tight.
Driving a large or luxury vehicle isn’t a free pass—park carefully or find a less busy area if you’re worried about dings.
3. Hovering or tailgating for a spot
Slowly following someone as they walk to their car or tailgating them as they pull out can be unsettling.
Give people space and time to load their trunk, buckle up, and safely exit.
Honking or creeping too close only adds stress.
Also read: Are you unknowingly risking a $48 fine every time you visit Walmart or Sam’s Club? Find out the new parking rule
4. Swinging open your door carelessly
Tight parking doesn’t excuse slamming your door into someone else’s car.
Take a moment to open your door gently—and check for people or objects nearby.
A little caution protects both your car and your neighbor’s!
5. Sitting in the car while someone waits
We all pause to check a message or sip coffee.
But if someone’s waiting for your spot, be considerate and move along once you're ready.
Lingering too long can cause unnecessary frustration in busy lots.
6. Parking in restricted or reserved spaces
Handicap spots, curbside pickup lanes, and “expectant parent” spaces exist for a reason.
Even if the lot seems empty, you never know when someone who truly needs that spot will arrive.
Using it without proper tags or permission isn’t just rude—it’s illegal in many places.
Also read: Avoid a $250 fine! The high-tech parking crackdown that could cost you
7. Blocking entrances, ramps, or other cars
Never park in a way that blocks driveways, exits, fire lanes, handicap ramps, or other vehicles.
If you’re only dropping someone off, pull to the side and keep it quick.
Inconveniencing others—even briefly—can be risky and inconsiderate.
8. Not staying between the lines
Parking crooked or squeezing into a compact spot when your vehicle clearly doesn’t fit causes a domino effect down the entire row.
If the lines are too tight, look for a better space—you’ll make everyone’s life easier!
9. Ignoring local parking customs
In snowy cities, it’s common for residents to “claim” a spot they’ve shoveled out.
While not a law, ignoring local norms like this can cause tension.
Be mindful of weather-related rules and signage, especially after storms or in smaller communities.
10. Double parking, even “just for a minute”
It might seem harmless to double park while running in quickly, but it can block traffic or emergency vehicles.
If you must do it, stay in the car and make it fast.
Never walk away from a double-parked vehicle.
Also read: Driver hit with outrageous parking bill after towing car from their own home
Tips for thoughtful parking
- Give yourself extra time—rushed parking is usually sloppy parking
- Park farther away—less stress, more steps
- Take a breath if someone beats you to a space—there’s always another
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when opening doors or backing out
- Be an example—good habits are contagious
You might wonder if any of this really makes a difference.
It does.
Practicing good parking etiquette helps keep our public spaces safer, less stressful, and more respectful.
A few extra seconds of consideration can save a lot of hassle for everyone around you!
Read next: Ditch the car, keep the comfort: Why families are loving this car-free community
Have you ever had someone swipe your spot, or seen an act of unexpected parking kindness? Got a helpful tip others could use? Share your story in the comments—because we’ve all had a parking moment worth talking about!
