If you are a parking space designer, you must know the correct parking space dimensions. Because different parking areas have their own standard sizes. Today, you will learn the length and width of various parking spaces. We will also explain which rules you should follow for accessible parking designs.
Standard Parking Space Dimensions
A standard parking space means a fixed width and length to fit most vehicles easily. The size and parking angles are decided by local governments and building rules. Some organizations also give guidelines such as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) in America.
Parking Space Dimensions in Feet
Enough space is important for safety when you park. A normal parking space is around 8 to 9 feet wide and 18 to 20 feet long. This dimension is suitable for most cars. However, larger vehicles may need bigger spaces. These include: larger trucks, buses, RVs and tractor-trailers.
Standard Parking Space Size Meters
You can also measure the dimensions of parking space in meters. The normal parking space in North America is approximately 2.6 to 2.7 meters wide. The length is 5.5 meters. This size is usually around 2.3 meters wide and 5 meters long in Europe. These sizes are ideal for you to park your car in a safe way.
Car Parking Dimensions in mm
Dimension measurements in millimeters is very common practice in many countries. If we talk about parking spot size, it is about 2440 mm wide and 6096 mm long. This area can change according to the type of spot, such as compact, parallel or van spaces.
Parking Space Dimensions UK
In the United Kingdom, the dimensions for parking areas are mostly 2.4 meters in width and 4.8 – 5 meters in length. If you want to design parking spots for your large vehicles, then size requirements will also increase. It should be around 2.5 m wide and 5 m long.
Minimum Parking Space Size
The minimum size of a parking spot makes sure the most cars can fit safely. Mostly, the smallest standard space is about 2.5 meters wide and 4.8 meters long. Keep in mind, compact cars may require less space, like 2.3 m wide & 4.5 m long.
While, you have to provide more space for heavy vehicles parking. The minimum size according to rules is helpful for you to park without scratching your car and blocking others.
Dimensions of Different Types of Parking
Not all parking spaces are the same. You have to follow different dimension standards for each parking type.
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Parallel Parking Space Dimensions
Parallel parking spaces are used to fit your car along the road. That’s why they are longer than regular spaces. A typical parallel space should be 20 to 26 feet long and 8 feet wide. This extra length gives you enough room to park safely.
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Handicap Parking Space Dimensions
Handicap parking areas give extra space for disabled people. These lots are 8 feet in width and can be 18 feet long. Further, disabled carpark dimensions also included additional side space for wheelchair access.
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Angle Parking Space Dimensions
The dimensions of angle parking based on its angle. Generally, each spot is about 18 to 20 feet long and 8.5 to 10 feet wide. You should also carefully design the spaces between rows.
45-Degree Angle: 8 to 9 feet in width
60-Degree Angle: 9 feet wide
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Compact Parking Space Dimensions
These parking zones are made for your smaller cars. The width of the compact parking space is 7-8 feet wide. The length can be in the range of 15 to 18 feet. According to ADA rules for compact parking, it must be at least 8 feet wide (with 5 ft side access) for disabled people.
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Perpendicular Parking Dimensions
Perpendicular parking space is positioned at a 90° angle to the lane. The size of this parking area is approx. 9 by 18 feet. But, this size can be changed on the basis of local rules and type of vehicle.
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Automated Parking System Dimensions
Automated parking systems work with machines to park your vehicle. Each parking slot is 19 feet long and 7.3 to 7.4 feet wide. Plus, the height limit of vehicles which is accepted by this system is between 5 feet & 6 ft 9 inches.
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Two Way Parking Space
The two-way parking allows you to move your car in both directions between rows. Hence, the parking areas must be wide enough to drive safely. The driving lane between the rows should be at least 20 feet wide.
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One Way Parking Layout
One way parking design lets you move your car in a single direction to enter and exit the parking rows. So, the lane for driving between rows is 12 to 16 feet wide. You will find this type of parking layout in compact parking areas.
Car Parking Space Dimensions
You will find most of the car parking zones roughly 2.4 to 3 meters wide and 4.7 to 5 meters long. This is the recommended size for a regular car parking space. However, the exact dimensions can change according to location and the type of car you drive.
For example: engineers or urban planners design more wide parking areas for your large vehicles such as SUVs or vans.
Minimum Car Porch Size
A car porch is a covered area which you can attach to your house. This space is also used to park vehicles. For one car, you need at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep area. But, if you want to park heavy vehicles like an SUV, the parking space must be 12 ft by 22 ft.
Motorcycle Parking Space Dimensions
Motorcycle parking areas are smaller than car spaces, but still need proper space for safe parking. It must be at least 4 feet wide and 7-8 feet long.
When you are planning motorcycle parking, you should make sure there is enough space to get on and off the bike. Moreover, concrete is an ideal construction material for the surface. Its hardness will keep your bikes stable.
