New Hampshire: Parking rules
Where New Hampshire law forbids parking, accessible parking spaces and access aisles, parking on hills, and angle, perpendicular and parallel parking. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Parking rules — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “Who is responsible for making sure a parked vehicle is not causing a driving hazard?”
StartParking rules — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “What must accompany a photo of a vehicle parked illegally in an accessible parking space or access aisle?”
StartAll 42 Parking rules questions with answers
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Who is responsible for making sure a parked vehicle is not causing a driving hazard?
- The local police
- The driver
- The road owner
- The state
Show answer
Correct answer: The driver
Drivers are responsible for making sure that their vehicle is not causing a driving hazard when it is parked.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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Where must a vehicle parked along a rural highway be placed?
- Off the paved or main travelled portion of the road
- On the right edge of the travelled lane with flashers on
- On the paved part of the road if the driver stays inside
- Anywhere that the vehicle can be seen from the road
Show answer
Correct answer: Off the paved or main travelled portion of the road
Any vehicle parked along a rural highway must be moved off the paved or main travelled portion of the road.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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If a driver cannot pull completely off the road, the vehicle may be left as far off as possible if there is a clear view for how far in each direction?
- 100 feet
- 150 feet
- 200 feet
- 500 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 200 feet
If it is impossible to pull completely off the road, drivers should pull off as much as they can as long as there is a clear view for 200 feet in each direction and enough space for other vehicles to pass.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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What may happen to a vehicle abandoned along the roadway even if it is well off the travelled portion?
- It is exempt from towing if it is off the pavement
- The police often tow it
- It is left alone for at least 24 hours
- The driver gets a written warning before any towing
Show answer
Correct answer: The police often tow it
The police often tow vehicles abandoned along the roadway even if the vehicle is well off the travelled portion.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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If a driver must leave a vehicle for several hours, what should the driver leave on the windshield?
- A note with the vehicle registration and the name of a nearby garage
- A copy of the driver's license and the insurance card
- A note asking other drivers to help move the vehicle
- A note on the problem, when the vehicle will be moved and how to reach the driver
Show answer
Correct answer: A note on the problem, when the vehicle will be moved and how to reach the driver
The driver should leave a note on the windshield advising the police of the problem, an anticipated time the vehicle will be moved, and how to get in touch with the driver or owner.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 27 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 27)
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When parking along the roadway, where should drivers park their vehicle?
- As close to the center line as safely possible
- Partly in the travel lane with flashers on
- As far away from the flow of traffic as possible
- At an angle to the curb so it is easy to see
Show answer
Correct answer: As far away from the flow of traffic as possible
When parking along the roadway drivers should park as far away from the flow of traffic as possible.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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If parking near a curb, how close to the curb should a driver park?
- As close as possible
- About one foot away
- Far enough to open the door
- About three feet away
Show answer
Correct answer: As close as possible
When parking near a curb a driver should park as close to it as possible.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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What does the law require drivers to do when leaving a vehicle unattended?
- Turn off the engine and leave the key under the seat
- Leave the engine running if the doors are locked
- Turn off the engine and turn on the parking lights
- Turn off the engine and remove the key
Show answer
Correct answer: Turn off the engine and remove the key
The law requires drivers to turn off the engine and remove the key when leaving a vehicle unattended.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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What should drivers do whenever the vehicle is being parked?
- Leave a window open
- Lock the vehicle
- Leave the key in the ignition
- Turn on the hazard lights
Show answer
Correct answer: Lock the vehicle
Drivers should also lock the vehicle whenever it is being parked.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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A driver is parking a vehicle with an automatic transmission. How should the driver make sure it cannot move?
- Place the vehicle in park
- Leave it in neutral gear
- Leave it in reverse
- Leave it in drive
Show answer
Correct answer: Place the vehicle in park
Drivers should place the vehicle in “park” if it has an automatic transmission.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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A driver is parking a vehicle with a manual transmission. How should the driver leave it?
- In neutral
- In park
- In gear
- In neutral with the engine running
Show answer
Correct answer: In gear
Drivers should leave a vehicle with a manual transmission in gear.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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What should a driver do with the wheels and the parking brake when parking on a hill?
- Release the parking brake and keep the wheels straight
- Set the parking brake and turn the wheels into the curb
- Set the parking brake and turn the wheels away from the curb
- Keep the wheels straight and leave the vehicle in neutral
Show answer
Correct answer: Set the parking brake and turn the wheels into the curb
On a hill drivers should set the parking brake and turn the wheels into the curb.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Which of these should drivers never do when parked?
- Lock the vehicle
- Set the parking brake
- Park as close to the curb as possible
- Open a door into traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Open a door into traffic
The manual says drivers should never open a door into traffic.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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What should drivers check for to learn where parking is prohibited or limited?
