Stacked “No Parking + Bicycle” signs on one pole

How to Read Parking Signs in 10 Seconds

The 10-Second Sign Stack (ECP Method)

Most tickets come from sign overload—not bad drivers. Here’s a simple stack that works almost anywhere:

Step 1 — Find the top rule (2 sec)
Start at the topmost sign on the pole. That’s usually the primary rule (e.g., “No Parking,” “2-Hour Parking,” “Permit Only”).

Step 2 — Scan days & hours (3 sec)
Look for days of week and time windows. If your current day/time isn’t listed, you’re usually in the clear for that rule.

Step 3 — Follow the arrows (2 sec)
Arrows matter. They show where the rule applies (left, right, both). Stand facing the sign and look along the curb in the arrow’s direction.

Step 4 — Spot exceptions (2 sec)
Words like “Except,” “Unless,” “Permit,” “Commercial,” “Street Cleaning,” “School Days” override the baseline rule during their window.

Step 5 — Cross-check the curb (1 sec)
Painted curbs reinforce rules. Red/Yellow/White/Blue often indicate special conditions. If curb paint conflicts with a sign, assume the stricter rule and move on.

Quick Examples

  • “2 HR PARKING 8am–6pm MON–SAT →”
    Before 8am or after 6pm (or on Sunday), it’s typically unrestricted. The arrow means only to the right of the sign.
  • “NO PARKING 7am–9am MON–FRI” above “2 HR PARKING 9am–6pm”
    From 7–9am: don’t park. From 9–6: you can, for 2 hours.
  • “PERMIT ZONE 5 ONLY”
    If you don’t have Permit 5, assume you cannot park during the posted hours—even if another sign looks permissive.
  • “STREET CLEANING TUE 7–9am”
    Move your car during that window, even if all other signs look friendly.

Five Common Tripwires

  1. Stacked poles with mixed rules—always read top to bottom.
  2. Tiny “Except” text—that one word changes everything.
  3. Holiday or “School Days” clauses—seasons matter.
  4. Loading/Passenger zones—short stops only; idling ≠ parking.
  5. Conflicting signage—when unclear, choose the stricter interpretation or choose a different spot.

Heads-up: Specific distances (hydrants, driveways, crosswalks) vary by city. When in doubt, give yourself extra space or check your city’s parking page.

Print This: The 10-Second Sign Stack

  1. Top rule
  2. Days & hours
  3. Arrows
  4. Exceptions
  5. Curb color

Want the 1-page Parking Sign Decoder?
[Join the list] to get the printable PDF + future guides that save you tickets.

— Elite Coast Parking: making parking simple, safe, and stress-free.

Similar Posts