10 Signs That Should Be in Every Parking Lot

The 10 Must-Have Signs for Every Parking Lot

Business owners usually have a plan for setting up and organizing the interior of their business, but the same can’t necessarily be said for their parking lot and signage needs. This can even apply to municipal buildings and schools; it can be challenging to come up with what specific signs are needed, how many are needed, and where they should be posted.

Let’s think about all the various aspects that need to be considered when planning parking lot signage and safety; not only will there be vehicle traffic, but there’s also pedestrian traffic that needs to be accounted for. In addition to all of that, parking lots must also identify the various types of parking, like handicap-accessible parking, employee parking, and others.

To help our customers navigate some of the necessary sign options, we’ve made a list of the 10 most common ones that every safe and well-organized parking lot should have.

1. Fire Lane Signs

Depending on where your parking lot is located, you might need to have a designated area adjacent to the building that must be kept clear for emergency vehicles and the fire department. Fire lanes must be kept clear for safety and prohibiting parking in these areas is an absolute must.

These municipal quality signs are perfect for parking lots, visitor areas, and garages, and will warn customers, visitors, and delivery drivers that the specific area must be kept clear.

2. Handicap Parking Signs

Designated handicap-accessible parking spots are mandatory in all parking lots to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the ADA accessible parking guidelines, parking lots with 1 to 25 spots need to have at least one accessible parking space.

he number of mandated accessible parking spaces increases as the total number of parking spaces increases, to a maximum of 20, plus 1 for each 100 in lots with more than 1,001 parking spaces. Each handicapped parking spot is required to have an accompanying handicap parking sign, and van-accessible spots must have the additional van-accessible sign.

The Federal Highway Administration has created standardized accessible parking signs to use in most parking lots, certain states have also created ADA-compliant designs with additional messages that also need to be included. To check if your state requires specific accessible parking signage, visit our directory of handicap parking signs by state.

3. Parking Prohibited Signs

Just as you must require handicap-accessible parking, there are also areas where you restrict parking entirely to maintain safety and compliance. Additionally, there may be areas you choose to prohibit parking for your own needs or policies. Regardless, a parking prohibited sign will allow you to clearly identify areas in which drivers may not park their vehicles.

Some main areas where you might put parking prohibited signs include near dumpsters, entrances and/or exits, loading zones, and anywhere else that a parked vehicle could be hazardous or get in the way.

4. Speed Limit Signs

Did you know that speed limit signs aren’t just needed for roadways? You don’t want vehicles to be driving at dangerous speeds, and the best way to designate speed limits in your parking lot is by posting speed limit signs. This won’t only protect pedestrians, but it will also protect the drivers and property.

Posting a speed limit sign inside of your parking lot is also a helpful reminder to drivers that they are no longer on the open road and should be mindful of other potential hazards, like other vehicles backing out of parking spaces.

5. Customer Parking Signs

Customer parking signs can used by businesses for compliance with local regulations, as well as to ensure that their customers will have ample access to parking spaces. These signs will help prevent your parking spots from being used by employees, other business patrons, or any other unauthorized vehicles or visitors.

Reserving parking spaces specifically for your customers is a wonderful way to show them that you appreciate their business, and it also helps to ensure that you don’t lose any potential business due to a lack of customer parking.

6. Directional Parking Signs

Directional parking signs help visitors that are trying to locate parking, especially visitors who may not have been to your building before.

Directional parking signs, including signs with “parking ahead” messaging and arrows directing drivers to your parking lot, are crucial for helping visitors locate the correct parking places and helping them locate your entrance. These signs are especially useful when parking is located away from the main entrance or behind your building.

7. Entrance and Exit Signs

Entrance and exit signs are imperative for establishing and continuing an orderly flow of traffic in your parking lot by giving clear directions to drivers. These signs can help avoid accidents, traffic jams, and other traffic issues by ensuring the correct flow of traffic.

You can help drivers navigate your property with ease by posting entrance and exit signs throughout your parking lot where needed.

8. Pedestrian Crossing Signs

Pedestrian crossing signs are very effective for alerting drivers to specific areas where there may be pedestrian traffic. These are often used near entrances, exits, and other areas of the parking lot where pedestrians often cross near vehicle traffic.

These signs can be posted all around parking lots, including larger parking lots with multiple parking areas separated by private roads.

9. Parking Lot Property Signs

Parking lot property signs help communicate policies related to shoplifting, security, private property in the parking lot, and more.

These signs are crucial for business parking lots and other areas that are frequented by customers, as well as in parking lots that are in high crime rate areas.

10. Stop Signs

Stop signs are one of the most important signs on the road and in parking lots! Not only do stop signs alert drivers to where they must stop, but they also help drivers stay alert to any potential hazards or problems by making them stop and check their surroundings before proceeding.

Stop signs also help regulate speed because drivers are less likely to drive quickly when they see an upcoming stop sign. Stop signs are often used at the exit of parking lots to help remind drivers they should stop and check for oncoming vehicles and pedestrian traffic before exiting.