# Enforceability of those multiple reserved parking spots at retailers **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 12, 2026, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631 "2026-07-12T23:07:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/21 "2026-07-13T12:47:50Z")
Going back to parking enforcement. As a general matter, parking lot owners / tenants can tow whoever they want whenever they want unless (like the CA law cited above) there’s some statute prohibiting it. And most significantly, all this requires no police involvement. There are hoops the property owner / manager has to jump through, such as having signs at every driveway asserting the right to tow and showing the phone number of the tow company. And whoever controls the lot has some pre-arrangement with the towing company about which people, typically tenant store management, have the right to order a tow. But once one of those designated people call in a tow request to the towing company, a truck is going to snatch that vehicle pretty quickly. For sure towing cars willy-nilly can result in negative feedback. Lawsuits, protests, and the occasional government legal action against corrupt store managers & towing companies in cahoots to generate wrongful tows and all the attendant fees. ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/22 "2026-07-13T14:07:50Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > All US states issue driver’s licenses / non-driving ID cards which have “Veteran” printed on them along with all the other usual DL stuff. And here in Wyoming, at least, you can also get “Veteran” licence plates for your vehicle. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/23 "2026-07-13T14:08:28Z")
I think many states have those veteran license plates. ---
**Author:** ![StringsandHammers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stringsandhammers/32/17933_2.png) [@StringsandHammers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StringsandHammers)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/24 "2026-07-13T14:17:07Z")
Disabled veteran here. I’ve never actually seen a parking space reserved for veterans. Where did you see this? Was it at a veteran clinic or other government building? Any disabled can use a plain disabled space, civilian or veteran. A lot more veterans may in fact be disabled after suffering lifelong injuries, but I’ve never seen a space reserved specifically for veteran. ---
**Author:** ![dcbwhaley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcbwhaley/32/21437_2.png) [@dcbwhaley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dcbwhaley)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/25 "2026-07-13T14:19:58Z")
Is trespass a criminal offence in the USA. In Uk it isn’t except in a few limited cicumstances ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/26 "2026-07-13T14:32:11Z")
There are 50 states, so who knows. But in the jurisdictions I’m familiar with, yes, it is usually a misdemeanor, unless there are aggravating circumstances. Usually the police will just issue a warning the first time they are called. Police responsiveness varies considerably. In some jurisdictions they will come out quickly, in others unless you have an off duty cop on the payroll, good luck. But of course, the chances of us having an off duty cop on staff is higher in areas where parking is at a premium and concerns about loitering and drug use in bathrooms (for example) are higher. In suburban areas this whole thing is moot. There is usually plenty of parking, and if someone parks in the EV parking spaces who isn’t supposed to, there are probably two other spaces available. Same with handicapped parking and pick-up spots. Employee parking is at the far end of the parking lot, so no one wants to park there anyway. Veterans, pregnant woman and parent-with-small-children parking spots are pretty much on the honor system anyway, if they exist at all. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a non-elderly veteran use the veteran’s parking spots. And if an elderly non-veteran were to use it, no one would care. ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/27 "2026-07-13T14:40:50Z")
I’ve seen them, in the type of large mall or supermarket parking lots that have all sorts of special spaces- veterans , expectant mothers, “parents with toddlers” , green vehicles,curbside pickup and so on. [Here’s](https://patch.com/new-york/queens/howard-beach-stop-shop-unveils-veterans-only-reserved-parking-space) an article about a supermarket with a veterans only spot. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/28 "2026-07-13T14:46:42Z")
I’ve even seen “reserved for PD” spot outside of a big box retailers. I believe that’s a courtesy message & not legally enforceable; however, I’ve never had the cojones to try it out by parking in that spot. I do know cops are not supposed to park in the fire lane if they are not on a call; just running into the store to buy something. ---
**Author:** ![StringsandHammers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stringsandhammers/32/17933_2.png) [@StringsandHammers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StringsandHammers)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/29 "2026-07-13T14:49:20Z")
I read your article and unfortunately I live nowhere near Howard Beach Shop in New York state. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/30 "2026-07-13T15:56:13Z")
> [@Mighty\_Mouse](#): > > If parking is the determinant of whether a store succeeds or fails, then you are willing to put resources against it. Resort areas in the high season. Back when I was a teenager, I worked as a busboy at a restaurant on the beach. During the week I bussed tables, but on weekends when people were looking for beach access, my sole job changed to sitting in the parking lot and asking every car that entered if they’d be eating with us today. Most beachgoers would turn around; if someone parked anyway and walked to the beach, we’d have them towed. I don’t know if city regulations allowed it or if the chief of police got some free dinners to let it slide. Anyway, you’re right – businesses absolutely will dedicate staff to monitor parking if the business depends on it. ---
