Must-have signs for every parking lot

For those who value safety, convenience and clarity, well-placed and well-maintained signs in parking lots are more than just pieces of metal — they are essential visual guides that facilitate smoother traffic flow, safer pedestrian crossings and overall peace of mind.

Compliant parking lots and signage help create safe intersections, ensuring drivers know when to stop, yield or proceed cautiously. They also designate parking areas clearly, helping to avoid confusion and potential conflicts among drivers. And most importantly, among other things, they mark safe crosswalks, protecting pedestrians from moving vehicles.

Moreover, maintaining compliance with local regulations through proper signage keeps your parking lot legal and credible. So, if you're looking to enhance the functionality and safety of your parking lot, investing in the right signs is not just an option; it's a must.

1. Accessibility

   

   According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), every parking lot needs to have a specific number of accessible parking spots marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility.

   While there are several accessibility signs, here are a few specific ones that play a crucial role:

   • Reserved Parking signs are critical in helping to ensure that designated spaces for people with disabilities or elderly customers are available.
   • Accessibility Entrance signs point the way to ramps, automatic doors and other accessible entrances for individuals with disabilities.
   • Van Accessible signs show spots that have enough room for the ramps or lifts that people who use wheelchairs may use to enter or exit their vehicles.

   A parking lot that caters to everyone's needs isn't just good business. It’s the right thing to do.

   Alternative fuel and charging stations

   

   Parking lot signs make life easier for electric vehicle (EV) drivers by indicating dedicated charging spots and clear instructions. They also keep drivers in the loop about charging station availability and functionality.

   • Danger: Battery Charging Area signs help prevent accidents and ensure everyone’s safety by clearly marking dangerous areas.
   • Electric Vehicle Charging Only signs reserve specific spots for EVs, ensuring that those needing to charge their vehicles can do so without hassle.
   • Electric Vehicle Charging signs might display information like charging rates, operating hours or instructions for use.

   This signage is important for keeping your parking lot running smoothly and allowing EV drivers to charge their vehicles safely and conveniently.

2. Blank parking

   Blank parking signs offer flexibility, allowing you to tailor your messaging based on your needs.

   • Tailored regulations: Each parking lot and its rules are different. Maybe your lot has specific hours of operation, or perhaps there's a section reserved for carpool vehicles. You can use signage to address these considerations.
   • Custom directions: You can provide clear, customized directions with blank parking signs.
   • Safety measures: Maybe you need to warn drivers about a low-hanging branch, a sharp turn or a spot prone to ice in the winter. A blank sign gives you the freedom to craft the perfect warning message.

   If you're designating a no-parking zone, your sign should meet the color, size and lettering standards set by your local government.

3. Custom parking

   Not every business has the same parking needs, and custom parking signs allow you to personalize not just your message, but also the visual aesthetics of your sign:

   • Custom Parking signs communicate specialized messages about parking, such as reserving spots for eco-friendly rides, setting aside space for food trucks or marking private parking.
   • Custom Traffic Cones allow you to add your logo or display a fun message while indicating areas that are blocked off to vehicles.
   • Custom School signs make school zones safer, such as by helping to teach kids about road safety or guiding parents to the proper school drop-off zone.

   Any customization should comply with local sign visibility, language and placement regulations.

4. Directional

   

   Directional signs provide guidance and clarity, making sure everyone gets to their destination without any unnecessary detours.

   • Wrong Way signs alert drivers that they are driving into oncoming traffic. Posting this signage can potentially save lives.
   • One Way signs ensure a smooth traffic flow and reduce the chance of head-on collisions.
   • Detour signs guide drivers through unexpected changes, helping them reach their destination.
   • No U-Turn signs are placed at particular points to help prevent accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

   While GPS systems and smartphone maps are great, nothing can replace the reliable guidance of these traditional directional signs.

5. Distracted driving

   Distracted driving can be deadly for everyone involved, making warning signage vital.

   • Don't Drive Distracted signs serve as critical reminders to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
   • No Hand-Held Cellphone Use signs remind drivers to put down their phones and focus on driving.
   • No Texting While Operating Vehicle signs are crucial in combating this widespread issue.

   These are super important for busy areas with kids and pedestrians.

6. Entrance and exit

   Clearly outlining entrances and exits effectively reduces congestion and accidents. Entrance signs help drivers find their destination quickly and easily, while exit signs notify them when it's time to turn off.

   • Do Not Enter signs stand guard at one-way streets, exit ramps and restricted areas, ensuring all vehicles follow the rules.
   • Exit Only signs mark the lanes that lead only to exits and save people from last-minute lane changes and potential accidents.
   • Enter Only signs ensure cars enter at the correct points, helping manage traffic and preventing entrance-related confusion or mishaps.

   Without these signs, drivers may not know which way to go, resulting in confusion on the roads.

7. Fire and emergency

   

   Fires and emergencies can happen without warning; everyone needs to know what to do in those chaotic moments.

