Unauthorised parking is one of the most common headaches for strata committees, shopping centres, businesses and homeowners. The right sign won't solve every problem, but it sets clear expectations and gives you something to point to when you ask a driver to move. This guide explains the difference between the main parking messages and how to choose signs for private property.
This is general information only. Parking and towing rules differ between states and councils, so check your local requirements before you rely on a sign to enforce anything.
No Parking vs No Standing: what's the difference?
On public roads, the two signs mean different things under the Australian Road Rules:
- No Parking generally means a driver may stop briefly to drop off or pick up passengers or goods, as long as they stay with or near the vehicle.
- No Standing is stricter: drivers shouldn't stop at all, except in limited cases such as dropping off or picking up passengers.
On private property, the same wording is widely understood by drivers, so it is a good way to show how strict you want to be. Use "No Standing" for fire lanes, loading bays and driveways that must stay clear, and "No Parking" where quick drop-offs are acceptable.
Common private property parking signs
- Driveway signs: Private Driveway – Keep Clear stops people blocking access or using your drive to turn around.
- Customer and visitor parking: reserve bays for the people they're meant for, for example No Parking – Residential Building Only.
- Emergency access: No Parking – Emergency Vehicles Only for fire lanes and ambulance bays.
- Beyond this point: No Parking Beyond This Point for service roads and loading areas.
Tow away signs
If you plan to tow unauthorised vehicles from private property, the sign is especially important. Many states and councils set specific requirements for towing from private land, such as showing the tow company's name and phone number, the address where vehicles are taken, or the fees. These rules vary, so check them with your local council, state transport department or your towing operator first.
We make tow away signs with your details printed on them, including Private Property – Vehicles Will Be Towed, Customer Parking Only and a fully custom tow away zone sign.
Placement tips
- Put signs at every vehicle entrance, so no driver can say they didn't see one.
- Repeat signs along long stretches of bays.
- Mount signs at a height drivers can read from their seat, roughly 1.5–2 metres to the bottom of the sign.
- In car parks, use reflective aluminium so signs show up in headlights.
Materials and sizes
For poles and walls outdoors, aluminium with post mount holes or pre-drilled holes lasts the longest. 300mm x 450mm suits most bays, and 450mm x 600mm or larger works better at entrances. For strata buildings, our strata and body corporate signs range keeps the look consistent across the property.
Frequently asked questions
Will a sign make towing legal?
A sign alone doesn't make towing lawful. Each state sets its own rules for clamping and towing on private property, so speak to your council or a licensed tow operator before you start.
Can I add a bay number or building name?
Yes. See our custom parking signs to add bay numbers, building names and contact details.
How long will my signs take?
Every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2–3 business days, with flat $20 shipping and free shipping over $500. Buying for a whole car park? Bulk discounts apply automatically from 25 of the same sign.
Related guides
Related: Home signs: parcels, driveways and gates · Business car park signs · NSW road and parking signs
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