Compact car spaces are parking spots designed to accommodate smaller vehicles, typically those with a length of fewer than 14 feet and a width of fewer than 6 feet. These spaces are becoming increasingly common in urban areas where parking is at a premium and there is a need to accommodate more vehicles in smaller areas.
There are several benefits to compact car spaces. First, they can increase the capacity of a parking lot, allowing more cars to fit in the same amount of space. Second, smaller cars take up less space on the road and are easier to maneuver, making them ideal for urban environments where space is limited.
Finally, compact car spaces are often located closer to the entrance of a building, making it easier for drivers to access their destination. However, there are also some drawbacks to compact car spaces. For one, they can be difficult to use for drivers of larger vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs. Additionally, some drivers may feel that compact car spaces are discriminatory or unfair, as they are designed to benefit those with smaller cars.
If you don’t drive a compact car, can you park in a compact-only car parking space? The answer is maybe. It depends on the state or city where you are parking. Some states and cities have laws that specifically prohibit parking in compact-only spaces if you do not drive a compact car. Other states and cities do not have such laws.
In those cases, it is generally up to the discretion of the parking enforcement officers whether or not to ticket or tow away vehicles that are parked in compact-only spaces without being a compact car. So, if you are unsure whether or not it is legal to park in a compact-only space in your state or city, it is best to check with your local authorities before doing so.
In terms of regulations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)[1] sets guidelines for the size of accessible parking spaces but does not specifically address the size of regular parking spaces. However, many local governments have established their own regulations regarding parking space size.
In conclusion, compact car spaces can be a useful tool for increasing parking capacity in urban areas, but they also have their limitations. It is important for local governments to establish regulations that balance the needs of drivers with different types of vehicles.
Footnotes
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in many aspects of public life, including employment, transportation, and access to public accommodations. The ADA was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 and has since been amended several times to broaden its protections and clarify its scope. The law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities and mandates that new construction and alterations to existing buildings be accessible to people with disabilities. The ADA has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities, helping to remove many of the physical and social barriers that they face. However, some critics argue that the law has led to a proliferation of frivolous lawsuits and has placed an undue burden on businesses. Despite these criticisms, the ADA remains a critical piece of legislation in the ongoing fight for disability rights and inclusion. [Back]
Further Reading
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design: https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAStandards_prt.pdf
- City and County of San Francisco, Transportation Code, Article 7: Parking Space Dimensions: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/san_francisco/latest/sf_transportation/0-0-0-11085
- Carnewscast
- Bryan’s Garage
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101-12213
- U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. (2020). ADA homepage. Retrieved from https://www.ada.gov/
- National Council on Disability. (2020). National Disability Policy: A Progress Report. Retrieved from https://ncd.gov/publications/2020/national-disability-policy-progress-report.
