Ah, the humble parking lot. It’s an unassuming place, but it can fill drivers with dread just like that. Why? See Exhibit A below.

Medyo oa nung mga sumisigaw pero bawal naman kasi talaga na tumayo ka sa parking to reserve the space

pic.twitter.com/WgtWSNUksZ

— DDS Hindi Iyakin – Ultraman Regulos✨ (@UnbowedVP) November 3, 2024

So how can you avoid turning into tomorrow’s viral video for all the wrong reasons? Whether you’re a driver or a passenger princess, here are some basic parking lot etiquette rules to keep in mind:

1. Don’t stand in spaces to reserve them

Standing in a spot to “reserve” it for your friend or family member who’s on their way is not only rude and annoying, but also against the rules. It’s a safety hazard AND can lead to unnecessary confrontations and delays for other drivers who actually got there first with their vehicles.

Lumaban tayo nang patas and observe the first-come, first-serve rules, which brings us to our next point…

2. Don’t “steal” a space from a waiting driver

Imagine circling around the parking lot for what feels like hours, finally spotting an open space, and then someone swoops in and takes it before you can even blink. Not cool, right? Don’t be that person. Read the room, be courteous, and wait your turn.

3. Respect designated disability spots

This should go without saying, but unfortunately, not everyone follows this rule. These spots are reserved for individuals with disabilities who may have difficulty walking long distances. Even if the lot is packed, resist the urge to park in these spots unless you have a PWD ID.

4. Park within the lines

It may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people struggle with this one. Parking within the lines ensures that everyone has enough room to maneuver their cars and can prevent dings and scratches on neighboring vehicles.

Also, for the love of all things good, don’t park across multiple spots. It’s is basically manspreading for cars and it’s giving small dick energy. Don’t be that jerk.

5. Watch your speed

With pedestrians and other vehicles constantly moving around, it’s important to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. (Plus, the faster you go, the more likely you are to miss a good parking spot.)

6. READ. THE. SIGNS.

This one can’t be emphasized enough. Signs are there for a reason, whether it’s indicating reserved spots, time limits, or restricted areas. Not following them could inconvenience others and possibly result in getting towed or fined. So take the extra few seconds to read the signs and save yourself from any potential headaches.

7. Park in your garage, not the street

This may not seem like an etiquette rule, but it actually affects everyone, especially in the narrow streets you’ll find all over the Philippines. Parking on the street (when there are no designated parking spots) can cause congestion and make it difficult/impossible for other drivers to navigate.

8. Be patient

Last but not least, patience is key when parking. It can be a stressful and chaotic place at times, but remember to take a deep breath and be patient with other drivers. We’re all just trying to find a spot so we can go about our day. Let’s make it easier for everyone by being respectful and following these parking etiquette rules.

Happy driving!