The Rudest Things You Can Do While Parking

While driving can be a convenient and even fun activity, most people would agree that parking is decidedly not.

“There are times when parking can be a very stressful task, especially when you are attempting to find the nearest spot to the front door,” Jackie Vernon-Thompson, the founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette, told HuffPost. “Folks tend to become very agitated and rude.”

Still, it’s important to be mindful and considerate of others as you look for a space in the parking lot, garage or on the street.

“Parking isn’t just about physically moving your car into a space,” said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the “Were You Raised by Wolves?” podcast. “It’s all about respecting those around you and requires consideration, patience, fairness and graciousness.”

To help get where you need to go without unnecessary stress, HuffPost asked Vernon-Thompson, Leighton and other etiquette experts to share common rude behaviors people should avoid while parking.

“Obviously, the number one rule of parking is to never ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ a parking spot,” said Jodi R.R. Smith, the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “When you see another car waiting for a spot another car is exiting, do not take advantage of the way the car turns to sneak into the newly opened spot first.”

Finding a parking spot can be time-consuming and frustrating, but don’t resort to darting in and stealing someone else’s spot.

“Theft is always rude,” Leighton said. “If someone is patiently waiting, turn signal on, and it’s pretty obvious they were there first, that’s indeed their spot.”

“It is extremely rude when you park in a way that takes up two parking spaces,” Vernon-Thompson said. “Whether it was by intent or by accident, it is crucial for drivers to consider their fellow drivers.”

It’s particularly rude to do this in a crowded parking lot or garage with lots of people looking for a spot. And no, you cannot justify your decision by saying your car is so large or expensive, it needs the buffer room.

“If you can afford a fancy car, you can afford to have it fixed if there is a ding,” Smith said. “Or, if you are that worried, only take it out for Sunday drives and avoid parking altogether. Or park in the spots farthest away.”

“Don’t stalk or tailgate,” Leighton said. “Closely following cars or people through a lot to see where they parked to get their space can definitely make people feel uncomfortable. Give people appropriate space.”

Of course, it’s normal to go toward the area where a departing patron is walking, but be mindful of how close you get. Give them ample time to get settled and exit as well.

“Another rude act of some drivers is when they are waiting for a parking space and continually blow [their horn at] the person who is preparing to back out of that space,” Vernon-Thompson said. “Be patient. They must get situated, fasten their seat belt, and ensure there is no obstruction in the rear before reversing. Safety and caution are always needed when preparing to reverse. Therefore, your patience is needed, or simply move to the next available parking spot.”

As with other areas of etiquette, you should keep the golden rule in mind and treat others the way you’d want to be treated while parking. This extends to the way you treat other people’s cars.

“Not being mindful of your doors when opening is a rude behavior,” said Mariah Grumet Humbert, the founder of Old Soul Etiquette.

The space between cars can be tight, so you want to avoid roughly and carelessly swinging your car door open as you exit. You don’t want to accidentally dent your neighbor’s vehicle.

You don’t need to rush out of every parking space, but if you’re leaving a busy establishment at peak hours, try to be considerate of those who are having trouble finding a spot.

“Avoid sitting in your car for a long time when you can see someone is waiting for your spot,” Humbert said.

“You do not want to park in a spot that is reserved for a certain group of people who need it ― such as a handicap spot, one for expecting mothers or a curbside pickup space,” Humbert said.

Even if the lot or garage is mostly empty, you don’t know if someone from that group might arrive after you. Plus, this behavior can actually be illegal.

“Oftentimes I notice a vehicle sitting in a handicap parking space with no sign hanging from their mirror,” Vernon-Thompson said. “If you are not legally authorized to park there, refrain from parking in handicap spots. This is in consideration for those who truly are handicapped and need that space. Be respectful and considerate.”

“You do not want to block someone in or cause a safety hazard by blocking a fire lane or handicap ramp,” Humbert said.

Some parking areas, particularly temporary ones for events, don’t have clearly designated spaces, so just use your common sense.

“It is extremely rude when you block a parking space, entrance or exit with your vehicle,” Vernon-Thompson said. “When a driver does that, it is clear they care only about themselves and don’t give a hoot about anyone else. This, without a doubt, can be the most inconsiderate and selfish act of a driver.”

If you’re just dropping someone off, don’t linger right in front of the establishment or decide to stay and park in a nondesignated parking area.

“Double parking? If you must, keep it quick,” Leighton said. “Get in and get out ASAP.”

“Please, please, please park within the lines,” Smith said. “Just one car being too far over will throw off the entire row. If you are having a hard time staying within the lines, then park in the farthest corner possible.”

Consider whether your vehicle is meant for a certain parking spot.

“If your car is clearly not ‘compact,’ don’t try to squeeze into one of those spaces,” Leighton said.

“For big city snowstorms, follow the parking regulations and the local customs,” Smith advised.

Avoid obstructing snow plows or parking on designated emergency routes.

“For some cities, after really big storms, the person who cleared out the spot lays claim to it for 24 hours,” Smith added.