ADA Parking Space Dimensions
ADA abbreviated as Americans with Disabilities Act. It is a US law which enforces rules of equal access and rights for people with disabilities.
- An accessible parking space should be 8 feet (96 inches) wide.
- For wheelchair movement, it must have a 5 ft access aisle.
- Van accessible areas need more room such as 11 feet wide with a 5-ft aisle or 8 ft width for 8-feet aisle.
- The height clearance of 8 feet 2 inches (98 inches) is also important for high automobiles.
How Many ADA Parking Spaces Are Required?
It means, the number of accessible parking spots must be reserved for disabled people to meet ADA rules.
| Total Parking Spaces | Number of Required Accessible Spots |
| 1 to 25 | 1 Space |
| 151 – 200 | 6 slots |
| 301 to 400 | 8 spots |
| 401 – 500 | 9 places |
| 501 to 1000 | 2 percent of total |
| 1001+ | 20 spaces + 1 for every 100 above 1000 |
Golf Cart Parking Space Dimensions
You need smaller parking space for golf carts than regular cars. A standard golf cart area is around 4 feet wide and 8 feet long. It gives you enough room to park safely.
Some areas may provide you bigger spots for easier access or shared paths. Its total width is in the range of 8.5 ft to 9ft and 16-20 feet in length.
Parking Garage Space Dimensions
The parking garage is a multi level structure where you can park your vehicles. However, a marked spot inside the garage for one vehicle is known as parking garage space.
Its dimensions is about 9 feet wide and 18 feet long (2.7 m × 5.5 m). The ceiling of the garage should be 7 ft high for easy parking of all types of vehicles. But, its size can be different for regular, compact or accessible (ADA) parking.
Commercial Parking Space Dimensions
Commercial parking lots are designed for businesses and busy areas. They are mostly 9 feet wide and 18 to 20 feet in length. This size is ideal to fit your cars and light trucks easily. The angle of the parking (like perpendicular or 45°) also affects the total dimensions of commercial parking spots.
Parking Space Dimensions Residential
These parking spaces are made for homes, apartments or small housing areas. They have a width of 2.5 meters and 5 meters in length. This size can be changed for your large car such as 2.7 meters by 5.2 meters.
If you want to design parallel residential parking, it must be larger and narrow, typically 2 m wide and 6 m long.
Australian Standard Parking Space Dimensions
According to Australian AS2890 standards, the parking space should be at least 2.4 meters wide and 5.4 meters long. This size can increase up to 2.6 m for street or parking lots.
If we talk about dimensions of accessible parking in Australia, they are 2.4 m by 5.4 m spots with extra areas for wheelchair access.
EV Charging Parking Space Requirements
An EV charging parking space is a parking spot where you can park your electric car and also plug it in to charge. Its standard dimension is 9 to 10 ft in width & 18-20 ft long.
You should make sure parking is near a charger and allow you safe access to the cable too. You also need to paint clear markings in this area to prompt safety.
Truck Parking Dimensions
You will truck parking areas more larger as compared to regular car parking space. Its dimensions are approximately 15 feet in width and length can be between 30 to 40 feet. It can change according to truck size.
For example: the size can be 55 ft long and 14 feet wide for your large tractor- trailers. The extra space for backing up and easy movement is also important.
Wrapping It Up
In the end, you clearly understand how parking space dimensions are planned and why they are important for organized parking. You can now easily decide the right size for cars, bikes or trucks.
Once you complete your parking layout, you can contact us for parking safety signs, marking machines and parking related products.
People Also Ask
What is the Ideal Parking Space Depth For Larger Vehicles?
For your larger vehicles, the ideal parking space depth is 20 to 25 feet (6 to 7.6 meters). This extra length gives you enough room to park safely, open doors and move around the vehicle without hitting other cars.
Does Parking Space Size Vary By County?
Yes, the dimensions for parking can be changed on the basis of different country, city and local regulations. The building codes can also affect the exact parking measurements.
How Wide is the Average Car?
You will find most of the cars 5.8 feet wide (not including mirrors). Small cars are 5.5 to 6 feet wide, while bigger vehicles can be 6 – 6.5 feet in width.
What is the Maximum Size For Car Parking?
You can design a parking space with a maximum width of 8 feet and length of 16 feet. If you need more comfort and safety then this size can be increased to 8.5 × 16.5 feet.
Does the Whole Car Have To Be in a Parking Space?
Yes, your car should stay entirely within the parking spot. If any part does not fit, it can block other vehicles, create hazards and may result in a ticket. Hence, parking fully inside the lines keeps the area safe and organized.
How To Measure a Parking Space?
Firstly, measure the width of one side then the other. You have to determine the length from front to back. Must include extra space for doors or aisles to make sure safe parking.
See Also:
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