Parking signs are traffic safety signs which are used to solve parking related problems. For example, traffic congestion, wrong parking, driver confusion, parking disputes or blocked emergency access.

So, to handle these issues, traffic officers place parking signs. If you want to understand parking signs meaning, you can read this well researched guide.

Parking Signs, Types and Explanation

Blue P Parking Sign

When you see a blue P parking sign, it means you are allowed to park your vehicle in this area. Basically, the white "P" on a blue background is an international symbol for parking.

Way To Parking

A way to the parking sign guides you to the nearest parking area. Mostly, it has an arrow under the word “Way to Parking Sign”. Hence, if you follow the direction which is shown by the arrow, you can easily reach the designated parking zone .

Reserved Parking Sign

Well, no parking reserved spaces are designated for authorized users only. So, you should make sure the space is for you before you park your vehicle. Commonly, these signs are used for employees, residents, customers, permit holders or people with special parking privileges. Therefore, if you park without authorization then you could be fined.

Restricted/Controlled Parking Zone

This sign includes many additional information like you will see “No Loading” text under the restricted zone circle. This sign has a blue background, with a red circle and a tilted red cross line.

Therefore, when you enter a controlled parking zone you should check the parking rules. If parking is restricted to residents or permit holders then make sure you have a valid permit. Otherwise, you should park only when the restrictions do not apply on you.

1 Hour Parking Sign

What do the times on parking signs mean? The times on parking signs tell you when the parking rules apply. For example, a sign that shows 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM means you must follow the posted parking restrictions only during those specific hours. So, when you see a 1 hour or 1P parking sign it represents that you can park for just one hour.

Pay Parking Sign

This type of sign indicates that you must pay a parking fee to use this parking space. This is why you have to give the payment to the parking operator. You can use the method which is shown on the sign. For example, a parking meter, mobile app, pay station or other digital ways. In case you fail to pay, it will result in a parking ticket or penalty.

Permit Holder Only Parking Signs

Permit holders are people that have proper documentation to stop their vehicle in a specific area. These permits are provided by local councils. So, as a permit holder you have to show a permit when you see this sign at a parking lot. You often see this sign in different variations like:

• Permit holders excepted (This sign shows that the written restriction are not applied on the permit holders)

• Permit holders only Monday to Friday (It means you can park from Monday to Friday only. In other days, other drivers can park without any fine)

• Permit holder from 8:00AM to 6:30 PM (You can stop at represented time only)

• Resident permit holders only (If you live at that place you can show resident permit and park your car)

Parking sign For Buses

You can identify a bus parking sign by its rectangular shape. This sign has a blue or white background with a bus symbol or the word "BUS". These signs inform you that the area is reserved for buses only. Unless your vehicle is authorized as a bus, you should not park in the space to avoid fines or towing.

Bike Parking Signage

This sign has a bicycle symbol which is displayed on a blue or white rectangular sign. You will also see a big “P” on it that tells you, parking is allowed. Sometimes, you find It directs you to designated bicycle parking areas where you can safely leave your bike.

Pet or dog parking sign

You can spot a pet or dog parking sign by its dog symbol or pet related graphics. This sign marks a reserved area where you can safely tie up your dog if you want to enter a nearby store or building.

Wedding or Event Parking Signage

This sign board is placed at private properties like outside of marriage halls or event venues. This sign is placed to reduce the confusion of event attenders. Mostly, you see directional arrows on these sign boards.

The arrows direct you toward the exact area where you can park your car. Generally, these signs are more colorful and stylish, so they blend with the environment.

End of Controlled Parking Sign

You can identify the end of the controlled parking zone sign by the black diagonal line across a white empty circle. It marks the point where the previous parking restrictions ended. However, always check nearby signs before you park your vehicle.

Parking Sign For Electrical Vehicles

If you drive an electric vehicle then this sign directs you to a booked EV parking space. These areas include charging points. Mostly, they are marked with an EV symbol or charging plug. Hence, if you drive conventional vehicles, you should not park in these spaces.

Elderly / Senior Parking Sign

These spaces are provided as a courtesy for older adults and seniors of the company. Generally, it is located near building entrances to reduce walking distance. Therefore, you should always check before you park your car. You often see written “Senior Parking” at such a place with blue road marking paint. Commonly, this sign or markings are found in Australia.

No Parking Signs and What Do They Mean?

No Parking Signs With Arrows Meaning

This sign has a red “P” on it. A red circle is drawn around P which is crossed with a red line. This graphical representation shows, you can not park in this area. You often find arrows under this sign which tells you about the exact place where parking is permitted.

