Top 15 Parking and No Parking Signs for Compliance & Safety

Ever watched drivers inch along your curb, unsure where they can stop? That hesitation risks fender-benders, blocked fire lanes, and citations you’d rather avoid. Clear, compliant parking signage is the smallest investment with the biggest impact on traffic flow and liability, yet choosing the right message, size, and reflective grade can feel like decoding a rulebook.

This guide simplifies it. We’ve hand-picked the 15 parking and no-parking signs every facility manager, property owner, and safety coordinator should post for rock-solid compliance and stress-free enforcement. Each entry breaks down the key wording and design cues, cites the exact MUTCD, ADA, or local code section behind it, and offers quick placement advice—so you can order or customize with confidence. Ready to see which signs will keep your lot orderly and inspection-ready? Let’s start with the most versatile option.

1. Safety Decals Customizable Parking & No Parking Signs

If you need a sign that does more than say “No Parking,” Safety Decals’ in-house builder lets you tweak everything—wording, arrows, logos, even bilingual copy—without veering off the regulatory rails. Start with a MUTCD-ready template, swap in your colors or branding, and the system keeps symbol proportions and color contrast locked to spec, so you can’t accidentally design an illegal sign.

What Makes This Sign Stand Out

Dozens of pre-loaded layouts for fire lanes, reserved stalls, tow-away zones, and more
Printed on ORALITE/ORAFOL engineer-grade or prismatic sheeting rated 7–10 years outdoors
.080-in. rust-proof aluminum with rounded corners and pre-drilled 3/8-in. holes for fast mounting

Ideal Applications & Industries

Manufacturing campuses juggling truck docks and employee lots, school districts that need mascot branding, and apartment complexes where bilingual “No Parking—Driveway Active” messages cut towing disputes. Anywhere local code demands unique language, these customizable parking and no parking signs fit the bill.

Compliance & Ordering Tips

Match your design to the correct MUTCD code (R7-1 through R7-8).
Calculate letter height: Minimum Letter Height (in) = Viewing Distance (ft) / 25.
Mount so the bottom edge sits 60 in. above grade in lots (urban sidewalks: 84 in.).
For nighttime enforcement, choose Type IV prismatic sheeting and keep background reflectance ≥ 50 cd/lx/㎡.

Lock those details in during checkout, and your sign ships ready for the inspector’s tape measure.

2. MUTCD R7-6 “NO PARKING ANY TIME” Sign

The workhorse of parking and no parking signs, the R7-6 tells motorists in plain language that stopping short of an emergency is off-limits—24/7, both directions. Because it’s the nationwide default, inspectors recognize it at a glance and expect to see it wherever curb space must stay open.

Core Message & Design Elements

Red legend on white reflective background with double-headed arrow showing the ban extends both left and right.
Standard size 12 × 18 in. for surface streets; upsize to 18 × 24 in. on arterials for legibility at speed.
High-contrast color pair matches MUTCD Table 2B-1 for regulatory signs.

Compliance & Material Recommendations

Minimum sheeting: Type I engineer-grade; upgrade to Type IV prismatic when road speeds exceed 35 mph or glare is a concern.
Optional enforcement line—“Violators Will Be Towed”—can be added as a supplementary plaque without voiding MUTCD status.
Use R7-6 code at bottom right corner to satisfy many municipal purchasing specs.

Placement Tips for Maximum Effect

Start and end every restricted zone with an R7-6; repeat every 150 ft. along the curb to eliminate “I didn’t see it” excuses.
Mount 5 ft. above grade in parking lots, 7 ft. on sidewalks for pedestrian clearance.
Pair with red curb paint where local ordinances allow for added visual reinforcement.

3. “No Parking – Fire Lane” Reflective Aluminum Sign

Fire officials don’t negotiate when it comes to fire lanes—those 20 feet of curb are an emergency artery, not overflow parking. A dedicated “No Parking – Fire Lane” sign backed by reflective aluminum leaves zero wiggle room, warns drivers of steep fines, and keeps hydrant and apparatus access wide open during an incident.

