Like much of the Pennsylvania Code, state regulations on the posting of signs for private parking lots is somewhat wordy and can be difficult to understand. One key provision to notice, however, is that it is illegal to tow any vehicle unless the signs posted in the parking lot are fully in accordance with Pennsylvania law. Thus, it is very important that any Pennsylvania business owner with a private parking lot fully understand the regulations in place to ensure the business lot contains the proper signs in the proper places.
The Code covers two different types of signs used in any private parking lot. The first is defined as “Public Notice Signs,” which show messages referring to the entire lot, such as “Parking for XYZ Business Customers Only,” or simply “Private Parking.” These signs must be posted in specific areas, and must also follow several other regulations. If the parking lot has clearly defined entrances and exits, the law is fairly straightforward and states that a sign must be posted at EVERY entrance to the lot and that each sign must be facing traffic. Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania Code is not as clear on what is required in parking lots with no clearly defined entrances, such as those that are simply open to the street on one or more sides. In these cases, the Code states only that signs must be posted so that they are “readily visible to an ordinarily observant driver.” How many signs are necessary, or where exactly to place them, is difficult to pin down, so business owners may be best off following the law of “better safe than sorry,” and posting signs very clearly at relatively small intervals throughout the lot. It may also be helpful to speak with a representative from a towing company or even local law enforcement to make sure the signs are posted properly.
Of course, having signs posted in the right locations is only half the battle. Business owners must also ensure that their signs are displaying the correct message in the correct way. To this end, it is important that any signs posted in a parking lot contain three pieces of information as follows:
The primary restriction: essentially the basic message of “Private Parking,” “Parking by Permit Only,” or another phrase along these lines. This message needs to use letters at least 3 inches high. If the sign is more than 75 feet away from an entrance, an extra inch has to be added for every additional 25 feet. As for the width, the letters must be at least 1/8 wide as the required height.
The secondary restriction: this includes the additional information such as which hours of the day or days of the week the sign applies. This can also include a warning that unauthorized vehicles will be towed and/or the charge that will apply. The secondary restriction is NOT required for a sign, but is generally helpful, even if it simply states “No Parking, Any Time.” The secondary restriction requires letters at least 2 inches high. If the sign is larger, the secondary restriction letters must be at least half the size of those in the primary restriction.
The name and telephone number of the owner (or other person in charge) of the lot. The towing company will likely also post their own signs containing their own information.
While the majority of business owners may opt for some version of a pre-made sign, these regulations should always be kept in mind. Finally, one last thing for business owners to consider is the requirement for signs which apply to hours of darkness. If a “No Parking,” sign applies at all to hours in which it may be dark, it is required that the sign be either illuminated or “retroreflectorized.” A retroreflectorized sign must also be placed so that it will be seen in the headlights of any car entering the lot.
The second type of sign regulated under the Pennsylvania Code are “Reserved Parking Signs,” which have messages regarding individual parking spaces. These include Handicapped signs or signs designating a space or area for a specific person or type of vehicle. The first essential regulations for these signs pertain to their size, which must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches, and the height of their lettering, which must be at least two inches high. Such signs should be posted in front of each individual parking space. In the case of parallel parking, the signs must be posted at intervals of no more than 100 feet. Business owners can also choose to mark specific spaces using the pavement or curb, but it is required that these markers be easily visible (again to an “ordinarily observant driver”) AND that the parking lot have a Public Notice Sign stating that the spaces require a permit.
Spaces for the handicapped, along with their accompanying signs, are required by law for all business parking lots in Pennsylvania. It is important to note however, that each handicapped space must be marked not only by the standard handicapped parking sign but also by a second sign indicating that violators will be towed along the minimum and maximum fines for this offense. The second sign is to be posted below the first, which should be posted below any other signs for the parking space, at least 60 inches off the ground. Finally, if either of the signs is missing or “obsolete” (written on, mangled, etc.), it is the responsibility of the parking lot’s owner to replace it as quickly as possible at his or her own expense. While all of this may seem rather convoluted and complex, the task of establishing a business’ parking and towing services is an important one. In most cases, standard signs can be purchased for a lot, and must simply be posted properly. As mentioned before, it may be helpful for business owners to consult someone with more knowledge on the subject, such as a police officer or towing company Here is more on Houston Concrete Driveways Contractor visit our own internet site.
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