The official definition of a 'parked car' can differ depending on the insurance company or state laws. In general, a car is defined as parked if it is stopped and unattended off of a public roadway. Sometimes a parked car can also be defined as a vehicle that is stopped, occupied and running but out of the roadway or in a parking lot or facility.

So typically a car at a red light is considered stopped and not parked. Normally a vehicle is still in gear and on a public roadway when at a light or stop sign so therefore is not parked. A vehicle that is occupied with the engine running might be considered parked if the car is still in 'park' as the gear selected and is off of the roadway in a parking spot.

For definitions related to car insurance you can go to our Learning Center.