Core Message & Design Elements

Bold red “NO PARKING” stacked over matching red “FIRE LANE” for instant recognition
Optional fire-truck or flame icon helps non-English speakers grasp the rule in a split-second
Standard 12 × 18 in. (.080 in. aluminum) with rounded corners; upgrade to 18 × 24 in. for long sight lines
Type IV prismatic sheeting meets MUTCD visibility and resists UV fade for 10+ years

Fire Code & Enforcement Notes

References International Fire Code §503 requiring unobstructed fire department access roads
Many municipalities mandate signs every 25 ft.—verify local fire marshal’s spacing table
Recommended tow-away wording: “Violators Towed at Owner’s Expense (Code §____)” to satisfy notice statutes
Larger fines—sometimes $250+—should be listed when city ordinance allows

Mounting & Visibility

Mount bottom edge 84 in. above sidewalk or 60 in. above grade in lots; keep sign plane parallel to traffic flow
Pair with continuous red curb paint for redundancy and nighttime retroreflective beads
Use breakaway U-channel or square steel posts to meet crash-worthiness requirements in parking areas
Position the first sign within 3 ft. of fire hydrants or FDC connections to emphasize critical clearance

4. ADA-Compliant Reserved Parking Sign

Handicap stalls aren’t just courtesy spots—they’re federally protected spaces subject to steep fines when marked incorrectly. An ADA-compliant reserved parking sign ensures accessible spaces are easy to find, legally enforceable, and unmistakable at night or in bad weather. Unlike generic parking and no parking signs, these must follow a stricter recipe covering color, iconography, and placement.

Essential Design Features

White on blue International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) centered or left-justified
Upper-case “RESERVED PARKING” legend in green or white, depending on state spec
Optional lower plaque: “Van Accessible” when stall width ≥ 8 ft plus 8 ft aisle
Engineer-grade or higher reflective sheeting for 24/7 visibility

Legal Must-Haves

2010 ADA Standard §502.6: bottom of the lowest panel ≥ 60 in. above ground surface
Sign face perpendicular to driver approach; edges rounded to reduce injury risk
If state imposes penalties, a secondary plaque stating fine (e.g., “$250 Fine”) must be attached
Minimum 1 in. letter height per 25 ft viewing distance; numerals ≥ 3 in. for fines

Site Implementation

Mount the sign at the head of each accessible stall, never on the shared aisle. Pair with pavement markings—a white ISA stencil—and keep the aisle free of wheel stops that obstruct lift deployment. For multi-space lots, include directional arrows guiding drivers to additional accessible bays.

5. “Tow-Away Zone” No Parking Sign

When polite reminders fail, a “Tow-Away Zone” notice adds real teeth to your parking policy. These signs leave no doubt that unauthorized cars will vanish on a flatbed—and that the owner will foot the bill. Because towing involves due-process rules, the sign’s wording, size, and placement must meet specific state statutes in addition to MUTCD fundamentals.

Purpose & Messaging

Combines the familiar red “NO PARKING” legend with a bold “TOW-AWAY ZONE” header or lower plaque.
Space for the enforcing code section, tow company phone, or lot owner contact keeps the notice legally airtight.
Works best at apartments, HOAs, retail centers, and employee lots where violators routinely overstay.

Compliance Checklist

Cite applicable ordinance (e.g., “CA Veh. Code § 22658”) directly on the sign.
Minimum letter height: 1 in./25 ft viewing distance; fines or phone numbers ≥ 3 in. for readability.
Reflective sheeting Type I or higher; upgrade to Type IV if lot operates after dark.

Installation Strategy

Post at every vehicle entrance and inside the lot so no stall is > 600 ft from a sign (California rule of thumb).
Use double-faced panels on outbound posts to warn drivers exiting as well.
Mount 60 in. above grade on U-channel or breakaway square posts; align perpendicular to approaching traffic for unmistakable visibility.

6. “Loading Zone – No Parking” Sign

Delivery trucks need curb space fast—customers won’t wait while drivers circle the block. A dedicated “Loading Zone – No Parking” sign carves out that space, keeping personal vehicles out while allowing brief, commercial loading stops. Because it balances flow and access, this sign is one of the most mis-applied parking and no parking signs; get the details right and enforcement becomes hassle-free.

