Question

What is tandem parking?

Tandem parking is where vehicles are parked end-to-end in an elongated space. This can save a lot of space in properties with limited space.

Tandem parking works in favor of those areas with limited parking spaces. In this arrangement, the car parked in front must be moved for the other to exit. It is more of a design technique adopted in confined spaces. This can include apartment complexes, valet parking, offsite parking areas, and commercial spaces where maximum usage of the existing space is a priority.

So, tandem parking is spatially efficient, but it is not an apt solution for those with high turnover parking rates.

Is tandem parking illegal?

While tandem parking is a solution to manage parking spaces, it might not comply with the city-specific rules. For example, California municipalities don’t allow tandem parking in commercial lots. Since tandem parking spaces require another driver to move their car, they are not counted as an accessible space. However, with a dedicated access aisle, or following the design approved by the city, it can be considered under the ADA space.

Here are some of the cities where tandem parking is illegal in California.