# Can I park anywhere I want in a shopping center parking lot? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 11, 2008, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101 "2008-01-11T07:28:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ChrisBooth12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/1 "2008-01-11T07:28:19Z")
In some shopping centers you will see a parking space that says something like “For laundry mat parking only”. Or something to that effect. My question is if its a public parking center can i legally park there even if i do not want to go into the laundry mat? I have even seen some that say your car can be towed. ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/2 "2008-01-11T07:39:43Z")
[QUOTE=ChrisBooth12] In some shopping centers you will see a parking space that says something like “For laundry mat parking only”. Or something to that effect. My question is if its a public parking center can i legally park there even if i do not want to go into the laundry mat? I have even seen some that say your car can be towed. [/QUOTE] A shopping centre lot, generally speaking, is not a public parking lot; it’s a private parking lot belonging to the owner of the shopping mall. In theory they could tow you if you don’t park according to their wishes. ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/3 "2008-01-11T07:52:26Z")
[QUOTE=psychonaut] A shopping centre lot, generally speaking, is not a public parking lot; it’s a private parking lot belonging to the owner of the shopping mall. In theory they could tow you if you don’t park according to their wishes. [/QUOTE] Who is “they”? The people leasing the laundromat? The owners of the property? If the owners are the only ones who can authorize a towing, do they give a darn what building you’re patronizing, as long as you’re spending money? These are all honest questions, I don’t know if those that can authorize care where you park. This seems like a different situation than the “Mother to Be” parking spots, but I can’t pinpoint why. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisBooth12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 7:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/4 "2008-01-11T07:53:44Z")
I did not mean to imply a mall but like a grocery store parking lot with a bunch of little stores around it. ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/5 "2008-01-11T07:55:39Z")
[QUOTE=Santo Rugger] Who is “they”? The people leasing the laundromat? The owners of the property? [/quote] Yes, the owners of the property, or their delegates. Could well be they’ve given blanket permission to the laundromat to request tows on their behalf. ---
**Author:** ![tanstaafl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ba8739/32.png) [@tanstaafl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tanstaafl)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/6 "2008-01-11T13:15:20Z")
It could easily be one of the clauses in the lease agreement between the laundromat and the property owners that the spaces in front of the laundromat are reserved for them and that the laundromat has the right to tow cars parked there. ---
**Author:** ![Sprockets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/35a633/32.png) [@Sprockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sprockets)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/7 "2008-01-11T14:18:40Z")
Grrr. How about the “mothers and expectant mothers” spots, which are right near the door? That really pissed me off the other day, so I rationalized that I am a mother of several cats and I have expectations of one sort or another, and I parked there. Guess what? Nothing bad happened. ---
**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/8 "2008-01-11T15:08:51Z")
It depends a lot on where you are, as you might imagine. Some jurisdictions pretty much leave it up to the owners or those who lease space from them, others impose very specific requirements before they can tow. Portland: > [@](#): > > Authorization > > It shall be unlawful to tow a vehicle from a private parking facility unless: > > 1. The private parking facility owner/operator gives the PPI tower express written authorization identifying the specific vehicle, and signed at the time of the tow request, as required by ORS 98.812 and 98.830; or, > 2. The private parking facility owner/operator has signed an agreement authorizing the PPI tower to act as the agent of the parking facility owner/operator in selection of cars to be towed and the PPI tower signs an authorization for each tow identifying the specific vehicle, and signed at the time of the tow request, as required by ORS 98.812 and 98.830. > > Signage > It shall be unlawful to tow a vehicle from a private parking facility unless the private parking facility meets the following signage requirements: > > 1. At least one sign shall be posted and readily visible at each entryway into the parking lot, not more than 10 feet from the public right of way or street edge. Such signs shall: > > \*\*2. When a private parking facility is shared by multiple business operations, (i.e. shopping mall or office park) parking spaces must be marked, or signs posted, so as to indicate which spaces are reserved for each business.