The situation in the parking lot of a shopping center or in a residential yard often turns into a difficult logistical task, where every driver strives to take a free space as quickly as possible. At this point, the driver’s instinct is activated, and the rules of politeness recede into the background, giving way to aggressive maneuvering. However, it is at such moments that small accidents, scratches and conflicts between participants of the movement often occur.
Many motorists mistakenly believe that the parking area is a “territory without rules”, where the principle of “first up, then slippers” operates. This is a dangerous misconception that can lead not only to financial losses, but also to serious legal liability. Traffic rules The drivers’ behavior is clearly regulated even in parking lots, although the specificity of these zones creates many ambiguous interpretations.
In this article, we will discuss in detail who really has the advantage in various parking situations, how to correctly interpret signs and markings, as well as what actions can be regarded by the traffic police inspector as a violation. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid accidents and keep your nerves in rush hour.
Parking status: road or adjacent area?
Before you know who should give up to whom, you need to determine the legal status of the place where you are. According to the traffic rules, parking can be on carriageway roadway periphery. This fundamental difference determines the applicability of many of the rules. If the parking is fenced with a curb, a barrier or is located inside the yard, this is usually the adjacent territory.
Many general traffic rules do not apply at such sections, for example, the requirement to give way to vehicles moving on the right (interference on the right) if there are no signs indicating the direction of movement. But that does not mean permissiveness. Safety of manoeuvre It is a top priority for any driver, regardless of the status of the territory.
⚠️ Attention: Traffic in the surrounding area (yards, parking lots) is often equated with traffic in a residential area where pedestrians have unconditional priority, and speed is limited.
If the parking spaces are located directly on the side of the road or marked on the roadway, then all standard traffic rules for roads apply. In this case, priority is decided on the basis of signs, markings and general rules of manoeuvring. It is important to distinguish between these areas, as legality In the case of an accident, it will be evaluated differently.
Reversed driving: absolute safety priority
One of the most common causes of parking conflicts is reverse driving. According to paragraph 8.12 of the traffic rules, reversing is prohibited in places where it may not be safe. Moreover, the driver who returns must give way to all other participants in the movement, including those who are moving in a passing or oncoming direction.
This rule works even if you have already partially occupied the parking space, but decided to return for correction. If at this moment another car passes through the driveway, you must stop your maneuver and let it pass. Priority of movement in this case, entirely on the side of the one who moves forward in his lane or passage.
The situation becomes even more complicated when two cars start reversing from adjacent pockets at the same time. Here, formally, the rules are silent on a specific priority, but the logic of security dictates the need for visual contact and coordination of actions. In the event of an accident, the wine will likely be distributed proportionally, or both drivers will be fined for creating an emergency situation.
- 🚗 Always turn on the alarm before reversing in the parking lot.
- 👀 Make sure that the path is free not only from behind, but also on the sides, as pedestrians may be hiding from behind the counters.
- 🛑 When driving backwards, you don’t have an advantage even over a parked car that’s just starting to leave.
Ignoring this rule often leads to the fact that the driver who surrenders back is guilty of an accident, even if another participant in the movement violated the speed limit. Rear-view camera Parktronics are only means and do not remove the responsibility for controlling the situation.
Departure from the parking space and perpendicular traffic
The situation when one car leaves the parking space perpendicular to the main driveway, and another car moves along this driveway, is a classic one. Here comes into force the rule that the driver leaving the adjacent territory (in this case, a parking pocket) must give way to vehicles moving on the road.
Even if the parking lot is inside a large shopping mall hall and is formally an adjoining area, the principle of the "main road" inside it is often imitated by the logic of the traffic. A car that is already moving between the rows has inertia. Whoever is only moving from the parking lot must ensure the safety of the maneuver and not cause interference.
Use light signals (flashing headlights) to communicate with other drivers in the parking lot, but don't rely on them blindly - make sure you're understood correctly.
Often there is a controversial situation: two cars at the same time start moving from parking pockets to meet each other to go on the driveway. If the passage is narrow and they cannot move, the right-hand jamming rule comes into effect. However, if one of them has already left for the driveway and moves along the rows, and the second is just starting to move out of his pocket, the priority of the first.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your vehicle. The owner of the long SUV or minivan should be especially careful, since its turning radius is larger, and it can block the passage, even starting the maneuver with the reserve. In the event of a collision, the court may consider the factor of a “source of increased danger” of a larger size.
Priorities on narrow driveways and in yards
On narrow driveways between rows of parked cars, a situation often arises when two cars cannot separate. If there are no priority signs on the territory, the general rule of "interference on the right" applies. However, in practice, drivers are often guided by an unwritten rule: the one who has the opportunity to stop or drive into his pocket, and the one who moves at a higher speed, gives way.
If you see that a car is moving towards you that has already started the maneuver or is in a narrow place, it will be better to stop and skip it. This is not only a rule of courtesy, but also a way to avoid an accident, since in the event of an accident, the proceedings can be delayed. Road ethics Parking is often more effective than dry rules.
| Situation | Who gives in | Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse driving | Backwards | P. 8.12 SDA (safety of manoeuvre) |
| Getting out of pocket for travel | Outbound | Departure from the surrounding area |
| Narrow passage (interference) | Who's got a clutter on the right? | P. 13.11 SDA (if there are no signs) |
| The presence of the sign "Give way" | The one who's got the sign | Road sign requirements |
It is worth noting that in the yards of residential buildings, priority is often given to pedestrians and special vehicles. The car leaving the yard must give way to everyone who is on the road adjacent to the exit. Inside the yard, you should also be attentive to children and people playing near cars.
