LegitParkHow to read a parking sign
The golden rule: when several signs are stacked on one pole, they all apply, and at any given moment the most restrictive one in effect wins. Read every sign, check the arrows (which direction the rule covers) and the days and times (when it applies), and if any active sign says you can't park, you can't — even if another sign below it looks permissive.
🅿️ Check the rules for any address →Read all the signs, top to bottom
A pole often carries several signs — a time limit, a street-sweeping window, a permit exception, a tow-away notice. They aren't alternatives; they stack. Figure out what each one says for the current day and time, then follow the strictest rule that's active right now.
Arrows tell you where
An arrow on a sign shows which stretch of curb it governs. A single arrow (← or →) means the rule applies in that direction from the sign; double arrows (↔) mean it covers the curb on both sides of the pole. Park on the side the arrow does not restrict, or beyond where the rule ends.
Days and times tell you when
Most restrictions apply only during posted days and hours (e.g. "2 Hour Parking 8AM–6PM Mon–Sat"). Outside those, the restriction usually lifts — but only that one. A different sign on the same pole may apply at other times, so check each. "Except Sunday" and holiday rules are common and easy to miss.
No Parking vs No Standing vs No Stopping
These escalate: No Parking = you may briefly stop to load/unload or pick up/drop off, but not leave the car. No Standing = you may only stop momentarily to pick up or drop off passengers. No Stopping (or a red curb) = you can't stop at all, for any reason.
Permit and tow-away signs
A sign reading "2 Hour Parking… Except Vehicles With Zone X Permit" means residents with that permit are exempt; everyone else obeys the limit. A Tow-Away Zone sign means your car can be towed, not just ticketed — take those seriously, especially during street sweeping or rush-hour clearways.
Frequently asked
If there are two parking signs, which one do I follow?
Both — stacked signs all apply, and at any given time the most restrictive one that's currently in effect governs. If any active sign prohibits parking, you can't park, even if a sign below it looks permissive.
What do the arrows on parking signs mean?
Arrows show which stretch of curb the rule covers. A single arrow points the direction it applies from the sign; a double arrow means both sides of the pole. Park where the arrow doesn't restrict.
What's the difference between No Parking, No Standing, and No Stopping?
No Parking lets you briefly stop to load or drop off but not leave the car. No Standing lets you only pause to pick up or drop off passengers. No Stopping means don't stop at all — same as a red curb.
Does a parking rule apply outside the posted hours?
Usually that specific rule lifts outside its posted days and hours — but only that one. Another sign on the same pole may apply at other times, and some rules (tow-away, no-stopping) run 24/7. Check every sign.
What does 'Except Permit' on a parking sign mean?
The posted restriction doesn't apply to vehicles displaying the named residential-zone permit; everyone else must obey it. Without that permit you follow the time limit or no-parking rule as written.
Check your exact block
Curb colors are the quick read — meters, street sweeping, and permit zones change block to block. LegitPark reads the real curb rules for any US address, free.
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What painted curb colors mean · How residential permit parking works · Handicap (accessible) parking rules · Loading zone parking rules · all parking rules →