• No Parking Sign With Arrow Pointing Left Meaning: A left arrow tells you that you are not allowed to park on the left side behind the signboard.

• No Parking Double Arrow Sign: If the arrow is pointed on both sides it alerts you about parking restrictions on either side.

• No Parking Sign With Right Arrow: This arrow shows authorities abandoned you to park on the right side.

No Parking Emergency Vehicles Only Sign

Actually, these types of signs are placed for the parking of emergency vehicles. For example, police vans, fire brigades, ambulances and rescue vans. Therefore, you have to clear the way so they can move fastly.

C Sign Parking

Basically, “C” stands for clear way. So when you read a “C” word on the parking sign you should not stop or park your car. Because authorities installed this sign to provide a clear path for emergency vehicles or smooth traffic flow. Mostly, this sign tells you the time when you are permitted to stop. If you want to read real conversation about this “C” parking sign this post is for you.

If you face a "C At All Times” parking sign do not worry it means that you can not park at the place anytime. In other words, this sign prohibits you to stop or park for 24/7, all week & all month.

No Truck Parking Sign Meaning

You see different colors on traffic signs which deliver you specific messages. This sign has a black truck symbol inside a red circle and diagonal slash. If you drive a truck then you should avoid to park your truck at such a place. Otherwise, you could be fined. In some countries, this sign prohibits all vehicles with heavy loads if there is no truck parking sign installed.

S Parking Sign

When you see the letter "S" crossed out in red,, it means the roadside must remain clear at all times. Hence, you could not stop or park your car here under any circumstances. If you ignore the restriction it can result in a fine or other penalties because it is placed in very busy places. In no stopping zone, you may see a blue circular sign board. This sign is crossed with red lines to guide you.

No overnight parking

This sign means you cannot leave your vehicle parked in the designated area during overnight hours. These restrictions are applied so workers can clean streets & perform maintenance.

Moreover, it reduces illegal camping to assure parking spaces are available for residents or visitors in business hours. If you are still confused? You can look at this post to see how others understand this sign.

Parking Lot Full Signage

When you notice a “Car Park Full” or "Parking Lot Full” mentioned on a rectangular board, do not park here. Basically, it informs you that the lot is not free. Therefore, at that time you should search for other free parking zones.

No Parking Tow Away Zone Sign

Many no parking tow away zone signs include a picture of a tow truck pulling a car. This symbol warns that any vehicle parked illegally in the area will be towed. It serves as a visual reminder that the restriction is strictly enforced and that violating the sign could result in towing.

Temporary No Parking Sign

This type of sign board tells you that this area is prohibited to park any vehicle for a temporary time period. You often notice this sign at construction spots. So, they place temporary no parking signs to give a safe place to construction machines and workers. Sometimes, in case of events or concerts you might find this sign too.

Parking Lines or Stripes Meaning

• Single Yellow Line Parking On Road: If there is no prohibition sign near this line then you can pick up and drop off passengers. And if there is any restriction sign with a time limit, you should follow it.

• Single Yellow Line On Curb: This line tells you that loading and unloading is not allowed in specific time duration. This time is mentioned on the nearby sign board.

• Double Yellow Parking Zone Line: Double line on a road informs you are prohibited to stop, load or unload here at any time. Sometimes, there you find a sign board “No Stopping Except Buses” in this case, you are allowed to stop your bus only.

• Blue line parking: These are paid parking spaces. Hence you have a ticket if you want to park at this place. In some cities, they also show an exception of discounts for residents and specific permit holders.

• White parking line: What does a white parking line mean? There are mainly two types of white parking lines.  First one, an unbroken white line along the pavement of the road, it shows you could park. Second one, you find the white line on the road without pavement. It means you are not allowed to stop, park or wait at this place. This line is used to highlight the absence of pavement.

• Double Red Line Parking: Double red lines says, you must not park & stop to wait, pick up or drop off at any time. These types of lines are marked in major cities with high traffic volume.

• Zig Zag Lines on Road: These lines tell you not to park or stop at any time. Because these lines are present near pedestrian crossings.

• Yellow Zig Zag Lines: Yellow zig zag are not enforceable until you find a restriction board or written marking. So you can park or stop here if there is no warning sign.

Unclear or Misleading Parking Signs

• Loading Zone No Parking Sign: Mostly, this sign is placed on busy roads. It means that you are able to load and unload items from your van or car. But it is allowed for the very minimum time you can’t park at this spot.

• Coupon Parking: Coupon parking is a parking system which represents, you have to purchase a coupon to park here. You could purchase it through a machine. Now, show it on your car's dashboard so, parking worker can confirm it. If you have more questions about coupon parking visit this post.