   • No Parking Fire Lane signs are crafted to deter individuals from parking in lanes necessary for firefighter access.
   • Fire Department Connection signs direct firefighters to the nearest water supply for their hoses.

   Every second counts in the heat of an emergency, and these signs can shave precious time off the response.

8. No parking

   These signs are valuable for businesses and public spaces alike. They help keep streets and sidewalks car-free and more accessible to people with disabilities, buses and emergency vehicles.

   • No Parking signs let drivers know when they cannot park in certain areas.
   • No Parking Loading Zone signs provide a designated area for people picking up and dropping off goods or passengers.
   • No Parking Overnight signs help control who is allowed to park in an area and when.

   Depending on your business or area, you may need to customize these signs with additional information.

9. No stopping and no idling

   Stopping or idling is prohibited in certain areas for safety and environmental reasons. These signs help drivers know exactly where they should, and shouldn't, stop their vehicles.

   • No Stopping signs help create safe paths for emergency vehicles and keep pedestrians from being blocked by parked cars.
   • Idle-Free Zone signs tell drivers that idling is prohibited in the area, helping reduce air pollution and noise levels.

   Leaving engines running while parked adds to air pollution. These signs remind drivers to do their bit to cut emissions.

10. Pedestrian and foot traffic

    It should be no surprise that pedestrian and foot traffic signs help keep sidewalks safe.

    • Slow Children signs are placed around playgrounds, school zones and other areas with kids. They remind drivers to slow down and pay extra attention to the area.
    • Stop for Pedestrians signs remind drivers of their responsibility to yield to any pedestrians crossing the road.
    • Slow Pedestrian Crossing signs call attention to areas where people may be walking, running or biking across the street, reminding drivers to reduce their speed and look out for foot traffic.

    These signs are essential for keeping walkers safe from cars and ensuring that everyone follows the road rules.

11. Pick-up/drop-off signs

    Pick-up and drop-off signs are there to show drivers where they should wait for students. They help keep kids safe from traffic and ensure pick-ups go smoothly.

    • No School Drop-Off or Pick-Up signs are typically placed near the entrance of a school to remind drivers that they cannot use the area for dropping off or picking up children.
    • Customer Pick-Up signs indicate where people should wait when another person is picking them up. This prevents drivers from stopping in the wrong place.
    • Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up signs help guide drivers to areas designated for student drop-off and pick-up. This helps keep kids safe from traffic and get where they’re going safely.

    These signs are essential to keeping our young community safe.

12. Parking lot property

    Parking lot property signs are essential for keeping drivers from entering restricted areas.

    • No Trespassing signs keep people out of private parking lots and other restricted areas.
    • Keep Out signs alert drivers that they are not allowed to enter the area, helping to keep them from entering restricted areas by mistake.

    These signs make sure people know which areas are restricted and not open to the general public.

13. Reserved parking

    Whether it's a doctor's office or a corporate building, reserved parking signs help keep order in the lot and ensure that everyone knows who can park where.

    • Reserved for Expectant Mothers signs are typically placed in parking lots near entrances, ensuring expectant mothers have convenient access without the need to walk long distances.
    • Reserved Parking signs ensure that the right people can access parking when needed.
    • Reserved for Patients signs are used by healthcare facilities to ensure that the people who need medical care can access it quickly and easily.

    These are invaluable to businesses and other facilities that provide a special level of care for their customers.

14. Stencils

    Stencils might not technically be signs, but they are critical in managing traffic. They tell people where to stop, where to yield and even where to cross the street. A few of the most common types include:

    • Crosswalk stencils
    • Stop line stencils
    • Yield line stencils

    These come in handy if your parking lot is smaller or doesn't have much space for signage.

15. Time limits

    Time limit signs help prevent parking congestion and ensure those using your parking lot stay for the required time. The most common are:

    • 15 Minute Parking
    • 30 Minute Parking
    • 1 Hour Parking

    These make it clear when people need to move their cars.

16. Tow zone

    These signs are crucial for ensuring your parking lot is only used for the intended purpose.

    • No Parking Tow Away Zone signs mark areas where parking is prohibited because it would block traffic or create a safety hazard.
    • No Parking Violators Will Be Towed signs warn that if you park without permission, your car could end up at the impound lot.

    You may need to install these signs if you have a particularly busy parking lot.

17. Traffic control

    These signs are critical in keeping drivers safe in parking lots as they help control speeding, give notice of construction and more.

    • Your Speed signs display drivers’ current speed to encourage them to stay within the speed limit and slow down if necessary.
    • Slow signs, often found in residential areas or construction zones, remind drivers to slow down and stay alert.
    • Construction Ahead signs warn of upcoming construction so cars can slow down and be prepared for changes in road conditions.

    Ultimately, parking lot safety signs aren’t just about rules and regulations, they also show you care for the well-being of your patrons.