Is ‘Pull-Through’ Parking Illegal In Michigan?

Other than hitting deer and turkey deer and turkey hitting my truck, the only accidents I have experienced in Michigan have happened in parking lots. Sliding on a sheet of ice into a parked car, backing into a woman as I left the grocery store, or colliding with a planter box.

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Except for the planter box incident (the darn thing jumped right out in front of me), the other costly fender benders could have been avoided had I used the 'pull-through' parking. But, is this ultimately 'safer on the exit' method legal in Michigan?

What is 'Pull-Through' Parking

Chances are you've used the 'pull-through' parking method several times without knowing what it is. It's simply driving straight through an empty parking spot into another empty spot in front of you (as demonstrated by the blue car in the above diagram). This allows you to drive straight out of the place and into the parking row without backing up when you leave the lot.

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You can accomplish the same thing by backing into a spot, but the 'pull-through' method is more straightforward (pun intended) and saves time without navigating a crowded environment in reverse.

'Pull-Through' Parking Drawbacks and Legality in Michigan

The most glaring drawback of 'pull-through' parking is blocked sightlines in the lot. If you drive straight into two empty spots, someone could be pulling into the same spot in the opposite lane, and you're unable to see them because your view is obstructed by other parked cars. This scenario could lead to crunched headlights, hurt feelings, and road rage (let's face it, no one likes losing a parking spot).

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While there are obvious hazards involved, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. As to its legality, Michigan's Vehicle Code Act 300 does not prohibit the practice, but caution is recommended. Most parking lots are private property, so if you see a sign that prohibits pull-through parking, it's best to follow along.