ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Trooper Steve on Tuesday was asked, “Is there a legal time limit for how long someone can take to park their vehicle?”
Surprisingly, Florida law does not set a specific time limit or number of attempts when it comes to parking maneuvers. There’s no official countdown clock and no statute that says you only get three tries before you have to move on.
[VIDEO BELOW: Can you legally sleep in your car in Florida?]
However, and this is the important part, Florida law does prohibit drivers from obstructing the normal flow of traffic.
Under Florida Statute 316.2045, it is unlawful to willfully obstruct the free, convenient and normal use of a public street. That means if your parking attempt is backing up traffic, creating a hazard or forcing other drivers to maneuver around you, you could potentially be cited.
Now, let’s be real: everyone has struggled with parallel parking at some point. Tight spaces, pressure from waiting drivers and the fear of bumping another car can turn a simple maneuver into a stressful situation.
[VIDEO BELOW: Who do I call about loud cars and that music?]
But if your attempt starts turning into a 10-, 12-, or 16-point process — complete with a growing line of frustrated drivers behind you — that’s usually a sign the space may not be the right fit.
Courtesy goes a long way on the road. If traffic is building, drivers should consider waving vehicles around if safe to do so or simply moving on to find another spot. Holding up an entire lane not only frustrates others but can increase the risk of rear-end crashes and road rage incidents.
[ASK TROOPER STEVE:Send your question to Trooper Steve]
Parallel parking isn’t a competition and there’s no prize for forcing your vehicle into a space that clearly isn’t working.
At the end of the day, safe driving includes being aware of how your actions affect everyone else on the road. If you’re causing congestion, even unintentionally, you’ve become part of the traffic problem. So, take a breath, find a better spot, and keep things moving.