**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:** [July 13, 2026, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/31 "2026-07-13T16:11:23Z")
Midwest grocery chain Hy-Vee has them. They say “SUPER HERO PARKING ONLY Veterans, Active Duty, Police force, Fire Fighters” and have a US flag on them. ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/32 "2026-07-13T16:41:28Z")
> [@StringsandHammers](#): > > Disabled veteran here. I’ve never actually seen a parking space reserved for veterans. Where did you see this? Was it at a veteran clinic or other government building? Any disabled can use a plain disabled space, civilian or veteran. A lot more veterans may in fact be disabled after suffering lifelong injuries, but I’ve never seen a space reserved specifically for veteran.. I have seen several veteran parking spaces in Western PA. Since my driver’s license has my Veteran status I will park there if all of the disabled spaces are filled. I’ve had a disabled placard for more than 20 years. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/33 "2026-07-13T17:39:18Z")
> [@StringsandHammers](#): > > Disabled veteran here. I’ve never actually seen a parking space reserved for veterans. Where did you see this? Was it at a veteran clinic or other government building? I’ve seen them at Oyster Bay beach parking on the north shore of Long Island. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/34 "2026-07-13T17:46:28Z")
> [@StringsandHammers](#): > > Disabled veteran here. I’ve never actually seen a parking space reserved for veterans. Where did you see this? Was it at a veteran clinic or other government building? Any disabled can use a plain disabled space, civilian or veteran. A lot more veterans may in fact be disabled after suffering lifelong injuries, but I’ve never seen a space reserved specifically for veteran. I don’t know if they are at every Lowe’s but they’ve been at every Lowe’s I’ve been to. It’s usually convenient so I park there. > [@Spiderman](#): > > I’ve even seen “reserved for PD” spot outside of a big box retailers. I believe that’s a courtesy message & not legally enforceable; however, I’ve never had the cojones to try it out by parking in that spot. I do know cops are not supposed to park in the fire lane if they are not on a call; just running into the store to buy something. Walmart usually has that. They wanted us to use that when we were there on calls. I never would. I would park right in the fire lane. 90% of the time I was there because they had a shoplifter in custody. I wasn’t going to walk someone in handcuffs further than I had to especially in a busy parking lot. ---
**Author:** ![EdwardFound](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/4af34b/32.png) [@EdwardFound](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EdwardFound)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/35 "2026-07-13T20:08:06Z")
In a podcast episode I heard a tow truck driver described how he would sit parked out of sight and wait for calls from his spotters. These spotters lived or worked within view of a restricted lot and would watch for folks who parked without visiting the store, apartment complex, etc. The driver could get the car within a few minutes and he’d pay the spotter $50 or so. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/36 "2026-07-13T22:04:29Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > ’ve even seen “reserved for PD” spot outside of a big box retailers. I believe that’s a courtesy message & not legally enforceable; however, I’ve never had the cojones to try it out by parking in that spot. Some retailers provide police with a “substation” area where they can come in and do their paperwork instead of going all the way back to the station. This is a courtesy to them, and also intended to deter the criminal element. It may not be legally enforceable, but I wouldn’t want to test it with a police officer who wants to come in to the store use the restroom and check his messages. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/37 "2026-07-13T22:20:17Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > Midwest grocery chain Hy-Vee has them. They say “SUPER HERO PARKING ONLY Veterans, Active Duty, Police force, Fire Fighters” and have a US flag on them. But these are basically on the honor system – Hy-Vee doesn’t take action to enforce them. They are occasionally enforced by those people – if the police or firefighters can’t park there because someone else is there, they might do something. (Many Hy-Vee stores are in small towns, where the police & firefighters know each other & their families.) I once saw a Sheriff’s car parked in back, blocking in a car in that space, with the deputy waiting in the car, doing paperwork. I presumed that when the owner of that car came out of the store, the deputy would inquire why they were parked in that spot, and take action if they were not eligible. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/38 "2026-07-13T23:42:07Z")