☑️ Safe exit from the parking lot
Specificity of parking at shopping centers
Parking at large shopping centers is a separate type of road ecosystem. Here, the movement is often organized in a closed loop, and signs can be installed outside the box. The basic rule here is to follow the directions of markups and signs, even if they seem illogical.
A common problem is “parking stealth” when the driver takes two seats or parks at the intersection of driveways. In such cases, if you need to drive, and the path is blocked, you should not try to squeeze through, touching other people's cars. It is better to wait for the owner or find a detour. Damage to someone else’s property, even parked in violation, does not give you the right to spoil his answer.
⚠️ Attention: In the parking lot of shopping centers often work cameras fixation of violations. Parking in disabled areas or on cross markings can lead to the evacuation of the car.
Particular attention should be paid to the unloading areas. These seats are often occupied by trucks that manoeuvre in reverse. Cars should stay away from these areas and do not try to “leak” between the rear side of the truck and racks. Blind spots The trucks are huge, and the driver may simply not notice the car.
On holidays, when the parking lot is crowded, the rule “who got up first” applies. However, this only applies to a static state. Priority is given to those who are already moving. Do not block the exit of other cars, hoping that they will somehow leave.
What do you do if you're locked up?
If you are locked in a parking lot, first of all, check the blocker car for a phone for communication. If there is no number, contact the security service of the shopping center or call a tow truck (for violators), but do not damage someone else's property yourself.
Discussion of accidents in the parking lot: design and wine
If collisions cannot be avoided, the procedure depends on the presence of victims and the degree of damage. In the parking lots, which are adjacent territories, traffic police officers may not leave, offering to arrange an accident independently through the European Protocol or applications. However, if there is a culpability dispute, a police call is mandatory.
The main difficulty in analyzing such accidents is the lack of clear markings and signs, as well as the testimony of witnesses. That is why it is critical to have a video recorder. Recording with video recorder This is the most powerful evidence of who has violated the trajectory of movement or did not give way.
The fault in a car accident in a parking lot is most often distributed based on the analysis of trajectories. If one car moved straight, and the second performed a maneuver (turn, turn, exit from the parking lot), the guilty, as a rule, recognize the maneuverer. If both were maneuvering, the guilt could be mutual.
- 📸 Take a photo of the overall plan of the accident, so that you can see the position of the cars relative to the markings and buildings.
- 📝 Record the contact of witnesses if they have noticed the moment of impact.
- 🚫 Do not move cars before the traffic police arrive or fix the circumstances, unless it interferes with the movement of others.
Remember that even in the parking lot there is a requirement to be fastened. If you were without a belt at the time of the accident in the parking lot, this may become an additional violation, although it does not directly affect the determination of the culprit of the collision. Security It should always be in the first place.
In the parking lot, priority is always given to the one who is already moving along the driveway, and not to the one who just leaves the parking lot or rents back.
Parking psychology and preventive measures
In addition to the legal aspects, there is a psychological factor. Aggressive behavior, checkers between the ranks and ignoring foreign borders provoke conflicts. A calm driving style in the parking lot is not only safer, but also faster, as you don’t waste time on disassemblies and waiting for angry drivers.
Choose a parking spot where you can open the door without hitting the next car, and from where it will be convenient to leave. Parking "away" from the mall entrance often means less risk of getting a scratch from an sloppy neighbor. This is a small fee for the safety of the paint coating of your motor-car.
Always leave enough room for maneuver. If you see that the neighbors parked crooked, it is better to pass a little further than risk. In winter, keep in mind that the doors can freeze or be clogged with snow, so space is needed with a margin.
What to do if a car is moving at you in a parking lot?
If you see another driver not noticing you or ignoring your presence, don’t rely on his braking. Stop yourself, even if you are right. Turn on the emergency or give an audible signal. It is better to lose 10 seconds than an hour to register an accident.
Does the car with the “emergency” in the parking lot have priority?
No, the alarms on do not give an advantage in movement. It only informs other participants of a malfunction or danger. To give such a car is not necessary, if it does not stand still and does not create an obvious obstacle that can not be circumvented.
Who is to blame if a passing car is hit when opening the door?
In this case, the driver or passenger who opened the door is to blame. Before opening the door, make sure that it is safe and does not interfere with other vehicles (P.S.). 12.7 of the traffic. The blame is usually 100% on the door that opens.
Do I have to give way to electric cars in the parking lot?
No, electric vehicles do not have a special priority for traffic rules, unless they are vehicles of operational services with special signals on. They are subject to the general rules of the road on an equal basis with the ICE.
Can I park across the street if there are no seats?
Absolutely not. Parking across traffic blocks the passage and is a violation of the rules of stopping and parking. This can cause the car to be evacuated and create an emergency for other drivers.