Parking, Stopping, and Lane Use
Stopping, Standing, and Parking
"Stop" means halt and remain; "stand" means halt temporarily while a driver stays with the vehicle; "park" means leaving the vehicle. You may not park within a crosswalk, on a sidewalk, within an intersection, within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, within 30 feet of a stop sign or traffic signal, or on the roadway side of a parked vehicle (double parking). Do not park where you block a driveway, fire lane, or access for emergency vehicles. When parking on a hill, turn wheels toward the curb facing downhill, and away from the curb facing uphill with a curb; always set the parking brake.
Lane Use
Keep right except to pass on multi-lane roads. Use the left lane for passing and for left turns. Do not change lanes without signaling and checking mirrors and blind spots. On a road with a center left-turn lane, use it only for turning, not for travel. HOV and bike lanes have restrictions; do not drive in them unless permitted.
Passing
Pass on the left, signal, check mirrors, and return only when you can see the passed vehicle in your mirror. Never pass on a hill crest, curve, or where a solid yellow line is on your side.
Traps to Watch
Distance questions (15 feet from hydrant, 20 feet from crosswalk, 30 feet from signals) are commonly tested. Another trap is downhill versus uphill wheel direction - remember: wheels toward the curb when facing downhill, away when facing uphill.
Rule of Thumb
When in doubt about a parking distance, the answer is usually the larger number - give hydrants and crosswalks wide berth.