Utes with ladder racks, delivery vans, trucks and caravans all have one thing in common: they hit things that are too low. A clear height clearance sign at the entry of a car park, loading dock, carport or drive-through can prevent expensive damage to vehicles, sprinkler pipes and ceilings. This guide covers the main types of height signs and how to choose the right number.
1. Maximum height signs
Use these at the entry to car parks, basements, carports and drive-throughs. Each lets you enter your own height.
- Maximum height sign with your height in metres
- Maximum height overhead sign with your number
- Warning, max height with your height
- Caution, maximum height with your metres
2. Low clearance signs
Use these where the low point comes after the entry, such as a beam, duct or ramp transition partway through a car park.
- Low clearance ahead with your height
- Low clearance with your height in metres
- Low clearance with your number
- Danger, low clearance
3. Mind your head (for people)
Low doorways, stair bulkheads, mezzanines and plant room pipes catch people too.
- Mind your head
- Mind your step and Mind the step for changes in floor level
See our slip, trip and wet floor signs guide for more.
How to choose the number
- Measure to the lowest point along the whole route, not just the entry. Sprinkler heads, pipes, ducts, lights and signs often hang lower than the ceiling.
- Check the measurement at the ramp transitions, where a vehicle's roof tilts up.
- Many sites show a figure slightly lower than the measured clearance to allow a margin. Confirm the figure with your building manager or engineer.
- Re-check after any ceiling work, new services or resurfacing.
Where to put height signs
- At the car park or basement entry, before the point where a driver can no longer turn around
- Above or beside loading dock roller doors. See our loading dock signs guide.
- At carports, porte cocheres and drive-throughs
- At each low point inside the car park. See our car park signage checklist.
Warehouses should also mark racking limits, for example with a Maximum stack height, 2 pallets sign. See our forklift and warehouse traffic signs guide.
Material tips
Height signs live in car parks and driveways, so aluminium is the best choice. Reflective aluminium is easier to see under headlights in dark basements. See reflective vs non-reflective signs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I order a height sign with my exact clearance?
Yes. Most of our height signs let you enter your own number, such as 2.1 m or 2.4 m.
Do you make signs for a whole car park?
Yes. Order 25 or more of the same sign variant for 5% off, 50 or more for 10% off and 150 or more for 15% off. Shipping is free on orders over $500.
Will my signs arrive before Christmas?
Every sign is made to order. Order by Wednesday 16 December (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA) or Wednesday 9 December (WA, NT) for delivery before Christmas. Every sign is 30% off until 31 December.
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