Back-in or Reverse Angle-Parking

Q: Why should we convert to reverse angle parking?

A: Reverse angle parking provides a safer environment for bicyclists using the roadways since drivers are able to see them easier (and much sooner) when backing out of their parking stalls as compared to standard angle parking. Also, in cities where this type of parking is used they have reported a decrease in the number of parking related accidents since it was installed

Q: Is backing into the stalls difficult?

A: The backing maneuver may be unfamiliar, but certainly is much easier than parallel parking, a common task on city streets.

Q: How do you communicate with the cars behind you that you are going to back into a parking stall?

A: The law requires you to signal when slowing and backing into a parking spot. You should signal just as you would when parallel parking.

Q: Won't this type of parking increase the number accidents as cars stop to back into the stalls?

A: Actually, one of the most common causes of accidents is people backing out of standard angled parking without being able to see on-coming traffic. Reverse angled parking removes this difficulty. The initial stopping and signaling required for back-in angle parking is already an everyday occurrence throughout the city with parallel parking. Because of this familiarity, we do not expect accidents to increase. In fact, both Seattle and Tucson reported a decrease in parking-related accidents after back-in angle parking was implemented.

Q: It's so easy just to pull forward into a standard angle stall. Doesn't this convenience make it the best parking method?

A: It boils down to safety and when you want to have your convenience. With standard angle parking it's simple to pull in but can be a bear to pull out. You may have to back your car entirely out into the traffic lane before you can even see the oncoming traffic (not very safe.) With back-in angle parking getting into the stall is more difficult than going front-in but exiting the stall is more convenient because you don't have to pull out very far at all to see the oncoming traffic. And if you have packages to load you can stand on the sidewalk while loading them into your trunk (that's a nice convenience!).

Q: How do I enter a reverse angle-parking stall located on the opposite side of the street?

A: You will need to perform a u-turn or, if a u-turn cannot be performed safely or legally, go around the block and then back in. Again, the only difference here from standard angle parking is the backing in part. Entering standard stalls from the opposite side of the street would also require a complete u-turn.

Q: Is it legal to perform a u-turn in Utah at a midblock location with good visibility?

A: Yes. The only time you cannot perform a u-turn in Utah on city streets is at a location with poor visibility, over an island or over two sets of solid double yellow lines.

Q: Don’t you realize this type of backing maneuver is very difficult for women?

A: No. We know of no evidence to suggest gender plays any role in the ability to back or park a vehicle.

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