Key Features

Yellow background or white field with green legend, per local ordinance
Clock or package icon for quick visual cue
Blank panel for customizable time limits (e.g., “15 MIN MAX”)

Regulatory Notes

Many cities distinguish “loading” from “standing”: loading allows goods transfer; standing may allow passengers only
MUTCD R7-12 series governs time-limited zones—numerals ≥ 3 in. high
Add “Commercial Vehicles Only” if municipal code restricts private cars

Positioning Guidance

Mount directly at the curb segment; paint curb yellow for redundancy
Supplementary hours panel clarifies enforcement window (e.g., 7 AM–5 PM, weekdays)
Place additional sign every 25 ft. in long bays to avoid ambiguity

7. Permit Parking Only Sign

Shared lots quickly become a free-for-all when every driver believes the space is “public.” A well-worded Permit Parking Only sign fixes that by telling visitors the stalls ahead are reserved for authorized permits—and warns that towing awaits freeloaders. Unlike generic parking and no parking signs, these rely on a permit numbering system that matches your hang tags or windshield decals, so enforcement staff can spot violators in seconds.

Message & Design

Core legend: “PERMIT PARKING ONLY – VIOLATORS WILL BE TOWED”
Add zone or lot ID (e.g., Zone B-12) in a contrasting band for quick scanning
Color palette: MUTCD-approved green on white for public streets; feel free to use branded colors on private property, so long as contrast ratio ≥ 70% for nighttime retroreflectivity

Compliance & Best Practices

Sync sign zone numbers with your hang-tag or sticker database.
Include a reflective decal or sticker on the sign showing the current permit year—helps officers verify they’re looking at up-to-date rules.
Keep letter height ≥ 1 in. per 25 ft viewing distance; zone ID numerals at least 3 in. tall.

Installation

Mount at each driveway entrance and every 200 ft within the lot; add arrow panels to mark exact boundaries.
Face signs toward incoming traffic flow at 60 in. above grade for cars, 84 in. on sidewalks.
For mixed-use blocks, pair with curb paint or pavement stencils to reinforce the reserved zone.

8. Time-Limited “2-Hour Parking 8 AM–6 PM” Sign

Rotating curb use between shoppers, deliveries, and residents often hinges on clear time limits. A well-posted “2-Hour Parking 8 AM–6 PM” sign tells drivers exactly when they may occupy the space and when enforcement starts the stopwatch. Because these parking and no parking signs manage turnover rather than outright bans, legibility and accurate scheduling are critical.

Design Essentials

Green legend on white reflective background, matching MUTCD color table
Large “2-HOUR PARKING” line with numerals ≥ 3 in. for quick drive-by reading
Secondary line: “8 AM–6 PM” and, if needed, “EXCEPT SUNDAYS” or holiday note
Optional arrow panel to define zone direction

Regulatory Considerations

Falls under MUTCD R7-20 series; keep sign 12 × 18 in. minimum
Letter height rule: Height (in) ≥ Viewing Distance (ft) / 25
Digital pay-by-plate or QR systems can be referenced on a supplemental plaque—ensure it doesn’t obscure main legend
Maintain Type I engineer-grade sheeting; upgrade to Type IV on arterials

Practical Placement

Install at block start and end; repeat every four parking stalls for consistency
Align face parallel to curb so parked drivers can reread before feeding meter
Mount 5 ft. above ground in lots, 7 ft. on sidewalks; angle arrows precisely to avoid overlap with adjacent restrictions
Coordinate curb paint (green) where local code supports color-coding

9. “No Parking – Bus Stop” Sign

Buses can’t edge into a curb if private cars are squatting in the zone. A dedicated “No Parking – Bus Stop” sign keeps the loading area clear, speeds boarding, and protects pedestrians who step directly into traffic lanes. Among parking and no parking signs, this one blends regulatory muscle with transit-specific accessibility rules.

