Regulatory signs must inform of traffic laws and indicate applicability
Regulatory signs shall be used to inform road users of selected traffic laws or regulations and to indicate the applicability of the legal requirements.
Regulatory sign placement, visibility, and legibility
Regulatory signs shall be installed at or near where the regulations apply; they shall clearly indicate the requirements and be designed and installed to provide adequate visibility and legibility to obtain compliance.
Parking sign shape
Parking, standing, or stopping signs shall be rectangular or square.
Parking sign legend must state applicable regulations
The legend on parking signs shall state applicable regulations, and parking signs shall comply with the standards of shape, color, and location.
Prohibitive parking sign color and symbol
Prohibitive parking signs shall be used where parking is prohibited at all times or at specific times; except as otherwise provided, parking signs shall have a red legend and border on a white background and, when the parking prohibition symbol is used, the symbol "P" shall be black.
Permissive parking sign color
Permissive parking signs shall be used where only time-limited parking or parking in a particular manner is allowed and shall have a green legend and border on a white background.
Order of parking information on the sign
Parking information should be displayed from top to bottom in the order: (A) the restriction or prohibition; (B) times of day applicable; (C) days of week applicable; (D) qualifying/supplementary information; (E) exemptions; and (F) any tow-away message or symbol.
Showing limits of a parking regulation zone with arrows
If the regulation applies to a limited area or zone, the limits should be shown by arrows or supplemental plaques: a single-headed arrow at the end of a zone pointing in the direction the regulation is in effect, a double-headed arrow at intermediate points, and a right and left arrow at a transition point between two zones.
Posting times and days of parking regulations
The times and days for which the parking regulations are in effect shall be posted if they are not in effect at all times of day or all days of the week.
Alternate word messages for restriction zones
As an alternate to arrows to show designated restriction zones, the word messages BEGIN, END, HERE TO CORNER, HERE TO ALLEY, and THIS SIDE OF SIGN may be used.
Use of R8 series single no-parking signs
The R8 series signs may be used where sufficient notice of a parking prohibition is satisfied by single signs; NO PARKING ON PAVEMENT (R8-1) or NO STOPPING ON PAVEMENT (R8-5) may be used in rural areas where parking is allowed on unpaved shoulders; NO PARKING EXCEPT ON SHOULDER (R8-2) or NO STOPPING EXCEPT ON SHOULDER (R8-6) may be used where an adjacent paved shoulder allows parking; the R8-3 symbol sign or word message NO PARKING may be used to prohibit any parking along a roadway.
Snow Emergency Route sign
Where special parking restrictions are imposed during heavy snowfall or a declared snow emergency, a Snow Emergency Route (R7-203) sign should be installed with the legend modified to display the specific regulations; the upper section should display the snow emergency route designation in a white legend and border on a red background.
Metered parking maximum time limit display
If metered parking is subject to a maximum time limit, the appropriate time limit (number of hours or minutes) shall be displayed on the Metered Parking (R7-21 and R7-22) signs and, except as provided, on the Multi-space Parking Meter (R7-20) signs.
Accessible Parking sign requirement
Where parking spaces are reserved for persons with disabilities, the Accessible Parking (R7-8) sign shall be used to designate the space and shall display the official International Symbol of Accessibility.
VAN ACCESSIBLE plaque requirement
Where parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities are designed to accommodate wheelchair vans, a VAN ACCESSIBLE (R7-8aP) plaque shall be mounted below the R7-8 sign.
Combination prohibition/permissive sign sizing
Where parking is prohibited during certain hours and allowed during others, two 12 x 18-inch parking signs may be used with the red Parking Prohibition (R7-1) sign installed above or to the left of the green Permissive Parking (R7-108) sign; or a single sign (R7-200 or R7-200a) may be used.
NO PARKING words as alternative to symbol
The words NO PARKING may be used as an alternative to the No Parking symbol (R7-2a sign).
Tow-Away Zone plaque
A Tow-Away Zone (R7-201P or R7-201aP) plaque may be mounted below any parking prohibition sign; the word legend TOW-AWAY ZONE may be incorporated into the parking prohibition sign in lieu of a separate plaque. The R7-201P plaque may have a black or red symbol and border on a white background.
