Ask any strata manager about the most common complaints from owners, and parking will be near the top of the list: residents parking in visitor bays, visitors parking in someone else's space, cars left on common property for weeks. Clear signs won't solve every dispute, but they set expectations, back up your by-laws and give the committee something to point to when problems come up.
This guide covers the parking signs strata schemes and body corporates use most, and how to plan them.
Start with your by-laws
Your scheme's by-laws set the rules: who can park where, time limits for visitors and what happens to unauthorised vehicles. Signs should match the by-laws word for word where possible. If your rules have changed recently, update the signs at the same time. Your strata manager or a strata lawyer can help if you're unsure what your by-laws allow, and state laws differ on what a scheme can do about unauthorised vehicles.
Visitor parking signs
- Visitor parking sign or Visitor parking only sign at each visitor bay.
- Visitor parking 2 hour limit sign if your by-laws set a time limit.
- Strata by-law visitor parking notice to spell out the rules at the entry to the visitor area.
- Visitor parking, unauthorised vehicles towed sign, only if your scheme is able to tow. Check first.
Residents only signs
- Parking residents only sign for resident areas and car park entries.
- Private driveway residents only sign at the street entry.
- Private property, residents and invited guests only sign for gates and pathways.
- Residents only, no public access sign for pools, gyms and gardens.
Bay numbers and allocated spaces
Numbered bays cut down on "that's my spot" arguments. Match the numbers to your strata plan or lot numbers. Our custom parking signs let you add bay numbers, unit numbers or names.
By-law notices on common property
A Strata by-laws apply to this common property sign at entries reminds everyone that the rules apply. For anything specific to your building, such as bin rules, pet rules or quiet hours, a custom strata by-law notice lets you write your own wording.
Don't forget the rest of the car park
Parking rules are only part of it. Speed limits, pedestrian safety, EV bays and keep-clear signs all matter too. See our car park signage checklist, our EV charging bay signs guide and our guide to No Parking vs No Standing signs.
Tips for committees
- Walk the site at night and on a weekend, when parking problems are worst.
- Keep the style consistent. One colour and font across the building looks professional and is easier to read.
- Use reflective aluminium in car parks so signs show up in headlights. See reflective signs.
- Record the decision in the committee minutes when you install or change signs.
Common property rules: No BBQs on balconies · BBQ area, please clean after use · Please keep noise to a minimum · Tenants only beyond this point
More visitor and private parking signs: Visitor parking (left) · Visitor parking (right) · Visitor parking, maximum stay 24 hours · Visitor parking, permit must be displayed · Visitor parking only, residents must not park here · Private parking, residents only · Private parking, management only · Private parking, no public parking
Frequently asked questions
Can we get every sign for the building in one order?
Yes. Buy 25 or more of the same sign to save an extra 5%, 50+ to save 10%, or 150+ to save 15%, applied automatically. Shipping is free on orders over $500, and every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2–3 business days.
Can we tow cars parked in visitor bays?
It depends on your state, your by-laws and local council rules. Get advice before installing tow-away signs or arranging towing.
Shop strata and body corporate signs
Related: Business car park signs
Looking for something else? Browse every guide in our Sign Guide Library.