Core Elements

Red “NO PARKING” legend over smaller “BUS STOP” text
Upright bus icon for instant, language-neutral recognition
Optional arrow panels defining zone length left and/or right
Standard 12 × 18 in.; upsize on multilane roads

Compliance Factors

ADA Transit Guide: mark full 96-in. boarding width and 120-in. length
Reflective sheeting Type III (high-intensity) or better for night visibility
Keep legend contrast ratio ≥ 70 % to meet MUTCD Table 2A-3

Installation Details

Mount on its own pole, 7 ft. to sign bottom when sidewalk present
Set first sign at least 30 ft. from intersections for bus turning clearance
Repeat every 50 ft. in long bays; face perpendicular to approaching traffic

10. “Drop-Off Only / Kiss & Ride” No Parking Sign

Peak-hour curb chaos melts away when drivers know the stall is for quick good-byes, not lingering. A dedicated “Drop-Off Only / Kiss & Ride” sign reserves curb space for 30-second passenger swaps, keeping traffic flowing around schools, airports, and event venues.

Purpose & Audience

Signals to parents, rideshare drivers, and shuttle vans that stopping is limited to active unloading.
Reduces congestion in tight approach lanes where idling vehicles back up traffic.
Appeals to facilities that want friendlier wording than a blunt “No Parking” while retaining legal authority.

Compliance & Safety Notes

Classified under MUTCD R7-22 series; legend must include “NO PARKING” to make enforcement stick.
Difference matters: “No Parking” allows brief stop; “No Stopping” prohibits any halt except emergencies.
Specify Diamond Grade (Type XI) sheeting for glare-heavy, high-traffic environments.

Implementation Tips

Post advance warning sign 50 ft before zone so drivers merge early.
Pair curbside sign with pavement stencil (“KISS & RIDE”) to guide queuing.
During peak periods, station staff or volunteer marshals to wave vehicles forward and enforce 1-minute dwell max.
Mount sign 7 ft to bottom edge on sidewalks; angle perpendicular to approaching flow for unmistakable visibility.

11. “No Standing Anytime” Sign

Some curb stretches are so critical that even a quick passenger drop-off causes bottlenecks. That’s where the “No Standing Anytime” sign comes in. It fills the gap between “No Parking” and “No Stopping,” telling drivers they may not wait or load passengers—period—yet emergency halts remain allowed.

Messaging & Symbols

MUTCD R7-4A legend in red on white with a downward arrow or double arrows to show zone limits
Plain-language “NO STANDING ANYTIME” reduces misinterpretation; add bilingual panel if local ordinance requires
Standard 12 × 18 in. aluminum; upgrade to 18 × 24 in. near multilane arterials for 35 mph+ approach speeds

Legal Context

NYC DOT pioneered double-fine areas; many cities replicate the rule under their traffic code
Distinction FAQs (from PAA):
- No Parking = passenger drop-off OK
- No Standing = no loading/unloading passengers
- No Stopping = zero dwell except emergencies
Reflective Type III sheeting meets night-time enforcement needs; include ordinance citation (e.g., §118-124) to support towing

Optimal Placement

Install where curb access must stay completely clear: hydrant zones, tunnel approaches, hospital ER ramps
Combine with red curb paint for instant visual reinforcement
Mount 7 ft. to bottom edge on sidewalks; maintain 150 ft. spacing along extended frontages to eliminate “sign blindness”
Face sign perpendicular to traffic for maximum retroreflective bounce-back

12. “Do Not Block Driveway – No Parking” Sign

Few situations rile property owners faster than finding the driveway boxed in. A clear “Do Not Block Driveway – No Parking” sign removes the guesswork for delivery trucks, rideshares, and short-term visitors and gives you the legal footing to call a tow truck if they ignore it.

Key Design Points

All-caps legend in 4 in. letters; optional icon of a car blocked by a gate for quick visual impact
Standard black text on white; add a red “NO PARKING” line if local code favors color-coding
12 × 18 in. on .080 in. aluminum keeps the panel rigid against wind and door slams

Compliance & Enforcement

Many cities let owners tow immediately under ordinances like L.A. MC §80.71—print the citation on the sign to strengthen notices
For unlit alleys or rural drives, upgrade to Type IV prismatic sheeting so headlights pop the message at night

Mounting Guidance

Screw or zip-tie to a fence, gate, or post at 48–60 in. off ground—driver eye level when backing
Where rear-in parking is common, stencil “KEEP CLEAR” on pavement to double the warning
Angle face perpendicular to inbound traffic so retroreflection fires straight back to approaching headlights

13. Private Property No Parking Sign

Property owners can’t issue traffic tickets, but they can post unmistakable parking and no parking signs that establish rules—and towing rights—on their own land. A “Private Property – No Parking” panel backs up verbal warnings with a physical notice that keeps freeloaders, overnight campers, and random commuters off your gravel lot or driveway.