Minimum letter height for urbanized parking signs
In general, the letter height of the principal legend on parking signs sized for urbanized applications should be at least 2 inches.
Angle for signs with arrows indicating restricted zones
When signs with arrows are used to indicate the extent of restricted zones, the signs should be set at an angle of not less than 30 degrees or more than 45 degrees with the line of traffic flow to be visible to approaching traffic.
Sign orientation at perpendicular parking stalls
When signs are placed at the head of perpendicular parking stalls, the signs should be parallel to the roadway facing the parking stall.
Intermediate signs in long parking zones
If the zone is long, signs should be used at intermediate points within the zone.
Back-to-back signs at zone transition (90-degree mounting)
If signs are mounted at 90 degrees to the curb line, two signs should be mounted back to back at the transition point between two parking zones, each with an appended THIS SIDE OF SIGN (R7-202P) supplemental plaque.
Emergency Restriction sign design
Emergency Restriction signs shall be rectangular and shall have a black legend and border on a white background.
Emergency parking/stopping restriction sign use
The EMERGENCY PARKING ONLY (R8-4) sign or the EMERGENCY STOPPING ONLY (R8-7) sign may be used to discourage or prohibit shoulder parking, particularly where scenic or other attractions create a tendency for road users to stop temporarily.
MUTCD is the national standard for traffic control devices
The MUTCD approved by the Federal Highway Administrator is the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel.
Parking areas excluded from MUTCD applicability
For MUTCD applicability, parking areas, driving aisles within parking areas, and private highway-rail grade crossings are not included in the definition of open to public travel.
State MUTCD substantial conformance requirement
Where State MUTCDs or Supplements are required, they shall be in substantial conformance with the national MUTCD, conforming as a minimum to the Standard statements in the national MUTCD, and shall not contain statements that contravene or negate national MUTCD Standard or Guidance statements.
Two-year adoption of MUTCD changes
States and other Federal agencies shall adopt changes issued by the FHWA to the National MUTCD within two years from the effective date of the final rule.
Tow-away notice placement at driveway access or curb cut
The notice must be prominently placed at each driveway access or curb cut allowing vehicular access to the property within 10 feet from the road; if there are no curbs or access barriers, signs must be posted not fewer than one sign for each 25 feet of lot frontage.
Tow-away sign lettering and wording
The notice must clearly indicate, in not fewer than 2-inch high, light-reflective letters on a contrasting background, that unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at the owner's expense. The words "tow-away zone" must be included on the sign in not fewer than 4-inch high letters.
Tow-away sign must include towing company name and telephone number
The notice must also provide the name and current telephone number of the person or firm towing or removing the vehicles or vessels.
Tow-away sign structure mounting height and maintenance duration
The sign structure containing the required notices must be permanently installed with the words "tow-away zone" not fewer than 3 feet and not more than 6 feet above ground level and must be continuously maintained on the property for not fewer than 24 hours before the towing or removal of any vehicles or vessels.
Local government permitting and inspection of tow-away signs
The local government may require permitting and inspection of these signs before any towing or removal of vehicles or vessels being authorized.
Small business (20 or fewer spaces) reserved parking sign option
A business with 20 or fewer parking spaces satisfies the notice requirements by prominently displaying a sign stating "Reserved Parking for Customers Only Unauthorized Vehicles or Vessels Will be Towed Away At the Owner's Expense" in not fewer than 4-inch high, light-reflective letters on a contrasting background.
Vessel tow-away notice requirements
A property owner towing or removing vessels from real property must post notice, consistent with the requirements in sub-subparagraphs a.-f. which apply to vehicles, that unauthorized vehicles or vessels will be towed away at the owner's expense.
Tow-away notice requirements are minimum standards
These requirements are minimum standards and do not preclude enactment of additional regulations by any municipality or county including the right to regulate rates when vehicles or vessels are towed from private property.
Closed storage site must post reachable telephone number
When closed, the storage site shall have prominently posted a sign indicating a telephone number where the operator of the site can be reached at all times.