\*\*3. PPI towers may request an exception to the rules for sign location. Such request must be made in writing and offer an alternative posting for approval. > 4. Fire lanes from which vehicles may be towed shall be marked in compliance with Portland Uniform Fire Code (PUFC 901 and 902) [http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/index.cfm?a=fbjga&c=dedgj](http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/index.cfm?a=fbjga&c=dedgj) (emphasis added.) San Rafael, CA: > [@](#): > > Private Property > > If you own a private parking lot and wish to tow an unauthorized vehicle, the following steps must be in place: > > All entrances and exits are posted with correct signage. > > Signs must be at least 17" x 22". Letters must be at least 1" high. > > Sample content: > > Private Property > > Unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at owner’s expense. > > Section 22658cvc > > SRPD (415)485-3000 > > These signs are available in most hardware stores. Also check local telephone listings. > > It is recommended that a photo be taken of vehicle before it is towed, for your protection. > > If the towed vehicle is not picked up by the responsible party, the property owner is responsible for towing charges. > > Only property owners or managers can remove cars from private property. [http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/Government/Parking\_Services/Abandoned\_Vehicles/Private\_Property.htm](http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/Government/Parking_Services/Abandoned_Vehicles/Private_Property.htm) Austin: > [@](#): > > Perhaps the most common towing situation is where a vehicle is parked in a private lot within which “Designated Parking Only” signs are posted. The vehicle can be towed from the lot without any other notice to the vehicle’s owner, but only if the signs comply with certain requirements. > > If signs are posted in each individual space, each sign must be permanently affixed in such a manner that it faces a car parked in its spot. Each sign must also indicate for whom the space is reserved. > > If there are one or more signs placed around the lot restricting access to the entire lot, they must be conspicuously visible; permanently affixed to a pole or wall; contain the international towing symbol; contain a statement describing who may park in the parking facility and prohibiting all others; bear the words “Unauthorized Vehicles Will Be Towed at Owner’s or Operator’s Expense;” and contain the name and telephone number of the facility to which an unauthorized vehicle will be removed. > > If any of the above requirements are not met, a car parked in that area cannot be legally towed. [http://www.utexas.edu/student/lss/faq/legaltow.html](http://www.utexas.edu/student/lss/faq/legaltow.html) [http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/161026\_privatelot18.html](http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/161026_privatelot18.html) ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/9 "2008-01-11T15:18:53Z")
I think it’s about politeness and courtesy towards other human beings. I saw a guy, and his teenaged daughter, take a handicapped spot at a mall at Christmas. I looked at the vehicle: no handicap permit. I glared at the guy until he started faking a limp! Asshole. I tend to obey these signs, even though the chances of there being 6 pregnant women shopping at the same time at the same grocery store would be extremely rare. ---
**Author:** ![Keeve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/10 "2008-01-11T15:28:41Z")
[QUOTE=Sprockets] Grrr. How about the “mothers and expectant mothers” spots, which are right near the door? That really pissed me off the other day, so I rationalized that I am a mother of several cats and I have expectations of one sort or another, and I parked there. Guess what? Nothing bad happened. [/QUOTE] If it upsets you that much, patronize a different establishment. You have no right to violate their rules. Maybe nothing bad happened to YOU. But who knows? It is _possible_ that a pregnant woman had to shop elsewhere because you were in her spot. ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/11 "2008-01-11T15:33:11Z")
I’ll obey ones for expectant mothers, or drycleaners 5 minute parking, etc. However I’ve never had a problem using ones at BestBuy that say “reserved for photo finishing services” if I am just running in to buy something quick. I’m probably a lot quicker than someone who is just there to pick up their photos. I’ve also used the employee of the month parking spot at businesses where I am just running in. When does the employee’s parking convenience override a customer? ---
**Author:** ![Keeve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/12 "2008-01-11T15:36:29Z")
[QUOTE=Hampshire] When does the employee’s parking convenience override a customer? [/QUOTE] That’s the owner/manager’s decision, not yours. If they feel that it is important to give this perk to an employee for the sake of long-term company morale, even at the possible expense of customer convenience, then so be it. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisBooth12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/13 "2008-01-11T16:31:29Z")
