Can people stand on parking slots to reserve them?

Photo by Hans from Pixabay
By eli
April 7, 2023 7:49am CST
Apparently, there is a viral video of two women standing in a parking spot outside of a mall, allegedly blocking a black sedan from entering an empty spot so that their car could take it instead. However, it was clear that the sedan arrived at the spot before their car did. There has been some verbal exchange between the women and the driver of the sedan. So just to end the useless argument, the driver of the sedan decided to yield to the women who won't budge on insisting they're standing there to 'reserve' the spot for their car. So, who is in the wrong here? Can these women actually stand there to reserve a parking spot? Obviously, the answer is a big NO! I don't know about your place but in ours and in many places in most countries, basic parking etiquette or general principle dictates that parking spots are public spaces and should be used on a first come, first serve basis unless a formal reservation has been made with the parking management which in that case, a sign or a marker is placed in the spot to indicate that it is reserved. While it might not be explicitly illegal, a pedestrian standing there is considered an obstruction and can create a safety hazard and cause tension among drivers. It's important to respect other drivers and follow basic parking etiquette to ensure a smooth and safe parking experience for everyone. So, if you're not an idiot, you should know better than to put yourself in a shameful and awkward situation by standing there to reserve a parking space. And if I were that driver of the sedan, I will not yield. I'd call the security to put those ladies in place. This why exactly several establishments has taken measures to put up signs to remind people they're not allowed to do this. They're not allowed to stand in parking spots to reserve them. Isn't that plain stupid???
9 people like this
9 responses
@RebeccasFarm (86772)
• United States
8 Apr 23
This is preposterous.
1 person likes this
• United States
30 Sep
1 person likes this
8 Apr 23
100%
1 person likes this
@rakski (112925)
• Philippines
7 Apr 23
I did know seen that video yet. But what are they thinking???
1 person likes this
7 Apr 23
They're idiots! hahaha
1 person likes this
@rakski (112925)
• Philippines
7 Apr 23
@pitsipeahie I totally agree!
1 person likes this
@Jenaisle (14079)
• Philippines
27 Apr 23
I think it's not proper to stand in a parking lot to reserve a space. Unless the owner of the place has explicit instructions that they could do it. However, no owner is dumb to do that. They usually have signs to place in reserved areas.
1 person likes this
28 Apr 23
Exactly!
1 person likes this
@besweet (9861)
• Ireland
3 Apr
I agree it's wrong to stand on a parking space and consider that it's yours. I've seen many examples like that where people in big cities put wooden boxes or tape to close public parking spaces in front of their homes while they are away. You can report them but they dont care, and there is no proof about who actually blocked the space.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203452)
• Nashville, Tennessee
7 May
I don't like to use the word stupid but this is not responsible behavior at all.
1 person likes this
8 May
So true Carol.
1 person likes this
@jiwonnie (443)
• Philippines
7 Apr 23
I remember watching a video like this on tiktok as well. The driver of the car didn't yield so he started to slowly park even with the lady standing in the spot. The lady had the audacity to say she would sue when the bumper very slightly hit her thighs. My blood boils just thinking about it
1 person likes this
7 Apr 23
Those who are in the wrong are the ones who have the boldness to claim they are right lol.
1 person likes this
@pitstop (13056)
• India
7 Apr 23
Well, people do try innovative ideas for desparate things. In the end, it all makes the world a more complex place to live in. Sigh!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (170140)
• United States
21 Apr 23
Hmm, I haven't seen that done before. It isn't parking etiquette you are right.
1 person likes this
@nela13 (55729)
• Portugal
29 Feb
You are right, and here it is the same thing, first come, first serve basis.
1 person likes this