Thought you know everything about driving? How long has it been since you’ve looked at that old Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual? There is one parking law not a lot of people know, but you should know it, or you’re liable to get a ticket. Page 52, Chapter 3, “Learning to Drive,” is where you’ll find that law: Always park in the direction traffic moves. You also can find this regulation on most city websites; for example, the City of Greensburg’s website lists it under “Article III Parking Regulations.”
Back in 2013, the City of Jeannette Police started to enforce this law. In a Feb. 27, 2013, Tribune-Review article, they stated that fines of up to $15 would be issued for vehicles parking the wrong way. Jeannette would be the local leader in enforcing parking laws.
You may ask, why is this law important? Have you parked the wrong way with your steering wheel against the curb? When you’re ready to pull out, it’s pretty hard to see, and right off the bat you are on the wrong side of the road. You could cause an accident, and you’re putting others at risk.
Southwest Greensburg and South Greensburg police only have part-time officers, unlike the City of Greensburg. I don’t see this law being enforced around these parts of Greensburg. State Rep. Eric Nelson explained to me that with only part-time officers, it’s hard to enforce parking regulations. I haven’t yet reached out to the police chief for comment .
George Boettner
Southwest Greensburg