What are the measurements of a parallel parking space?

The size of a parallel parking space varies by jurisdiction, but the Metropolitan Area Planning Council cites the Marlborough, Mass., regulations as requiring a minimum for standard parallel spaces of 9 feet by 20 feet. This code allows for compact parallel spaces as small as 8 feet by 16 feet.

The City of Brigantine, N.J., building code gives drivers more length, with a minimum of 22-foot-long parking spaces. If the space abuts one or fewer parallel spaces and there is room for maneuverability, the city code allows reducing the space to 20 feet. It requires the space be at least 8 feet wide in either case.