If you are owning or managing a parking the most important factor is how to use the signs! Using the right signs plays a determining role in parking because these signs help keep the area:
● Safe
● Easy to use
● Follow the Law
With appropriate signs, people will not be confused. Cars will be parked in the right places, and it will keep you away from getting fined.
This guide will explain the important signs you need. It will also tell you where to put them and why they matter.
Why Are Parking Signs Important?
Parking signs do more than show where to park. They help in many ways:
|
What They Do |
Why It Matters |
|
Keep people safe
|
Signs stop accidents between cars and people |
|
Follow the law |
Some signs are required by the government |
|
Help traffic move better |
Signs stop cars from getting stuck or blocked |
|
Make visitors happy
|
People can find parking faster and leave with ease |
Without signs, your lot can get messy. People won’t know what to do. That can lead to trouble or accidents.
Types of Parking Signs You Need
Let’s go over the most common signs that every parking lot should have.
1. Handicapped Parking Signs
These signs show parking spots for people with disabilities.
● Why needed: The law says every lot must have them
● Where to place: One sign for each disabled parking spot
Make sure the sign shows the wheelchair symbol and is easy to see.
2. Fire Lane Signs
These signs mark areas for fire trucks and emergency vehicles.
● Why needed: Fire lanes must stay open at all times
● Where to place: Every 25 feet along the fire lane
Never let anyone park in a fire lane. It must be clear in case of an emergency.
3. Directional Signs
These signs tell drivers where to go.
● Why needed: Stops confusion and keeps traffic moving
● Where to place: At entrances, exits, and turns
Examples include “One Way,” “Exit,” or “Turn Left.” These signs guide the flow of traffic.
4. No Parking Signs
These signs show areas where parking is not allowed.
● Why needed: Stops cars from blocking entrances or fire lanes
● Where to place: Loading zones, doors, gates, or tight corners
No parking signs help keep certain areas clear and safe.
5. Payment and Time Limit Signs
If your lot charges money or has time limits, use signs to show the rules.
● Why needed: People need to know how long they can park or how much to pay
● Where to place: At the entrance and near the payment machines
These signs must be clear and easy to read. Use large letters and numbers.
6. Other Helpful Signs
Your parking lot may need more signs depending on its size and use.
|
Type of Sign |
Use |
|
Stop Sign |
Controls traffic at intersections |
|
Pedestrian Crossing |
Protects people walking across the lot |
|
EV Charging Station |
Shows where electric cars can charge |
|
Tow Zone |
Warns drivers that cars may be towed from this area |
Why Good Signs Are Good for Your Lot
Using proper signs gives you many benefits. It helps both you and your customers.
|
Benefit |
How It Helps |
|
More safety |
Fewer crashes or people getting hurt |
|
Better traffic |
Cars move in and out faster |
|
Follow the law |
Avoid tickets or legal trouble |
|
Happy customers |
Easier for people to park and shop |
Best Materials for Parking Signs
Parking signs are used outside. So they need to handle sun, rain, and snow. Here are some strong materials:
|
Material |
Why It’s Good |
|
PVC |
Cheap, weatherproof, and easy to use |
|
Acrylic
|
Strong and clear, good for signs you want to stand out |
|
Aluminum |
Rust-proof and lasts a long time |
Tip: Use reflective signs so they shine when headlights hit them at night.
Where to Put Your Parking Signs
Putting signs in the right spots is important. If people can’t see them, they won’t follow the rules.
|
Type of Sign |
Where to Place It |
|
Handicapped Signs |
At each accessible parking space |
|
Fire Lane Signs |
Every 25 feet along the fire lane |
|
Directional Signs |
Near turns, exits, and entrances |
|
No Parking Signs
|
By doors, gates, loading areas, and tight spaces |
|
Payment Signs |
At the entrance and near the payment machines |
Signs should be high enough to be seen over parked cars. Mount them 5 to 8 feet above the ground.
Rules You Need to Follow
Some signs are required by law. Others depend on local rules. Always check before installing signs.
● ADA Rules: You must have handicapped signs with the wheelchair symbol
● City Rules: Some cities have rules about fire lanes or no-parking areas
If you’re not sure, call your city’s planning office or fire department.
Common Problems With Parking Signs
Here are a few things to watch out for:
|
Problem |
What to Do About It |
|
Weather damage
|
Use strong, waterproof materials like aluminum |
|
Blocked signs |
Trim bushes or trees that cover your signs |
|
Hard to see at night
|
Use reflective paint or lights to help drivers see them |
Check your signs once a month to make sure they are clean, visible, and in good shape.
What to Look for When Buying Parking Signs
When buying parking signs, don’t just grab the cheapest one. A good sign should be easy to read, built to last, and meet all the rules. Think about where you’ll put it, how big it should be, and if it needs to be seen at night. Buying the right sign now saves you money and trouble later.
|
What to Check |
Why It Matters |
|
Clear wording |
So people know what the sign means right away |
|
Durable materials |
To survive rain, sun, wind, and snow |
|
Reflective surface |
So headlights make it easy to see at night |
|
Right size |
Large enough to read, but not too big |
|
Meets legal rules |
Helps you avoid fines or having to replace signs |
Final Tips
Signs are a big part of a well-run parking lot. They help avoid problems and make things easier for everyone.
Quick Recap
● Use clear signs for disabled spots, fire lanes, directions, and no parking zones
● Put them in the right places and at the right height
● Choose weatherproof materials that last a long time
● Check the signs often and keep them clean
● Follow local and ADA rules to avoid fines
With the right signs, your parking lot will be safer, easier to use, and more welcoming to everyone who visits.
Need professional valet parking services? Contact ZAL PARKING today for reliable and efficient solutions!
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