No parking where official signs/devices prohibit
No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle at any place where official traffic control devices prohibit stopping; and no person shall park a vehicle at any place where official signs prohibit parking, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic, in compliance with law, or the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device.
No parking near fire station (when properly signposted)
No person shall stand or park a vehicle within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of such entrance (when property signposted).
Safety zone no-parking distance unless signed otherwise
No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless the Department of Transportation indicates a different length by signs or markings.
No parking within 50 feet of railroad crossing unless DOT sets different distance
No person shall park a vehicle within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing unless the Department of Transportation establishes a different distance due to unusual circumstances.
Local authority power to regulate or prohibit parking
Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction, may regulate or prohibit stopping, standing, or parking, and may regulate traffic by means of official traffic control devices.
DOT written approval required for traffic control devices on state roads
No local authority shall erect or maintain any official traffic control device at any location so as to regulate the traffic on any state road unless approval in writing has first been obtained from the Department of Transportation.
Traffic control devices must conform to DOT uniform system/manual
All official traffic control signals or official traffic control devices purchased and installed in this state by any public body or official shall conform with the manual and specifications published by the Department of Transportation.
Sale of nonconforming traffic control devices unlawful without certification
It shall be unlawful for any public body or official to purchase, or for anyone to sell, any traffic control signal or device unless it conforms with the manual and specifications published by the Department of Transportation and is certified to be of such conformance prior to sale.
Florida adopts MUTCD 11th Edition as uniform traffic control device standard
The Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition (December 2023) is adopted by rule and made a part of the rules of the Department of Transportation.
Private property tow-away sign size and lettering
Sign must be not less than 17 inches by 22 inches in size, with lettering not less than one inch in height
Private property tow-away sign required content
Sign must prohibit public parking, indicate vehicles will be removed at the owner's expense, and contain the telephone number of the local traffic law enforcement agency and the name and telephone number of each towing company party to a written general towing authorization agreement
Private property tow-away sign placement
Signs must be displayed in plain view at all entrances to the property
Signs required before local parking prohibition is enforceable
Except for alleys, a local parking-restriction ordinance or resolution shall not apply until signs or markings giving adequate notice have been placed
No parking near crosswalk
A person shall not park within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present
Local authority may set different crosswalk parking distance if marked
A local authority may establish a different distance only if it adopts an ordinance finding the distance justified by established traffic safety standards and marks the different distance at the intersection using paint or a sign
Warning-only enforcement of crosswalk parking prior to Jan 1, 2025 unless marked
Prior to January 1, 2025, jurisdictions may only issue a warning and shall not issue a citation for a crosswalk parking violation unless the violation occurs in an area marked using paint or a sign
No parking within 15 feet of fire station driveway
A person shall not park within 15 feet of the driveway entrance to a fire station (does not apply to marked fire department vehicles)
Signs required before removal of vehicles from prohibited-parking zones
Where local authorities have prohibited parking and authorized removal, a vehicle shall not be removed unless signs are posted giving notice of the removal (except as provided in subdivisions (v) and (w))
24-hour advance sign posting for highway maintenance removal
For removal of an illegally parked vehicle where the highway is needed for cleaning, repair, or construction or utility installation, signs giving notice that the vehicle may be removed must be erected or placed at least 24 hours prior to the removal
24-hour advance sign posting for special highway use removal
Where highway use is authorized for a purpose other than normal traffic flow or movement of oversized equipment, signs giving notice that the vehicle may be removed must be erected or placed at least 24 hours prior to the removal
Sign posting for 24-hour parking removal in common interest developments
A vehicle parked more than 24 hours on highway within a common interest development may be removed only if signs required by Section 22658(a)(1) have been posted providing notice that vehicles parked more than 24 hours will be removed at owner's expense
Fire lane designation by sign
A fire lane may be designated by a sign posted immediately adjacent to, and visible from, the designated place, clearly stating in letters not less than one inch in height that the place is a fire lane
Fire lane designation by painting/marking
A fire lane may alternatively be designated by outlining or painting the place in red and, in contrasting color, marking it with the words "FIRE LANE" clearly visible from a vehicle, or by a red curb or red paint on the roadway edge marked with the words "FIRE LANE"
No stopping or parking in designated fire lane
No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle along the edge of any highway, at any curb, or in any off-street parking facility designated as a fire lane by the fire department or fire district with jurisdiction
Sources
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.01)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.53)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.54)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.54)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.54)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.54)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.55)
- MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 2B - Regulatory Signs (Sec. 2B.01 and Secs. 2B.52-2B.55, Parking/Standing/Stopping and Emergency Restriction signs) (2B.55)
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(a))
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(a))
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(b)(1))
- 23 CFR 655.603 - Standards (MUTCD adopted as the national standard) (655.603(b)(3))
- Fla. Stat. 715.07 - Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (tow-away sign specs) (715.07(2)(a)5.a.)
