National Safety Council reports that there are more than 50000 accidents in parking lots and garages annually. This shows that you should follow safety rules and signs when you drive in parking areas.
But do you know the rules about stop signs in parking lots? Today, we will tell you if stop signs are enforceable in parking lots or not and regulations you need to follow.
Are Stop Signs in Parking Lots Legal?
знаки «Стоп» in parking lots are generally legal and authorized. You will mostly see these signs in parking areas of shopping malls, schools, hospitals and office buildings. A stop sign in a parking lot tells you to stop your car completely before you move forward.
In some cities, local laws also support stop signs in parking spaces. That means you must follow them the same way you follow stop signs on public roads.
Can Police Enforce Stop Signs in Parking Lots?
Stop signs in private парковки are mostly not enforced by police for tickets. The reason is that they are not considered official traffic control devices. But when you ignore them, you can still face legal trouble.
In case, the parking lot is open for public use and under regular driving laws, police officers have the legal right to take action. So, they can stop you and fine you if you drive in a dangerous way. In some countries, stop signs in parking lots are not always legally enforceable by cops.
For example, police may not issue you a ticket when you ignore a stop sign in California. But remember, other violations such as parking in handicap spaces or violation of safety rules can still be enforced. Well, stop signs in parking lots are mainly enforced by police in countries such as Canada and the United States.
Purpose of Stop Signs in Parking Areas
Traffic Flow Management: Stop signs are used to control the flow of cars in parking areas. This way, you can drive in an organized way and avoid traffic jams.
Protection of Pedestrians: Stop signs are installed for the safety of people who walk in parking lots. Hence, you must stop and look carefully before you drive forward.
Reduce Accidents: Stop signs regulate you to stop vehicles and check for people or cars. This keeps you and others safe from dangerous crashes.
Organize Parking Lots: To organize parking spaces, you must install stop signs with other regular parking signs. They guide you on when to stop and when to move so you can park without confusion.
Enforce Right of Way: Stop signs in parking areas clearly indicate which vehicle should go first. You must stop and let other cars or pedestrians pass before you move forward.
Do You Have To Stop At Stop Sign in Parking Lot?
Yes, you should always stop your car whenever you see stop signs in parking lots. Before you move forward, you need to look left, right and ahead to check for cars & people.
Although, the police may not always issue you a ticket but you are still responsible in case of an accident. When you ignore these signs, it can lead to a crash. Therefore, it’s always safe for you to treat parking lot stop signs as important rules to follow.
Is it Illegal To Run a Stop Sign in a Parking Lot?
Если ты ignore a stop sign in a parking area, it is not always considered traffic law violation like on public roads. The main reason is that these signs in parking areas are not controlled by the Department of Transportation.
In some places, police can charge you due to violation including reckless driving, parking in handicap spaces, DUI or when you stop in fire lanes. Further, you can face legal problems when you hit another car.
Can You Get a Ticket For Running Stop Sign in Parking Lot?
Yes, you can sometimes receive a fine or penalty if you violate a stop sign in a parking lot. But this rule depends on your state and type of property as well. For example: when the parking lot is public, there are high chances you will get a ticket if you don’t obey a stop sign.
On the other hand, if the parking area is privately owned, the penalty is charged on the basis of local laws plus agreements between the property owner and local authorities.
Liability in Parking Lot Accidents
Liability in parking lot accidents means who is responsible for damage or injuries in case of a crash. For instance, if you don’t stop your car when you notice a stop sign in a parking area and cause an accident, you are responsible for the damage.
Keep in mind, if police do not give you a ticket then you can still pay for repairs & medical bills. Moreover, insurance companies will also investigate the case.
Rules For Parking Near a Stop Sign
Can I Park At a Stop Sign?
According to Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1202 (2), you are not allowed to park or stop a vehicle near a stop sign. Because, it can block the view of drivers and cause accidents. However, you can only stop your vehicle for a short time to pick up or drop off passengers. If official signs or parking meters show you distance rules, you have to follow them at all costs.
How Far Behind a Stop Sign Can I Park?
You should always park your car more than 30 feet away from the stop sign. You should also check local parking rules. Because, many parking lots have painted lines or signs which exactly tell you parking locations. You must follow rules to keep traffic movement safe and avoid accidents in parking areas.
Stop Sign Manufacturers
JACKWIN is a professional manufacturer and supplier of standard stop signs. If you want to buy stop signs for your безопасность на парковке, you can order from us. We designed safety signs according to ISO 14001, ISO9001 and Australian safety regulations.
These signs are made of quality materials such aluminum alloy and perfect for your parking areas protection. Поговорите с нашей командой and get a quick quote on parking lot safety products.
Заключительное примечание
After the above discussion, it is clear that stop signs in parking lots are not enforced by police but they are valid safety devices. So, you should always stop your car whenever you see these signs. It is safe for you and a good driving habit.
As we told you, rules are different in some areas. In case you get a ticket for violation of a parking lot stop sign, you have to make sure location and violation information are correct. If you think the ticket is wrong, you can go to court or appeal it.
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Are Stop Signs on Private Property Enforceable?
Stop signs on private property such as parking lots are not enforced by police. They are used as safety guides to control traffic. However, you are still responsible if you ignore them and cause an accident.
Are Parking Lot Traffic Rules the Same as Public Road Rules?
Parking lot driving rules are different from regular road regulations. The major reason is, many parking lots are private property. But as a responsible driver, you should always obey basic safety rules to park your car.
Do All Countries Enforce Parking Lot Stop Signs the Same Way?
No, parking lot stop signs are not enforced equally in every country. The rules vary based on state, type of lot (public or private), local traffic laws and safety policies.
Are Temporary or Portable Stop Signs in Parking Lots Enforceable?
Temporary or portable stop signs in private parking lots are not legally enforceable. Hence, you will not get a standard traffic ticket if you ignore these signs. It’s important to note that these signs are placed to keep people safe.
Can Ignoring a Parking Lot Stop Sign Affect Your Insurance Rates?
Yes, violation of a stop sign in a parking lot can increase your insurance cost. It is possible when you are responsible for an accident or if the police officially issue you a citation. Later, the violation will be added to your driving record.
