When parking on a hill in Ontario, always turn your wheels so that the vehicle will roll into the curb or away from traffic if it moves. The exact direction depends on whether you are facing uphill or downhill and whether there is a curb. Always apply the parking brake in addition to turning your wheels.
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Why Hill Parking Rules Exist
If a parked vehicle rolls, it can injure pedestrians, damage other cars, or roll into traffic. Parking with your wheels turned correctly ensures that if your vehicle rolls, it will roll into the curb (which stops it) rather than away from it and into the road. This is why the technique differs depending on direction and the presence of a curb.
The Four Scenarios
There are four combinations to know. The rule applies whether you are parallel parked or angle parked on a slope.
| Situation | Wheel Direction | Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Facing uphill, curb present | Turn wheels away from curb (left) | If vehicle rolls backward, it rolls into curb |
| Facing downhill, curb present | Turn wheels into curb (right) | If vehicle rolls forward, it rolls into curb |
| Facing uphill, no curb | Turn wheels toward edge of road (right) | If vehicle rolls, it moves off roadway, not into traffic |
| Facing downhill, no curb | Turn wheels toward edge of road (right) | Same principle: vehicle rolls away from traffic lane |
Always Apply the Parking Brake
Turning your wheels is a secondary safety measure, not a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake on any incline, even a slight one. Put the vehicle in Park (automatic) or in gear (manual) before releasing your foot from the brake. Turning your wheels last, before you exit the vehicle, is the recommended sequence.
Hill Parking on the Road Test
Hill parking is tested on some G2 road tests in areas where hills are common. If the examiner asks you to park on a hill, state out loud which direction you are turning your wheels and why, then demonstrate the correct technique. Examiners are looking for the correct wheel position and confirmation that you applied the parking brake.
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