Texas Parking Rules 2026
Texas parking rules cover three things the DPS knowledge test and the road test both grade you on: where you can never park, how to parallel park within 18 inches of the curb, and how to set your wheels on a hill so the vehicle won't roll if the brakes fail. The Chapter 7 rules in DL-7 are short and specific. This guide covers them all.
Where You Cannot Park (Memorize the Distances)
Texas law forbids parking within these distances of common road features:
The 30-foot stop-sign rule trips up first-time test-takers — the official DL-7 number is 30 feet, not 25 or 50. The 75-foot opposite-side fire-station rule comes up less often but is a fair-game test question.
Other Places You Can Never Park
- On a sidewalk
- In front of a public or private driveway (blocking access)
- Within an intersection
- On a crosswalk (marked or unmarked)
- On a bridge or in a tunnel
- On the side of a road in a tunnel or under an overpass
- Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb
- On the road side of any parked vehicle (double parking)
- In a marked disabled-parking spot without a valid placard or plate
- On the roadway side of any officially marked road
- On any controlled-access highway shoulder except in an emergency
Parallel Parking
On a two-way road with parking on the right side, your right-hand wheels must be within 18 inches of the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway when parked. The DL-7 specifies 18 inches — not 12, not 24. Center your vehicle in the available space; don't crowd the cars in front or behind.
The drive test parallel-parking maneuver typically requires:
- Pull alongside the vehicle in front of the empty space, leaving about 2 feet of side clearance
- Reverse slowly while turning the wheel toward the curb
- Straighten the wheel as the rear of your vehicle clears the front car
- Continue turning the wheel away from the curb to bring the front in
- Adjust forward and backward until centered, with right-hand wheels within 18 inches
Hill Parking — Wheel Position
Texas tests three hill parking scenarios. The rule is consistent: the wheels must be turned so that, if the brakes fail, the vehicle rolls away from the road. Memorize it once; the three cases follow logically.
1. Uphill, with a curb
Turn wheels toward the road (left, away from the curb). Set the parking brake. Shift to Park (auto) or Reverse (manual). If the vehicle rolls, the rear wheel hits the curb and stops it.
2. Downhill, with or without a curb
Turn wheels toward the curb / edge (right). Set the parking brake. Shift to Park (auto) or Reverse-of-direction (manual). If the vehicle rolls, the front wheel hits the curb and stops it.
3. Uphill or downhill, no curb
Turn wheels toward the edge of the road (right, away from the road). Set the parking brake. If the vehicle rolls, it rolls off the pavement, away from oncoming traffic.
Required Steps Every Time You Park
- Set the parking brake
- Place the gear in Park (auto) or first gear / reverse (manual)
- Turn off the engine and remove the key
- Lock the doors
- Check for traffic before opening any door
- Exit on the curb side when possible
Parking on the Highway
Never stop, stand, or park on the traveled portion of any state highway when it's possible to drive off the road. If you must stop on the shoulder for an emergency:
- Pull as far off the road as possible
- Turn on emergency flashers
- Set out warning devices (triangles, flares) for nighttime stops
- Stay out of the traveled lane while waiting for help
Disabled Parking
Texas-issued disabled parking placards or plates are required for any vehicle using a disabled-marked spot. Out-of-state placards are honored. The fine for unauthorized use of a disabled spot can be substantial — and many cities tow on first offense.
Disabled Parking (DL-7 Chapter 7)
DL-7 Chapter 7 explains that "it is a violation for a person to park, stand, or stop a vehicle in a parking space designated as disabled parking" without a valid disabled license plate or state-issued removable windshield identification card. The fine for a first offense is $500 to $750 (DL-7 Chapter 7). You may not use a disabled parking placard unless transporting the disabled person to whom it was issued. Striped areas adjacent to disabled parking spaces are reserved for wheelchair lifts and are not parking spaces.
Leaving a Parking Space (DL-7 Chapter 7)
DL-7 Chapter 7 advises: "Use caution when leaving any parking space and check all of your mirrors to make sure nothing is obstructing your vehicle's path, especially pedestrians or children. Children often play between parked cars. Look back before and while you're backing up. Be sure to use your signal to notify other drivers you are leaving your current parking spot."
Coasting (DL-7 Chapter 7)
DL-7 also flags: "It is illegal to coast on a downgrade with the gears or transmission in neutral." This rule comes up on the test as a yes/no item.