We've all struggled with parking at some point — whether it's squeezing into a tight space or fumbling through parallel parking. But for some drivers, parking mishaps seem to be a way of life. This study, based on a survey of 1,000 drivers in the U.S., reveals which states, generations, and parking moves are the biggest sources of trouble for those on the road today.
Key Takeaways
- Gen Z is widely perceived as the worst parkers and is the most accident-prone: 41% of drivers think Gen Z is the worst at parking, and 29% of Gen Z drivers have damaged their cars while parking — the most of any generation.
- Worst drivers state-wise: Drivers think New Yorkers are the worst parkers (46%), followed by Californians (40%).
- Parallel parking is America's greatest driving challenge: Nearly half of drivers (47%) struggle with it, and 37% actively avoid situations requiring it.
- Drivers are willing to pay to avoid parking stress: 16% of Americans would pay extra for a self-driving car just to avoid parallel parking, willing to spend an average of $7,125 more for this convenience.
Worst Parking Offenders by State, Generation, and Car Brand
Everyday parking struggles fuel the ongoing debate over who the worst parkers are. From state to generational clashes, here's who drivers blame most.
Gen Z drivers topped the list as the generation most likely to cause parking headaches: 41% of respondents named them the worst parkers, leaving baby boomers (29%) and millennials (18%) far behind.
New York earned the unfortunate title of the state with the worst parkers, with 46% of drivers calling out its residents' parking habits. California wasn't far behind at 40% and was followed by Florida (34%) and Texas (22%).
Certain car brands didn't fare much better: 83% of Kia drivers and 82% of Honda drivers reported struggling with parking — higher than any other brand.
More than 1 in 5 drivers overall had damaged their car as a result of parking problems. Gen Z drivers, at 29%, were the most likely to damage their cars while parking. Among car brands, Hyundai (61%) and Chevrolet (59%) drivers were the most likely to have done so.
The Hardest Parking Maneuvers
Some parking moves are enough to leave drivers stressing behind the wheel. From parallel parking to high-tech assistance, here's what makes drivers break a sweat and bump a curb.
Parallel parking remains America's ultimate parking challenge, with nearly half of drivers (47%) admitting they struggle with it. In fact, 37% have gone out of their way to avoid parallel parking. Over a quarter of drivers (28%) were unable to parallel park, with women being nearly twice as likely as men to say so.
Technology seems to be the answer to some drivers' parking problems. About 1 in 6 were willing to pay extra for a self-driving car ($7,125, on average) to avoid having to parallel park.
Nearly 3 in 10 drivers (29%) said they frequently rely on a backup camera, while 24% use it occasionally. For some, it's essential — 7% admitted they can't park without it, a figure that rises to 10% among Gen Z drivers.
Parking Lot Drama: Arguments and Social Media Callouts
Parking lots can sometimes become hotspots for tension and viral-worthy moments. Here are the top causes of heated arguments and the drivers most likely to get into it.
Parking lots aren't just places for shopping or commuting — they're often ground zero for arguments and viral moments. More than one-third of drivers (35%) admitted they've been involved in a parking dispute. The most common cause was another driver parking too close to their car, which sparked 16% of confrontations. Mazda drivers were the most likely to have been in an argument over parking, followed by Toyota and Subaru drivers.
Bad parking habits don't always go unnoticed. Sometimes, they end up online for everyone to see. About 14% of drivers admitted to filming poor parking incidents and sharing them on social media. Whether it's a car taking up two spaces or a failed parallel parking attempt, these viral moments turn everyday parking slip-ups into entertainment for the internet.
Parking Problems Solved?
Parking issues are common across the country, with Gen Z and New York drivers often labeled as the worst parkers. Parallel parking continues to be a major hurdle, leading many to avoid it altogether or rely on backup cameras for help. But maybe the real question isn't about who parks the worst. Instead, it could be: How can we all get better at it?Consider these tips to reduce parking stress and avoid costly damage or disputes:
- Practice parallel parking in low-traffic areas to build confidence.
- Use parking aids, such as backup cameras or sensors, for better visibility.
- Choose less crowded spots in parking lots to minimize disputes and potential damage.Plan ahead by giving yourself extra time to find parking.
- Stay calm and patient to avoid confrontations with other drivers.Mastering these strategies can make parking a smoother experience — and help keep your car free from dings and dents.
Methodology
This study examines self-reported parking habits, challenges, and disputes among American drivers. Data was collected through an online survey of 1,000 U.S. drivers conducted on January 28, 2025. As with all self-reported surveys, responses may be subject to bias, including the potential for participants to overestimate or underestimate their driving abilities and parking infractions.
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