Cramp Wheels to the Curb

Photo by Sarah Tillinghast Jenson

Have you ever seen this sign? Where did you see it? You can get a ticket for not obeying this parking rule, but what does it mean?

The directions are to "PARK PARALLEL" and in bold and larger font, the sign states, "CRAMP WHEELS TO CURB." Finally, at the bottom, it says to "SET BRAKES."

If you got your license to drive, you certainly know the words "park," "wheels," "brakes," and probably "curb."  What does parallel mean here?  Did you have to parallel park when you took the driving test? These days cars are pretty smart and have sensors on the sides and rear to help you squeeze your car into an empty space on the street.

If you live in a hilly part of San Francisco (is there any place that doesn't have hills in SFO?), you must know how to follow these directions. There are two directions that your wheels can face, depending on whether you are facing downhill or facing uphill. If you are facing downhill, your front tires need to be turned toward the curb. If you are facing uphill, your front tires need to be turned facing outward so that if the car's break failed, the car's front wheels would hit the curb. Otherwise, the car could roll into the center of the street.

Did you know that even without this sign, "Wheel cramping is required on all grades over 3% (hills) with or without the presence of signs. Block your wheels diagonally against the curb by turning your wheels into the curb when facing downhill and out to the street when facing uphill." For more advice, see City of San Diego's Official Website.

P.S. There are other meanings, of course, of cramp. I often get leg cramps, and ladies will also be familiar with another kind of monthly cramps. Thanks to Sarah for capturing this sign!