- Fla. Stat. 715.07 - Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (tow-away sign specs) (715.07(2)(a)5.b.)
- Fla. Stat. 715.07 - Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (tow-away sign specs) (715.07(2)(a)5.c.)
- Fla. Stat. 715.07 - Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (tow-away sign specs) (715.07(2)(a)5.d.)
- Fla. Stat. 715.07 - Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (tow-away sign specs) (715.07(2)(a)5.e.)
- Fla. Stat. 715.07 - Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (tow-away sign specs) (715.07(2)(a)5.f.)
- Fla. Stat. 715.07 - Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (tow-away sign specs) (715.07(2)(a)5.g.)
- Fla. Stat. 715.07 - Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (tow-away sign specs) (715.07(2)(b))
- Fla. Stat. 715.07 - Vehicles or vessels parked on private property; towing (tow-away sign specs) (715.07(2)(a)1.a.)
- Fla. Stat. 316.1945 - Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places (316.1945(1)(a)10. & (1)(c)2.)
- Fla. Stat. 316.1945 - Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places (316.1945(1)(c)2.)
- Fla. Stat. 316.1945 - Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places (316.1945(1)(b)5.)
- Fla. Stat. 316.1945 - Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places (316.1945(1)(a)5.)
- Fla. Stat. 316.1945 - Stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified places (316.1945(1)(c)1.)
- Fla. Stat. 316.008 - Powers of local authorities (regulate/prohibit parking) (316.008(1)(a)-(b))
- Fla. Stat. 316.008 - Powers of local authorities (regulate/prohibit parking) (316.008(3))
- Fla. Stat. 316.0745 - Uniform signals and devices (316.0745(3))
- Fla. Stat. 316.0745 - Uniform signals and devices (316.0745(4))
- Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C. - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (adopts MUTCD 11th Ed.) (14-15.010)
- Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C. - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (adopts MUTCD 11th Ed.) (History)
- Cal. Veh. Code 22658 - Removal from private property; tow-away sign specifications (22658(a)(1))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22658 - Removal from private property; tow-away sign specifications (22658(a)(1))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22658 - Removal from private property; tow-away sign specifications (22658(a)(1))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22507 - Local authority to prohibit or restrict parking (signs required) (22507(a))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22500 - Prohibited stopping, standing, or parking (22500(n)(1)(A))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22500 - Prohibited stopping, standing, or parking (22500(n)(1)(B))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22500 - Prohibited stopping, standing, or parking (22500(n)(4))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22500 - Prohibited stopping, standing, or parking (22500(d))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22651 - Removal and tow authority (public roads) (22651(n))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22651 - Removal and tow authority (public roads) (22651(l))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22651 - Removal and tow authority (public roads) (22651(m))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22651 - Removal and tow authority (public roads) (22651(q))
- Cal. Veh. Code 22500.1 - Fire lanes (22500.1)
- Cal. Veh. Code 22500.1 - Fire lanes (22500.1)
- Cal. Veh. Code 22500.1 - Fire lanes (22500.1)
Informational only, not legal advice. Confirm against the current standards and your state manual before you build.
Report an error
Reporting:
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we check it against primary law.
Every report is checked against primary law. If it holds up, we correct the page and re-date it.