• Carpool Parking Sign: This sign means, parking space is reserved for cars with a minimum of two or more people. Its main goal is to encourage carpooling and reduce traffic congestion.

• No Standing Zone: It stands for no parking area. But you may be permitted to stop for a brief time. You are not able to wait for cargo or someone. You are allowed for a quick pickup of someone.

Parking & No Parking Signs Rules

• If you encounter a parking sign, read its instructions with full attention. Like you should check the time limitation or any restriction.

• In case you did not understand the meaning of the sign, do not park your car.

• Park your car inside the marked areas to make the parking area well organized.

• You should not park your car at places which are reserved for disabled persons.

• Do not park your vehicle in areas that have “No Parking signs”, even if you plan to stop for only a few minutes.

• If a parking sign requires payment or a permit you should make sure to pay the required fee or display the correct permit.

• Always follow the hours and conditions shown on parking signs. Because parking rules can change in day & night time.

Parking Sign Distance Rules

• You must stand your vehicle at least 15 feet away from fire hydrants so emergency crews can access on time when needed.

• You have to leave at least 20 feet of space between your vehicle and marked crosswalks to improve visibility.

• Park your car at least 30 feet away from stop signs and traffic signals.

• You should maintain at least 5 feet of clearance from driveways. This step avoids blockage of vehicle entrances.

• Park your vehicle at least 50 feet away from railroad crossings.

• Never park your vehicle where it blocks a sidewalk or bike lane. Even if there is no parking sign, you could receive a fine.

• You must pay attention to painted curbs and road markings.

What Does 2P Mean on a Parking Sign?

A 2P parking sign enables you to park your vehicle for a maximum of 2 hours during the times shown on the sign. Once the 2 hour limit expires, you must move your vehicle according to your local parking regulations.

For example, if a sign reads "2P 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, you are able to park for up to 2 hours between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

How Far From a No Parking Sign Can I Park?

Well, there is no universal distance that tells you how many feet away from a no parking sign you are able to park. Instead, the restriction depends on the area which is defined by the sign, arrows, curb markings and local parking regulations. In most places, you can only park outside the restricted zone.

MUTCD Parking Signs Regulations

If you are a traffic safety officer, road construction worker, road safety sign manufacturer or road safety inspector you must read these rules by MUTCD:

• If you want to prohibit parking at all times or specific time duration. You must use white background with a red border and red lettering on it.

• In the scenario of a permissive parking area, you have to use a green border & legend on white background.

• When you manufacture parking signs you must follow this list to inform drivers in a standardized way. Firstly, write the restriction or prohibition. Secondly, display the time duration. Thirdly, the day of the week where restriction is not applied or applied.

• You must position parking signs at an angle of 30° to 45° toward approaching traffic.

• Confirm, all emergency restriction signs are rectangular and use a red or black legend on a white background.

• If we talk about its material it should be manufactured with 0.080 inch high quality aluminum. Furthermore, you must use HIP (high intensity prismatic) reflective sheeting to make them highly bright.

MUTCD Parking Sign Size Requirement

The standard parking sign sizes are 12 × 18 inches, 18 × 24 inches, 24 × 30 inches, and 30 × 36 inches. You have to choose them according to the traffic volume & weather scenarios.

MUTCD Letter Height Requirements

To Sum Up

If you have planned to install a parking or no parking sign on your street or parking facility, it is necessary to follow all the rules i have mentioned above. Otherwise, you face legal issues from higher regulatory bodies. According to research, almost 30% of urban traffic delays are related to parking issues.

So, if you want to decrease the parking problems in your area, JACKWIN can be your best partner. Our expert team will guide you further if you are interested.

FAQs

How to Get No Parking Sign in Front of House?

You are not legally able to install a no parking sign outside of your house. For this reason, you should submit a request to the higher authorities. So, if they approve your appeal you could install it.

Can Blue Badge Holders Park on Double Yellow Lines?

Yes, in England & Wales you are permitted to park for up to three hours. If there is no local restriction. But in Scotland and Northern Ireland there is no time limit for blue badge holders (a disabled peaking permit).

How Far Does a No Parking Sign Extend?

Generally, a no parking sign covers the total area from sign board to the next intersection or permission sign board. Furthermore, this Reddit post shows the suggestion of other road users so check it.

Can You Park Before a No Parking Sign?

First of all, you should skim the instructions on the sign board carefully. If you see directional arrows you must not park in that direction. But it may be possible to park before a no parking sign if it does not block traffic.

Is Coupon Parking Free on Weekends?

Yes, in Wellington coupon parking is free for up to 2 hours on weekends and public holidays. Hence, If you want to park, you must display a valid parking coupon.

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