> [@ASL\_v2.0](#): > > I think one issue is whether it could be considered trespassing. Generally, in a public space, like say- Walmart, they have to give you a notice that if you come back in or park there again, that would be trespassing. > [@Joey\_P](#): > > 100% that. For store owners, that’s sort of our ‘catch all’ for getting people out of the store that are being a problem. They can ask you to leave, If you refuse, yes, they can call the police and then this- > (o) (1) Refusing or failing to leave land, real property, or structures belonging to, or lawfully occupied by, another and not open to the general public, upon being requested to leave by (1) a peace officer at the request of the owner, the owner’s agent, or the person in lawful possession, and upon being informed by the peace officer that they are acting at the request of the owner, the owner’s agent, or the person in lawful possession, or (2) the owner, the owner’s agent, or the person in lawful possession. The owner, the owner’s agent, or the person in lawful possession shall make a separate request to the peace officer on each occasion when the peace officer’s assistance in dealing with a trespass is requested. However, a single request for a peace officer’s assistance, made in a notarized writing on a form provided by the law enforcement agency, may be made to cover a limited period of time not to exceed a time period determined by local ordinance or 12 months, whichever is shorter, and identified by specific dates, during which there is a fire hazard or the owner, owner’s agent, or person in lawful possession is absent from the premises or property. In addition, a single request for a peace officer’s assistance, made in a notarized writing on a form provided by the law enforcement agency, may be made for a period not to exceed 12 months when the premises or property is closed to the public and posted as being closed. The requestor shall inform the law enforcement agency to which the request was made, in writing, when the assistance is no longer desired, before the period not exceeding 12 months expire. So, in general, they cant get you arrested for a one time thing, assuming you are otherwise following the law. And how would they know you are NOT a “hero/vet” ? Or “on line shopping”? > [@Joey\_P](#): > > but the police won’t have a problem removing the person from the premises and trespassing them if the store asks them to. The Police would ask the person to politely leave. They cant drag them out in handcuff, unless legal warning has been given. [https://www.justanswer.com/law/4z9iz-legal-retail-store-give-trespass-warning.html](https://www.justanswer.com/law/4z9iz-legal-retail-store-give-trespass-warning.html) > Retailers can issue trespass warnings to individuals present during suspected shoplifting incidents, even if they did not personally steal. Such warnings typically prohibit entry onto the property for a specified period. If you receive a trespass warning, it is important to understand that it is a civil notice, not a criminal charge. You may request clarification or contest the warning through store management or legal channels. Documentation of the incident and any communications can be helpful if disputes arise. > [@Joey\_P](#): > > Another thing to remember is that those private spots (and street parking marked as a loading zone) are never going to be enforced by the police just based on them seeing someone parked there that shouldn’t be. In other words, nothing is going to happen by parking in the on-line pickup spot unless someone at the store calls the police. If they saw a Male park in a “expecting Mothers” spot. the police might make a comment. But not much more. > [@Mighty\_Mouse](#): > > We (my current and former employers, operators of supermarkets and/or convenience stores) will trespass folks who: > > - park in the electric vehicle charging stations > - park in the 15 minute pick up spots and go shopping for an hour > - park in the employee only spots > - park big ass SUVs, vans or pickups in compact car spots, creating a safety issue for drivers or pedestrians You have to give them a written notice, notarized, etc. So, how is that dont. The store manager sits out there, with a notary, asks for the parkers name, and fills out the form, and have it notarized? If they just say- “Sorry” and drive off how do you “trespass” them? > [@Spiderman](#): > > I have _never_ heard of a store doing this. What did you do, tie up an employee or manager standing there until the ‘offender’ comes out & goes to get back into their vehicle? Right. > [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > What does that mean? How does that work? (really asking) For CA, see my cite. Other states differ. > [@pkbites](#): > > Here it’s trespass parking. It’s not a state statute but a municipal ordinance. And the vehicle can’t be towed unless it’s been there for 24 hours or more. > > We get complaints of people parking in the pick up parking spots. But by the time any of us get there the vehicle is usually gone and we’re not tracking down a car for a $25 ticket. Yeah, 24 hours makes sense. But in your jurisdiction is there really a law that calls for a citation? What law are they breaking? > [@dcbwhaley](#): > > Is trespass a criminal offence in the USA. Under certain circumstances. But in public areas, there are steps and hoops to go thru, and not the first time- only after being duly and lawfully warned. > [@TroutMan](#): > > Anyway, you’re right – businesses absolutely will dedicate staff to monitor parking if the business depends on it. In CA it has to be the owner or the owners agent. Who are unlikely gonna sit out there for a couple hours for a maybe/possibly violation of “Veterans only”. Pure trespassing violations- not connected to any other more serious crime- are notoriously hard to prosecute. ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2026, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/39 "2026-07-13T23:51:26Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > You have to give them a written notice, notarized, etc. So, how is that dont. The store manager sits out there, with a notary, asks for the parkers name, and fills out the form, and have it notarized? If they just say- “Sorry” and drive off how do you “trespass” them? Are you speaking from actual experience managing hundreds of stores in dozens of states for a couple of decades? ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2026, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631/40 "2026-07-14T00:07:35Z")
> [@Mighty\_Mouse](#): > > Are you speaking from actual experience managing hundreds of stores in dozens of states for a couple of decades? I am speaking from the actual California penal code, which I cited. Of course, YMMV in different states. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforceability-of-those-multiple-reserved-parking-spots-at-retailers/1031631.md?page=3)