Autoblog Green reports, “One reason that micro-vehicles like the Smart Fortwo exist is so that they can cut down on congestion.”  With space at a premium in urban areas, tiny two-passenger cars that can park two-to-a-space make sense -- “Unless, of course, laws prohibit these small cars from taking advantage of their enhanced parking possibilities.  This seems to be a problem out in California.” 

The San Francisco Chronicle explains, “In Europe, where more than 800,000 of the little cars have sold in the past decade, drivers often park perpendicularly - with their noses or tails to the curb - between parallel-parked larger cars. But in California, that violates a state law.”  According to a spokesperson for San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency, “while Smart cars cannot park perpendicularly on city streets, they can park two to a marked space as long as they both fit within the lines and allow room for each other to maneuver.”  Ken Kettenbeil, a spokesman for Smart USA, “Said the company has just started talking with some East Coast cities about Smart-friendly parking policies.”  Many Smart owners are hoping for a change.  Fortwo owner Joseph Alito, Jr. told the Chronicle, “Parking is probably the funnest part of the car.  My wife wants to put together a photo album of the tight parking spots we've been able to squeeze into.”

The growing popularity of the microcars may force cities to address the issue.  Daily Tech reports, “Penske Automotive Group (PAG), the U.S. importer for the Smart Fortwo, reports that the vehicle has surpassed all sales expectations. Over 15,000 Fortwos were originally projected to be sold in 2008, but Penske is now on track to receive 25,000 units this year -- all of which are spoken for.”  Owner Roger Penske “says that he could sell 40,000 units if he had the supply.”  The company has been struggling to keep up with demand for the little cars and is considering ways to speed production.  Though analysts expected the Fortwo to be a hit in major metro areas, Smarts have even been selling in the heartland.

It may still be possible to buy a Smart car even if you aren’t in the line yet.  Autoblog notes, “Although pre-order cancellation numbers haven't been officially released, some dealers are anticipating that around 25-percent of potential buyers that put down the required $99 deposit might opt out of the diminutive coupe,” leaving a car available for purchase.

Read all about the Smart Fortwo and its competition with U.S. News' rankings and reviews of affordable small cars.