Tennessee routine parking rules — Tennessee Permit Test

When parking beside a road outside city limits, leave at least 18 feet of road width for other traffic to pass.

A narrow gap forces passing cars toward the center line, into the path of oncoming traffic.

No matter what, you must ensure that you leave at least 18 feet of road width for other traffic to pass your parked vehicle.

A vehicle parked beside a road outside city limits must be visible for at least 200 feet in either direction.

A car parked just over a hill or around a bend is hit by drivers who never had time to see it.

Plus, your vehicle must be visible for at least 200 feet in either direction (200 feet is a little more than the width of a football field).

It is against the law to leave the engine running in a parked, unattended vehicle.

A running car left alone can be stolen in seconds or roll if knocked out of gear.

It is against the law to leave the engine running in a parked unattended vehicle.

A driver must look, signal and yield the right-of-way when coming out of any parking space, including parallel spaces.

Cars in the travel lane have the road. Pulling out without yielding puts you in front of them.

A driver must look, signal and yield the right-of-way when coming out of any type of parking space, including parallel spaces.

Always set the parking brake when you park, and leave the car in gear (manual) or in park (automatic).

A car left only in park can roll if the gear slips. The brake is the backup that holds it.

Leave the vehicle in gear if it has a manual transmission, or in park if it has an automatic transmission.

Hazard or four-way flashers may be used during darkness when a vehicle is disabled or otherwise is a traffic hazard.

At night a stopped car looks like a moving one until you are right on it. Flashers show it is not moving.

The “hazard” or four-way flashing directional lights may be displayed during the hours of darkness when a vehicle is disabled or otherwise presents a traffic hazard.

Parking beside a road outside city limits, how much road width must you leave for others?

At least 18 feet. A narrow gap forces passing cars toward the center line, into the path of oncoming traffic. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p.65: “No matter what, you must ensure that you leave at least 18 feet of road width for other traffic to pass your parked vehicle.”