- Reflective posts along the shoulder
- Traffic cones at each space
- Signs or painted curbs
- Changes in the pavement texture
Show answer
Correct answer: Signs or painted curbs
Drivers should check for signs or painted curbs that may prohibit or limit parking.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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What is the result of a conviction for parking in a space reserved for individuals with walking disabilities?
- A fine
- Automatic license suspension
- A warning with no fine
- Mandatory community service
Show answer
Correct answer: A fine
Parking in a space reserved for individuals with walking disabilities is against the law, and a conviction carries a fine.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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What is an access aisle next to an accessible parking space?
- A lane leading into the parking lot for ambulances
- A walkway across the parking lot to the entrance
- A reserved space for a second vehicle of the same person
- The crosshatched area parallel and adjacent to the accessible space
Show answer
Correct answer: The crosshatched area parallel and adjacent to the accessible space
Access aisles are the crosshatched area parallel and adjacent to the accessible parking space.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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How is an access aisle marked?
- With solid blue lines around the space
- With yellow or white diagonally striped lines
- With red and white vertical stripes
- With a green and white checkerboard
Show answer
Correct answer: With yellow or white diagonally striped lines
The access aisle is marked with yellow or white diagonally striped lines.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Why is the access aisle needed?
- So people with walking disabilities can open the door and move safely
- So large vehicles have extra room to turn around in the lot
- So emergency vehicles have a place to wait for patients
- So other drivers can back out of the adjacent spaces easily
Show answer
Correct answer: So people with walking disabilities can open the door and move safely
The access aisle is the space individuals with walking disabilities need to fully open the door to their vehicle and safely maneuver in and out of it.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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How wide can the access aisle be that a van with a lift or ramp requires?
- Up to 4 feet wide
- Up to 6 feet wide
- Up to 8 feet wide
- Up to 12 feet wide
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to 8 feet wide
Exiting or entering a van with a lift or ramp requires the entire access aisle space, which can be up to 8 feet wide.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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What happens to the fine for each subsequent offense of parking in an access aisle?
- It stays the same as the first offense
- It increases
- It is waived after the first offense
- It is replaced by a license suspension
Show answer
Correct answer: It increases
There is a fine for the first offense and an increased fine for each subsequent offense of parking in an access aisle.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Whom should a person contact immediately if a vehicle parked in an access aisle prevents safe entry or exit of their vehicle?
- The Division of Motor Vehicles
- The Department of Transportation
- The owner of the nearest business
- The local police department
Show answer
Correct answer: The local police department
A person who cannot exit or enter their vehicle safely because of a vehicle in the access aisle should contact the local police department immediately.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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What must accompany a photo of a vehicle parked illegally in an accessible parking space or access aisle?
- A copy of the vehicle's registration
- A parking ticket from the property owner
- A sworn statement to the local police department
- A signed statement from two witnesses
Show answer
Correct answer: A sworn statement to the local police department
The photo submitted to the local police department must be accompanied with a sworn statement.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Parking is illegal, even if unmarked, within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- 15 feet
- 5 feet
- 10 feet
- 25 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 feet
It is illegal to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Parking is illegal, even if unmarked, within how many feet of a crosswalk at an intersection?
- 5 feet
- 10 feet
- 40 feet
- 20 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 feet
It is illegal to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Parking is illegal, even if unmarked, within how many feet of a stop sign, yield sign or traffic control signal?
- 10 feet
- 30 feet
- 40 feet
- 60 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 30 feet
It is illegal to park within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign or traffic control signal.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Parking is illegal, even if unmarked, within how many feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station?
- 20 feet
- 5 feet
- 10 feet
- 40 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 20 feet
It is illegal to park within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Parking is illegal, even if unmarked, within how many feet of a fire station driveway entrance on the opposite side of the street?
- 25 feet
- 50 feet
- 75 feet
- 100 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 75 feet
It is illegal to park within 75 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station on the opposite side of the street.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Parking is illegal, even if unmarked, within how many feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing?
- 10 feet
- 50 feet
- 25 feet
- 100 feet
Show answer
Correct answer: 50 feet
It is illegal to park within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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Which type of parking does the manual call double parking?
- Parking in two spaces at once
- Parking twice on the same block in one day
- Parking in front of a driveway
- Parking alongside another parked vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Parking alongside another parked vehicle
The manual lists parking alongside another parked vehicle as double parking, which is illegal even where it is not marked.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 28 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 28)
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When entering a perpendicular or angle parking space, in which direction should the driver move into the space?
- Backward, slowly
- Backward, quickly
- Forward, slowly
- Forward, at the speed of traffic
Show answer
Correct answer: Forward, slowly
Drivers should move forward slowly, turning the steering wheel left or right as appropriate, until the vehicle reaches the middle of the space.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When entering a perpendicular or angle parking space, where does the driver stop and secure the vehicle?