Messaging

Core text: “PRIVATE PROPERTY – NO PARKING – VIOLATORS TOWED AT OWNER’S EXPENSE.”
Leave a blank line or QR decal space for tow company name and phone as many states require.
Red header on white background grabs attention while meeting MUTCD contrast guidance.

Legal & Liability Notes

You’re signaling trespass, not issuing legal citations—so wording must avoid “ticket” language.
Some jurisdictions mandate a minimum 1 in. letter height and display of the controlling ordinance; check local code.
Use rigid .080 in. aluminum with engineer-grade reflectivity to resist theft and night-time “I didn’t see it” excuses.

Placement Suggestions

Mount one sign at every driveway entrance and repeat inside the lot so no vehicle is more than 300 ft. from a notice. Position the face perpendicular to approaching traffic, 60 in. above grade, and reinforce with a ground stencil if space allows.

14. “No Parking During Street Sweeping” Sign

Missed sweeps lead to clogged gutters, citations, and angry residents. A clearly worded “No Parking During Street Sweeping” panel keeps cars off the curb so the broom truck can do its job and the city avoids storm-drain backups.

Key Components

Red “NO PARKING” legend above broom icon or “STREET SWEEPING” text for instant clarity
Day/time insert such as “1st & 3rd Mon 8 AM–12 PM”; use changeable slide-in panels if schedule shifts seasonally
Standard 12 × 18 in., .080 in. aluminum with engineer-grade reflectivity; upscale to prismatic where ambient lighting is poor

Compliance Tips

Many municipalities require 72-hour public notice before altering sweep schedules—keep extra inserts on hand.
Maintain Type I sheeting minimum on residential streets; upgrade to Type IV in commercial corridors for nighttime enforcement.
Letter height ≥ 3 in. for times/dates to meet MUTCD R7-200 series readability.

Posting Strategy

Place a sign at each block entrance and mid-block so no space is >250 ft from a notice.
Use directional arrow panels to mark exact sweep zone limits.
Pair with city app QR code or SMS alert sticker to remind residents of upcoming sweeps.
Supplemental curb paint (blue or red) reinforces the schedule where local code allows.

15. Humorous / Novelty No Parking Sign (Compliance-Friendly Versions)

A dash of humor can grab attention faster than another red-and-white rectangle, making novelty panels a surprisingly effective twist on traditional parking and no parking signs. When the driveway gate warns “Violators Will Be Towed and Put to Work,” drivers smile—and keep moving.

Design & Tone

Use playful wording or cartoons while keeping an unmistakable directive (“NO PARKING” in uppercase).
Stick with MUTCD color contrast—white background, red or black legend—so the joke doesn’t hide the rule.
12 × 18 in. .080-aluminum stays rigid; rounded corners cut snag risk.

Compliance Caveats

Letter height, reflectivity, and mounting height still apply if you expect legal backing.
Pair novelty panel with an official R7-series sign when towing or ticketing authority is needed; the fun sign attracts eyes, the official one satisfies inspectors.

Usage Guidance

Ideal for private drives, barns, or company lots where a friendly vibe lines up with brand personality. Keep humor PG-rated and unambiguous, and mount at eye level (60 in.) so headlights illuminate it after dark. A little wit, done right, delivers big compliance.

Final Tips for Choosing the Right Parking Sign

Clarity beats cleverness every time. Decide what behavior you need—full prohibition, time-limited parking, or quick loading—then pick a legend that states it in plain, code-aligned language. Next, match materials to environment: engineer-grade works for calm residential lanes, but busy lots and fire lanes deserve prismatic sheeting that stays bright for a decade. Follow MUTCD or ADA mounting heights (60 in. in lots, 84 in. on sidewalks) and keep arrow panels pointed exactly where the rule starts and stops. Finally, space signs so no driver can claim they “missed it” (150 ft. apart for bans, 4 spaces for time limits). When message, material, and placement line up, compliance becomes effortless and liability plummets.

Need a ready-to-ship option or a fully branded design? Browse the full range at Safety Decals and get traffic flowing the right way today.