But in Portugal, leaving too little room between parked cars can actually result in a fine.

Under Article 48 of the Portuguese Highway Code, drivers must leave enough space for other vehicles to exit their parking places and for vacant spaces to remain accessible.

Failing to do so can result in a fine of between €30 and €150.

Minimum distance

There is no specific minimum distance that drivers must leave between parked vehicles.

Instead, the law focuses on whether another car can safely and reasonably manoeuvre out of its space.

Article 50 also prohibits parking in a way that prevents access to or the departure of another properly parked vehicle.

And in more serious cases, where a vehicle is blocking another from leaving, authorities may also have grounds to arrange for its removal.

So while squeezing into a tight parking space isn’t necessarily against the law, leaving another driver unable to get out could prove expensive.

It’s worth taking an extra moment to check how much room you’ve left before walking away.

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