- At the front of the parking space
- At the entrance line of the space
- Halfway into the space
- With the rear half still in the aisle
Show answer
Correct answer: At the front of the parking space
After centering the vehicle in the space the driver moves to the front of the parking space, stops and secures the vehicle.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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How do drivers check for traffic before exiting a perpendicular or angle parking space?
- By using only the rearview mirror
- By sounding the horn while backing out
- By turning on the hazard lights
- By using the mirrors and head checks
Show answer
Correct answer: By using the mirrors and head checks
Drivers check for traffic in all directions by utilizing the mirrors and head checks.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When backing out of a perpendicular or angle parking space, how far straight back does the driver move before turning the wheel?
- Until the vehicle is halfway out of the space
- Until the front bumper clears the vehicle parked next to theirs
- Until the rear bumper reaches the far lane line
- Until the driver's door is in line with the next vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Until the front bumper clears the vehicle parked next to theirs
The driver moves straight back until the front bumper clears the vehicle parked next to the driver's vehicle.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When backing out of a perpendicular or angle parking space, which way does the driver turn the steering wheel sharply?
- In the direction the rear of the vehicle should move
- Opposite to the direction the rear should move
- Toward the vehicle parked beside
- Straight until the vehicle is fully out
Show answer
Correct answer: In the direction the rear of the vehicle should move
The driver turns the steering wheel sharply in the direction that the rear of the vehicle should move.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When backing out of a perpendicular or angle parking space, what does the driver do once the vehicle clears the parking area space?
- Keep backing into the far lane
- Shift to park and set the brake
- Stop and shift to drive
- Accelerate while still in reverse
Show answer
Correct answer: Stop and shift to drive
When the vehicle clears the parking area space the driver stops and shifts to drive, then accelerates smoothly, steering as needed to straighten the wheels.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When entering a parallel parking space, what does the driver do once traffic is clear?
- Shift to drive and pull alongside the empty space
- Shift to reverse and look to the rear in the direction of travel
- Back up while looking only in the mirrors
- Turn off the signal and pull forward into the empty space
Show answer
Correct answer: Shift to reverse and look to the rear in the direction of travel
Once traffic is clear the driver shifts to reverse and looks to the rear in the direction the vehicle will be moving.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When entering a parallel parking space, the driver continues backing until the front bumper is in line with what?
- The front bumper of the vehicle ahead of the space
- The middle of the vehicle behind the space
- The curb at the end of the space
- The rear bumper of the vehicle the driver is parking behind
Show answer
Correct answer: The rear bumper of the vehicle the driver is parking behind
The driver continues backing until the front bumper is in line with the rear bumper of the vehicle being parked behind.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When backing into a parallel parking space, how should the driver turn the steering wheel to center the vehicle in the space?
- Gradually, while backing quickly
- Slowly, while backing quickly
- Rapidly, while backing slowly
- Only after the vehicle has stopped
Show answer
Correct answer: Rapidly, while backing slowly
To center the vehicle the driver backs slowly while turning the steering wheel rapidly.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When backing into a parallel parking space, when must the driver stop?
- Before touching the bumper of the vehicle to the rear
- When the rear wheels touch the curb
- When the driver's door is level with the space ahead
- When the front bumper clears the vehicle ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: Before touching the bumper of the vehicle to the rear
The driver should stop before touching the bumper of the vehicle to the rear, shift to drive and adjust the vehicle in the parking space.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When exiting a parallel parking space, how far does the driver first back up?
- Only a few inches
- Until the rear wheels touch the curb
- Until the door post clears the vehicle behind
- As much as possible toward the vehicle parked behind
Show answer
Correct answer: As much as possible toward the vehicle parked behind
The driver shifts into reverse and backs up as much as possible to the vehicle parked behind.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When exiting a parallel parking space, what should the driver do if the front bumper will not clear the vehicle ahead?
- Accelerate to pass the vehicle quickly
- Put the vehicle in reverse and correct the steering
- Stop and wait for the vehicle ahead to move
- Turn the wheels sharply into the curb and move forward
Show answer
Correct answer: Put the vehicle in reverse and correct the steering
If the front bumper will not clear the vehicle ahead, the driver puts the vehicle in reverse and corrects the steering.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)
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When exiting a parallel parking space, when does the driver move forward into the appropriate lane of traffic?
- When the door post clears the rear bumper of the car ahead
- When the front bumper touches the vehicle ahead
- When the rear bumper clears the vehicle behind
- When the hood passes the headlights of the vehicle ahead
Show answer
Correct answer: When the door post clears the rear bumper of the car ahead
The driver moves forward into the lane when the door post of the vehicle clears the rear bumper of the vehicle parked ahead.
Source: New Hampshire Driver’s Manual (DSMV 360 (Rev. 11/25)), page 29 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 29)