Indiana · Handbook chapter 9 · 5 min read

Chapter 9: Parking, seat belts and equipment

Indiana parallel parking and hill parking, reversing, where parking is banned, accessible spaces, seat belt and child restraint law, air bags, truck lighting and warning devices for disabled vehicles.

Why this chapter matters

Parking distances, hill parking and seat belt rules are quick marks on the exam. This chapter also covers the warning devices you set out when your vehicle breaks down.

Parallel parking

1. Signal, then pull up parallel to the car in front of the space, about two feet away, with your rear bumpers lined up.
2. Back slowly; when your front is level with that car's front door, turn the wheel sharply right and back to about a 45-degree angle.
3. When your front passes the other car's rear, turn the wheel sharply left, then gradually, as you back in.
4. Straighten the wheels and pull forward.

Signal when you pull out, and look both ways for cars and pedestrians.

Parking on a hill

Reversing

Your view is blocked when you back up, so turn your body to the right and look through the rear window. Never rely on the mirror alone, back slowly, and never back into an intersection to turn around.

Where you may not park

• On highways, unless signs allow it.
• In an intersection or on a crosswalk.
• On a sidewalk or in front of a driveway.
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, or in a fire lane.
• On bridges, elevated structures or in tunnels.
• Next to a yellow curb.
• Beside another parked car (double parking).
• In an accessible space without a valid placard, or in the striped area beside one. That striped area is needed for wheelchairs and ramps and is off limits even with a placard.

Seat belts and child restraints

• Indiana law requires the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving, including bus drivers.
• Belts for the driver and front passenger raise the chance of surviving a crash by 45 percent and cut the risk of serious injury by 50 percent.
• Wear the belt low on the hips and across the collarbone. Use it even with air bags; an air bag can injure an unbelted person.
• Sit at least 12 inches from the steering wheel, and set head restraints high and close to the back of the head.
• Children under 8 must ride in a proper child restraint, such as a car seat or booster seat.
• Air bags have killed children and small adults. The National Safety Council recommends that children under 12 ride in the back seat.
• A few people are exempt, such as those with a doctor's written medical reason and delivery drivers making frequent stops.

Truck lights and loads

• Every truck or bus needs two red tail lamps, a white license plate lamp and at least one red stop lamp.
• A load sticking out more than four feet behind a vehicle needs a red flag (at least 12 square inches) in daylight and a red lamp visible from 500 feet at night.
• The maximum size without a special permit is 8 feet 6 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches high and 80,000 pounds.

When your car breaks down

• Pull onto the shoulder if you can and switch on your hazard lights.
• If you must get out, use the passenger side after checking for traffic.
• The manual suggests keeping a flashlight, a reflective vest and a red reflective triangle in the car.

Warning devices

A disabled truck, bus or tractor-trailer must display three reflective triangles, or at least six fusees or three liquid-burning flares. The manual's roadside tips also suggest placing your triangle 200 feet behind your car, or 500 feet behind on a hill or curve.