Parking is supposed to be simple, right? As long as you park properly, then everything should be fine. This is the thought of many car owners, but the truth is that there are laws, or at the very least, orders to parking. In this article, we’ll discuss one of the most popular signs drivers encounter in parking spaces, the “Head In Parking Only” Sign. Here we go.
Head-in-only parking means parking with the rear of your car facing out. There are benefits to parking this way which will be discussed below.
Some institutions put up signs that say drivers are only allowed to park in. The reason for this could be to ensure the exhaust isn’t facing a building or to ensure license plate numbers can be easily seen since some states only permit the license number to be displayed in the back.
We’ll discuss the head-in-parking style in full below while comparing it to the back-in-parking style. Continue reading to learn more about parking in general.
What Does Head-In-Only Parking Mean?
Head-in-only parking sign informs drivers not to back in when parking in a lot. You may encounter this sign in some parking lots, and if you don’t comply with it, a parking lot or security officer may approach you and ask you to park ahead.
Reasons For Head In Only Parking And Why It Is Enforced
Chances are you were a bit confused the first time you saw the head-in-only parking sign. The reason for your confusion is probably due to the fact that a specific style of parking was required. There are several reasons why you may be asked to park head-in in a parking lot.
In many organizations, the reason for adopting the head-in parking style is to ensure license plates are within the visibility of security cameras and personnel. In many States in the United States, license plates can only be found on the rear of a car. And having drivers park head-in means the plates can be easily seen.
Some organizations also use license plates to track driving privileges. If you need authorization to park in a lot, you’ll be given a window sticker, and such stickers are usually put on the back of vehicles. So, security personnel can do a quick scan of vehicles that have authorization or not by checking for stickers on the read.
For those that use a computerized system to check driving or parking privileges, the system can quickly match the license plate on the rear against a list of license plates that have parking privileges in the lot.
In some buildings or organizations, head-in-only parking is a health or politeness measure. By having the rear and consequently exhausts of vehicles away from the building, the exhaust gases go away from the building. This is especially important for buildings with poor ventilation.
Head In vs. Back In Parking Option
There’s an endless debate about whether it is better to park head in or back in. Experts generally agree that it’s better to park back in than head in. This is because of the wider field of vision that drivers enjoy when driving out from the back in a parking position. Large vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs usually have a reduced field of view when moving out from a head-in parking position, and this problem is solved with a back-in parking style as drivers can see the traffic as they pull out.
However, it’s more difficult to park in a back-in position than a head-in position. Inexperienced drivers are bound to have more difficulty trying to navigate into a parking position. Some people struggle with parking back in simply due to pressure. In busy parking lots, impatient drivers are always honking, and someone trying to park back in may feel pressured as back-in parking takes a bit more time than parking head-in.
Guide to Parking the Right Way
Finding a place to park seems to be increasingly difficult. In 2017, it was estimated that drivers spend an average of 17 hours yearly looking for parking spots. Fast forward to 2022, and the situation can be said to be much better.
It’s not enough to just find a place to park. You have to consider restrictions that may come with it. Some parking lots may be free, while some may require payment. There are parking bays that have restrictions on the type of vehicle that can be parked there. So, before you park in any space, look out for the signs that will be discussed below.
Double Yellow Lines
Double yellow lines on the road or in space mean parking and waiting are not permitted at any time. Parking on double yellow lines will attract a fine and the amount to be paid depends on the State you live in.
Single Yellow Lines
Single yellow lines are similar to double yellow lines in the fact that it means waiting, parking, loading, and unloading are not allowed. However, this is only within a certain time, so be sure to check the times shown on the sign. In most places, parking restrictions on single yellow lines tend to be lifted during evenings and weekends. To be sure, check the sign before parking.
Loading Bays
Loading bays are easy to recognize as the words “Loading Only” will be painted on the road with dotted white lines surrounding it. Depending on the place or organization, the loading bay may be reserved for loading vehicles like lorries and trucks. Businesses that sell heavy items may allow all vehicles in the loading bay solely for loading purchased items.
Yellow Zigzag Lines
Usually found outside schools, police stations, ambulances, or fire stations, zig-zag yellow lines indicate the length of the road where you aren’t allowed to park or stop. The reason for this is to ensure drivers don’t block the police or emergency services when they need to move out.
