6 Parking Lot Signage Standards & Tips for Businesses

If your commercial building has a parking lot, there are certain parking signage regulations and guidelines to follow. Aside from the required signs, you may want additional signs to keep your lot safe and well-organized.

6 Parking Signage Regulations and Tips for Your Business

Here are several rules and tips to keep in mind as you begin purchasing parking lot signs:

1. Accessible Parking Spots Signs

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires a minimum number of accessible parking spaces depending on the size of your parking lot (see table below for the requirements). These signs must be placed on the spots nearest to the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible entrance.

The reserved space’s sign must feature the symbol of accessibility, while van-accessible parking spaces must have an additional “Van-Accessible” sign below it.

Each sign must be located 60 inches above the ground, as well.

2. Parking Lot Exit Signs

If you have issues with motorists speeding or crashing in your parking lot, you can strategically place different types of signs where they are needed. For example, placing stop or yield signs at exits and areas with high foot traffic can greatly increase drivers’ awareness and the safety of your parking lot.

Not to mention, unpleasant or potentially harmful parking conditions are your business could prevent customers from returning and could cause nearby pedestrians to lodge formal complaints against your business.

3. No Parking Signs

You can place “No Parking” or “No Stopping” signs if drivers are constantly blocking your entrance or loading areas.

You may further use this as an opportunity to warn vehicle operators that they will be towed if parking in restricted areas.

4. Customer Parking Only Signs

Patrons of adjacent or nearby businesses could be encroaching on your parking lot and driving your customers away if they’re unable to find parking. Solve this by placing customer parking signs that say “For [Your Business] Customers Only” to designate parking spaces for your paying customers.

When business owners have a well-planned parking lot, it gives a better impression to visitors. A haphazard and poorly organized parking lot will stress out drivers and pedestrians alike.

5. Directional Signs

Outdoor directional signage can be very important if you manage a commercial property and/or receive shipping deliveries on a regular basis.

Directing trucks and specifying where your service crew vs. customers must park has a big impact on your business. Not to mention, proper directional signage can help prevent accidents and keep your patrons safe.

6. Have Signs in Plain View and MUTCD-Compliant

Parking lot signs should not be obstructed by other objects (such as trees, other signs, etc.) or placed at a poor angle that may be difficult for drivers to see. Use our sign letter height visibility chart for help.

It’s also best to ensure proper lighting at night so drivers can easily see and view signs from inside their cars. For custom signs, make sure your color and font choices are legible enough for the average-sighted.

In the United States, the Manual on Uniform and Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is a set of regulations for traffic control devices (signs, road markings, traffic signals, etc.). Although each state can have their own set (ex. Texas), they must considerably resemble federal regulations. It’s important to make sure your sign manufacturer knows how to comply with these parking lot signage standards depending on where you are since the signage regulations differ by state and for public and private areas.

Contact Houston Sign for Professional Parking Signage

Our commercial sign company in Houston has the equipment needed to supply all of your parking lot signs, retail signage, and office signs in Houston.

Contact us today for a quote!