An appropriate driveway width is an essential element of a well-designed parking space. This measurement varies by the size and type of vehicles you will be parking on the driveway.
What is the Standard for Driveway Width?
The standard measurement for driveway width is between 10 feet and 12 feet. If you own a small vehicle such as a car, this width will suffice your needs. However, for larger vehicles such as vans, trucks, campers, or RVs, you need a driveway with a minimum width of 12 feet.
Remember, a driveway is only good enough if it can accommodate all the cars you require to park on your property without hitting any landscape features, plantations, and building structures.
Apart from that, several other factors determine the width of your driveway. Continue to read about them, so the vehicle does not damage the building and fixtures in its surroundings during navigation and vice versa.
Factors influencing Driveway Width:
A standard driveway width for the residential property should be a minimum of 10 feet to 12 feet. On the other hand, a commercial driveway made to park large vans, trucks, and other vehicles must start at 12 feet. In this case, the upper limit for the driveway width depends on the individual parking needs of each commercial unit.
That said, there are standard driveway widths for the number of cars that you will be parking. For example, if you have more than 1 car, it is wise to know the recommended width for a driveway to accommodate all cars comfortably. Let us have a look at these measurements.
1. Single Car Driveway Width
A single-car driveway refers to residential driveways, and in this case, the above-mentioned standard width size of 10 feet to 12 feet will be appropriate and enough. However, you must ensure that you leave enough space on both sides of the driveway so the vehicle can turn easily without damaging any walls, fixtures, or plantations.
Plus, there should be enough space for you to step out of the car and onto the driveway’s pavement and not into your lawn. In case your driveway has walls on both sides, you have to ensure that there is enough space for both your car doors to open without hitting either wall.
2. Two Car Driveway Width
The minimum recommended width for a 2-car driveway is between 20 feet and 24 feet. 20 feet will give you enough to part two cards next to each other. However, this width will not allow both car doors to open when parked side by side.
On the other hand, a 24 feet wide two-car drive provides ample space for both cars to park next to each other with their doors wide open.
3. Three Car Driveway Width
As the name suggests, a three-car driveway, also known as triple driveway, allows you to park 3 cars or small to normal sized cars in a parking space. The minimum recommended measurement for this type of car driveway is between 20 feet and 30 feet.
Once again, the wider the driveway, the better it is. You have to make sure that you can open car doors easily of all 3 cars parked together on the driveway.
4. Circular Driveway Width
A circular driveway refers to a round-shaped drive or one that resembles a horseshoe design. If you are planning to build a circular driveway on your property, the minimum width of this driveway must be 12 feet.
This will give each vehicle enough space to turn without driving into the wall’s edge and causing damage to your driveway, property, and the vehicle itself.
Different Turning Radiuses
A turning radius is a minimum area required by the vehicle to make a turn without touching or damaging any walls, pavements, edges, plantations, lawn area, etc. there are four main turning radiuses you must consider when designing a driveway and determining its width.
1. Parking Areas
The minimum recommended turning radius for your parking area should be 9 feet to 18 feet for a single car. However, you will need an expert’s opinion on this if you are planning to park more than one car. On top of that, does your family or business have cars and vehicles of all shapes and sizes?
In that case, you will have to follow a thumb rule and create a turning radius for the parking area, keeping the largest vehicle or car in mind as smaller vehicles. As far as the bigger automotive can navigate, smaller ones will have no issue at all.
2. Backout Area
A parking space requires a minimum of 30 feet to 35 feet in length and 10 feet in width. However, a typical turnaround dimension of 10 feet by 20 feet should provide enough space for your car to back into or pull out of the drive.
3. Driveway Entry Radius
You must allow a minimum of 10 feet to 15 feet at the entrance of your driveway in order to avoid parking on a sidewalk. These sidewalks are the property of local and state governments. Therefore, you must not park your car in the way of people walking on these sidewalks.
4. Garage Turning Radius
This turning radius will vary with the size of your garage, i.e., how many cars/vehicles you will be parking in it. That said, here is a minimum breakup of radii for different garage sizes.
- A single car garage- 9 to 12 feet in width
- A double car garage –20 to 24 feet in width
- Parking stalls – 10 x 20 feet
- Single car turnaround – 10 x 20 feet
Things You Must Consider When Designing a Driveway
Here are seven factors that you must think through when planning your driveway.
- Pick a style that allows you to utilize maximum parking space
- Always make sure the ease of access
- Do not forget about the driveway accessories such as LED lights and curb lights.
- Pick a design that matches your taste, i.e., contemporary or traditional
- Check with your local authorities if you need permission before installing a new driveway
- Do not forget the importance of drainage
- Take care of the trees and other plantations nearby that may get under your driveway and impact its structural integrity.
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of driveway width, you can use this information to plan the designing phase of your project. However, if you wish to get some expert advice, Paving Finder can help you connect with experts’ opinions and access additional tips and resources.
