Reverse parking: rules and precautions

You may reverse into a parking space where it is not prohibited, but every manoeuvre must be brief and safe. Check the area directly, watch for pedestrians and stop if you cannot see clearly.

Before starting the manoeuvre

Choose a space the vehicle can enter without encroaching on pavements, crossings, driveways or other prohibited areas. Before stopping, observe traffic and check your mirrors and blind spot; signal your intention to park in good time so you do not surprise following traffic. Once stopped, make sure the manoeuvre will not obstruct traffic or block an entrance or pedestrian route.

Before selecting reverse, look behind and to both sides of the vehicle, including low areas where children, animals or obstacles may be hidden. Cameras and sensors help, but may not cover every angle and can miss thin posts, low objects or sloping surfaces. Turn your body and use the mirrors as aids; do not continue simply because the display shows no obstacle.

Move very slowly and stop the manoeuvre if a pedestrian or vehicle approaches. If space is tight, make small adjustments and check your surroundings again. Do not make other road users move or wait while you repeatedly try to get in: if you cannot do it safely, choose another space.

• Signal the manoeuvre and choose a permitted space.
• Check behind, to the sides and in blind spots before moving.
• Move slowly and stop as soon as the situation changes.
• Sensors and cameras are aids; they do not replace looking around.

Finish parking without causing an obstruction

Once in the space, straighten the wheels and make sure the vehicle is within the bay markings. Do not let the rear protrude into the carriageway or onto the pavement, and leave enough room to open the doors without hitting other vehicles. Check the signs and times: an apparently free space may be reserved for residents, loading or people with a permit.

If someone is guiding you, agree the signals first and ask them to stand somewhere visible and safe, never between the vehicle and a wall. Stop the car immediately if you lose sight of them.

To revise the rules on reversing, stopping and parking,Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers study chapters, timed practice tests and review of mistakes.