DRIVERS have been cautioned about a new parking rule that requires drivers to back into empty spaces.
It’s the city’s attempt at enhancing safety and comfort for both drivers and pedestrians.
Washington drivers will be asked to back into a parking spot starting July 28, 2025[/caption]
Drivers should expect a parking makeover starting July 28, 2025.
The city is rolling out back-in angled parking between Holly Street and the Forest/State/Boulevard roundabout to boost safety and make things more convenient.
Unlike traditional 45-degree parking, this setup has Washington drivers reverse into spots, which actually gives better visibility when pulling out.
It also makes it safer to load up your trunk and keeps kids and pedestrians away from moving traffic.
While this is the only street getting the upgrade for now, State Street’s layout makes it the perfect place to test out this smarter way to park.
Back-in angled parking is designed to keep drivers and pedestrians safer, as per the City of Bellingham’s information page.
It gives drivers a clear view of traffic—especially bikes—when pulling out of a spot, and eliminates the risk of backing blindly into the road.
Since the trunk faces the sidewalk, it’s easier and safer to load or unload gear.
Plus, passengers, including kids, can get in and out on the sidewalk side, away from moving cars.
“I back in everywhere. It is safer, and better. Everyone should do it,” commented one Facebook user.
Other drivers said certain vehicles would be too big for this kind of parking, potentially causing car accidents.
“The big problem is huge vehicles that protrude into traffic when parked,” they wrote.
“People, leave your crew-cab full box trucks at home!!!”
For drivers who are nervous about the new parking rule, the city outlined three easy steps to make the transition more approachable.
How to fight a parking ticket
You can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are made
Like any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage. However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made.
Suddenly there’s a ticket you weren’t prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket.
- Carefully read the ticket. Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid.
- Take photos. Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren’t cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case. Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible. Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren’t “obvious” are great things to photograph, too.
- Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket. If not listed, the ticket is not valid.
- Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal. Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees.
- When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument:
- “I didn’t know the law.”
- “I was on my way to move my car.”
- “I can’t afford this ticket.”
- “I’ve been doing this for years.”
- “I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK.”
- Contact a lawyer. If you’re running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations.
Source: Reader’s Digest
Back-in angled parking is similar to parallel parking.
First, signal and pull past the spot, then come to a complete stop.
From there, slowly reverse into the stall at a 45-degree angle.
Although some drivers may find backing into a space initially challenging, with practice, it can become a routine maneuver, according to the city officials.
This method can also be safer for pedestrians and children, as they are less likely to be struck by a vehicle backing out of a space.
This technique is becoming increasingly popular in other cities, like Winnipeg, due to its safety and efficiency benefits.
