Types of Parking Signs

Parking signs come in various shapes, sizes, and designs to communicate different rules and regulations. They help drivers find where, for how long, and under what conditions they can park. From usual parking signs to reserved, handicap, and time-limited parking signs, these plaques are meant to ensure safety and orderly parking in any area.

Here are the most common types of parking signs, along with the legal standards to which they must adhere.

Parking Sign Types Every Parking Lot Should Have

A well-organized parking lot features different signs that keep the area organized. Entrance and exit signs regulate smooth traffic flow, and parking and no-parking signs keep the area congestion-free. Other special-use parking signs can also designate parking spaces for specific groups of people.

All of these plaques are durable aluminum signs that stay fresh for a long time. Those made of reflective aluminum are visible around the clock thanks to their unique reflective material.

Entrance and Exit Parking Signs

Entrance and exit parking signs are traffic management plaques essential for regulating safe movement. These signs must fully comply with legal standards concerning their design and placement.

• The entrance and exit signs must be unobstructed by items to ensure clear visibility.
• These parking signs must include text in capital letters not smaller than 3” to be read from a moving vehicle.
• Each exit sign must be illuminated by a reliable light source, typically a battery or generator, in the event of a power outage.
• Exit and entrance signs must have white lettering on a green background, respectively.
• Both entrance and exit signs must be uppercase, showcased in a sans-serif font.
• Entrance and exit signs must have a high color contrast to ensure clear visibility.
• The signs must have a margin to prevent the text from running to the edges.

Note: Always follow your local rules and regulations before designing your entrance and exit parking signs.

Accessible (ADA) Parking Signs

These signs ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Featuring the International Symbol of Accessibility (wheelchair symbol), they’re placed at specific heights so that drivers can recognize them. ADA parking signs adhere to strict regulatory guidelines.

• The ADA parking sign must be mounted 48–60 inches above the floor or ground, measured to the bottom of the sign.
• The ADA parking sign must have sans-serif, uppercase characters and feature the International Symbol of Accessibility (wheelchair).
• The sign must have high-contrast colors (dark lettering on a light background or vice versa).
• Blue and white are the typical colors of ADA parking signs. The background is blue, and the text and graphics are white.

Note: Always follow your local rules and regulations before designing your ADA parking signs.

Parking Area Guide Signs

Parking area guide signs are designed to help drivers navigate through parking lots easily without causing disorder. They follow legal guidelines.

• The Parking area guide sign must be a horizontal rectangle measuring 30” x 24”. Smaller signs must be 18” x 15”.
• The sign must showcase the word “Parking,” with the letter “P” five times larger than the other letters.
• Parking area guide signs must include arrows, directional indicators, and texts that read “Visitor Parking,” “Handicap Parking,” etc.
• The legend and border of the parking area guide signs must be green on a white background.
• These signs must be illuminated with steady lights. Flashing lights that obscure the driver’s vision or the sign’s content are prohibited.

Note: Always follow your local rules and regulations before designing your parking area guide signs.

Regulatory and Restriction Parking Signs

Regulatory and restriction parking signs, governed by legal requirements, communicate rules such as no parking, no stopping, time limits, tow-away zones, etc.

• Regulatory and restriction parking signs must indicate restrictions or prohibitions, the times of day, or the applicable days of the week.
• These signs must be reflective or illuminated to show the same shapes and colors day and night.
• The colors of regulatory and restriction signs are standard. Red applies to prohibitions (No Parking), green, black, and white indicate regulations (time limits), and blue features accessibility.
• These signs must always be in good condition, obstruction- and damage-free, to be legally valid.
• Permanent or long-time parking prohibition signs must have a red legend and border on a white background.
• Temporary or limited-time parking signs must have a green legend and border on a white background.

Note: Always follow your local rules and regulations before designing your regulatory and restriction parking signs.

Reserved and Special-Use Parking Signs

Reserved and special-use signs are designed to ensure compliance and accessibility for specific users, including employees, customers, visitors, and individuals with disabilities. These signs follow regulatory requirements.

• Reserved and special-use parking signs must be at least 60” above the ground.
• Signs must be 12” wide and 18” tall to catch a driver’s glance from a distance.
• Sans-serif, uppercase letters larger than 1” are allowed for reserved parking signs.
• Reserved parking signs must have high color contrasts.
• A 1” white border around the plaque is required.
• Each accessible space should have at least one reserved parking sign.
• The reserved parking sign must be installed at the entrance or front of each reserved area.
• Reserved parking signs for persons with disabilities must show the accessibility space and the International Symbol of Accessibility.
• A Van-Accessible parking sign must be installed in areas where wheelchair-accessible vans are accommodated.
• Reserved parking signs must be retro-reflective where lighting is poor.

Note: Always follow your local rules and regulations before designing your reserved and special-use parking signs.

How to Design Effective Signs for Parking Lots

Designing parking signs isn’t about creating beautiful plaques. They must meet legal standards to communicate messages effectively and clearly. Most types of parking signs should include lettering written in legible fonts, have good color contrast, and sizes that complement the installation area.

Best Fonts for Parking Lot Signs

These signs are clearly readable if their messages are written in simple fonts.

• Sans-serif fonts provide maximum readability.
• The content in its entirety should be in uppercase or mixed-case lettering.
• The lettering should be featured on a contrasting background.
• The letter height should be based on the viewing distance.
• Decorative fonts are prohibited.

Here are the best fonts for parking sign lettering:

• Arial - all types of parking signs;
• Clearview - wayfinding plaques;
• Helvetica - instructional messages;
• Highway Gothic - regulatory and safety signs;
• Univers - directional signs.

Best Colors for Parking Lot Signs

The best colors for these signs are black, white, green, blue, red, and yellow. They make combinations that help drivers catch the message even with a single glance.

• Green indicates permission and guidance, ideal for general information.
• Blue is the universally recognized color of accessibility.
• Red signals restriction, danger, and emergency.
• Yellow alerts about potential hazards.
• White and black serve as instructional signals; easy to read from afar.

The most used color combinations are:

• White on green;
• White on blue;
• White on red;
• Red on white;
• Black on yellow;
• Black on white.

Well-designed parking signs are crucial for safety, organization, and accessibility in any parking lot. From parking area guide signs to accessible and regulatory signs, each must follow legal standards, feature a clear message, and have high-contrast colors. They should be made of durable materials, properly installed, and illuminated at night to help drivers navigate easily, reduce congestion, and ensure a safe parking space for everyone.

Contact us today and get professional help to create parking signs that will last for years to come.