How can i actually know that the owner has given them permission to make a reserved spot? I mean honestly no one will probably know that it is my car or not. The person running the laundry place could probably put up that sign regardless if he has any right to or not right? ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/14 "2008-01-11T16:34:47Z")
[QUOTE=Keeve] Maybe nothing bad happened to YOU. But who knows? It is _possible_ that a pregnant woman had to shop elsewhere because you were in her spot. [/QUOTE] Or should could have had to walk a total of 300 meters instead of 280 meters by being 20 meters further out. I don’t get this – they still have to walk around inside of the store. ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/15 "2008-01-11T16:40:17Z")
[QUOTE=ChrisBooth12] How can i actually know that the owner has given them permission to make a reserved spot? I mean honestly no one will probably know that it is my car or not. The person running the laundry place could probably put up that sign regardless if he has any right to or not right? [/QUOTE] Totally. Before we had a washer and dryer at the house we started patronizing a really nice and new laundromat that opened close to home. It was a little strip mall that had the laundry, a place that sold blinds and window treatments, a hair salon, a bar, a tobacco shop and a 7-11. I became friendly with the guy who owned the laundry place. He had all sorts of signs put up that the spaces on his store frontage were for laundry customers \*\*only \*\* and he constantly harassed the mall owner (actually the guy who owned the tobacco store) that nobody else should be able to park in front of his place. The owner just shrugged because Friday and Saturday nights the bar customers took all the parking spaces and he didn’t really care who parked where. Didn’t stop Kevin from doing all sorts of things to dissuade people from parking there and they mostly ignored him. ---
**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/16 "2008-01-11T17:00:15Z")
[QUOTE=ChrisBooth12] How can i actually know that the owner has given them permission to make a reserved spot? I mean honestly no one will probably know that it is my car or not. The person running the laundry place could probably put up that sign regardless if he has any right to or not right? [/QUOTE] If the owner of the property were unhappy about the sign being up he would have no problem addressing that with the owner of the laundromat. The owner could easily insist that the sign be taken down, and would do so if he felt it were detrimental to his overall business interests. Here is a likely scenario: 1. Owner of shopping center is trying to lease vacant storefront. 2. Owner of laundromat is willing to pay $X in lease under condition that he can provide convenient, reserved parking in front of his store. The ability to provide convenient parking is probably pretty key to running a successful laundromat. If a site doesn’t offer convenient parking, he will rent elsewhere. 3. Owner of shopping center thinks this is a good deal. His alternatives are to postpone renting the space out until he gets a different tenant (losing money while the space is vacant) or possibly to rent to the laundromat owner for something less than $X. ---
**Author:** ![Sprockets](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/35a633/32.png) [@Sprockets](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sprockets)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/17 "2008-01-11T18:50:59Z")
[QUOTE=Keeve] If it upsets you that much, patronize a different establishment. You have no right to violate their rules. [/QUOTE] I love it when you’re strict. > [@](#): > > It is _possible_ that a pregnant woman had to shop elsewhere because you were in her spot. Why, because pregnant women can’t walk? ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/18 "2008-01-11T18:55:36Z")
I can’t speak for larger businesses, but when I have had reserved spaces for my small business, I had to rent them. I might not have known that you were parking there, but if someone coming to my business told me there was somebody parked there, you’d be enjoying dealing an impound lot as your next act. Those spaces were rented for the convenience of my customers, not other people who couldn’t be bothered to park half a block away. ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/19 "2008-01-11T20:14:02Z")
[QUOTE=Keeve] If it upsets you that much, patronize a different establishment. You have no right to violate their rules. [/quote] The OP is asking if said rules are valid. > [@](#): > > Maybe nothing bad happened to YOU. But who knows? It is _possible_ that a pregnant woman had to shop elsewhere because you were in her spot. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2008, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101/20 "2008-01-11T23:48:05Z")
[QUOTE=Leaffan] I saw a guy, and his teenaged daughter, take a handicapped spot at a mall at Christmas. I looked at the vehicle: no handicap permit. I glared at the guy until he started faking a limp! Asshole. [/QUOTE] I just pull out my cellphone and call the cops. You’d be surprised at how quickly someone will move their car when you are reading their license plate number into the phone. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-park-anywhere-i-want-in-a-shopping-center-parking-lot/433101.md?page=2)