Tag Archives: Parking

Feb 25 2021

Parking Safety

No time to read a long-winded BLOnG? Welcome to the Three-Second-Stop mini-Blog.

Today’s Three Seconds: Parking on a Hill

3 Second Stop

When parking on a hill or steep incline, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your vehicle doesn’t roll into the flow of traffic. If you are parking next to a curb facing uphill, turn your front tires away from the curb, then gently let your vehicle roll back so your front tire is touching the curb. In all other hill parking scenarios (downhill with curb, uphill without curb, and downhill without curb), turn your front tires towards the curb or side of the road.  Always set your parking brake. It is separate from your regular braking system, so both systems don’t fail at the same time. Also, leave your vehicle in gear if you have a standard transmission (stick-shift), or in “park” position if it is an automatic. Remember, the goal when parking on a steep hill is to make sure your vehicle doesn’t roll into other traffic, potentially causing a collision.

Oct 30 2019

Look Before You Park

Colored Curbs


Recently I noticed a couple vehicles attempting to park next to a red painted curb, which in California is a big no-no. Curb markings are painted different colors to indicate what type of parking, if any, is permitted. California curb colors and their meanings are as follows:

  • Red: Parking, stopping, or standing is PROHIBITED at all times, except a bus may stop in a red zone marked or posted as a bus loading zone.
  • White: Reserved for very brief stops for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox.
  • Blue: Parking is permitted for vehicles displaying disabled placards or license plates.
  • Green: Reserved for vehicles to park for a limited amount of time. Look for time limits painted on the curb or on a sign posted next to the green zone.
  • Yellow: Loading Zones usually reserved for commercial vehicles. Drivers may stop only long enough to unload passengers or freight. Drivers of non-commercial vehicles are usually required to stay with the vehicle.

Parking regulations and the use of colored curbs are set by local authorities. To find out designated curb colors near you, be sure to familiarize yourself with your local and state laws.