Car Park Signage

Strategic signage placement improves navigation, reduces confusion, and ensures compliance. Here are 7 critical locations:

1. Entry points – Welcome signs with facility rules and directional information
2. Intersections and decision points – Clear arrows guiding drivers to destinations
3. Ramp entries – Height clearance warnings before low-ceiling areas
4. Pedestrian crossings – Warnings for drivers and crossing markers for pedestrians
5. Column faces – Directional arrows and level identification at regular intervals
6. Accessible bays – Compliant symbols visible from driving lanes
7. Exit routes – Clear exit signage and emergency evacuation directions

Car park signage in Australia must comply with AS 2890.1 (Parking facilities, Part 1: Off-street car parking), AS 2890.2 (Parking facilities, Part 2: Off-street commercial vehicle facilities), AS 1319-1994 (Safety signs for the occupational environment) for safety signage, and AS 1742.11 (Manual of uniform traffic control devices, Part 11: Parking controls) for parking control signs. Additionally, accessible parking signage must meet AS 2890.6 (Parking facilities, Part 6: Off-street parking for people with disabilities) requirements.

Legally required signage varies between private car parks and public road parking, but typical compliance requirements include accessible parking bay signs displaying the International Symbol of Access with white symbols on blue background, speed limit signs clearly visible at entry points and throughout multi-level facilities, directional arrows and one-way traffic signs where circulation patterns must be enforced, height restriction signs at entries to underground or covered car parks, emergency exit signage with illumination or reflective materials for visibility in power failures, and pedestrian crossing warning signs at designated walkway intersections.

For car parks, entry signage must clearly communicate parking conditions, fees, time limits, and towing policies. Signs should be positioned 120mm to 2.5 meters above ground level for visibility; use high-contrast colours (black on white or white on black backgrounds); feature reflective materials for night visibility; and be readable from 20 meters inside a moving vehicle, according to Queensland government guidelines that reflect best national practices.

Classic Architectural Group supplies car park signage compliant with Australian Standards, including regulatory signs, directional wayfinding systems, safety warning signs, and custom parking control signage manufactured with Class 1 or Class 2 reflective aluminium. Our team provides compliance consulting, custom design, and professional installation across Australia to ensure your car park signage meets all relevant Australian standards and local council requirements.

Effective car park signage systems require four main categories working together to create safe, efficient traffic circulation and clear communication with drivers.

• Directional wayfinding signs guide drivers from entry to destination and include entry/exit directional arrows showing routes to parking levels or zones, visitor parking and reserved parking area indicators, arrow signs for one-way lanes and circulation routes, level or zone identification signs (Level 1, Zone A, etc.), and tenant or department directory signs in mixed-use facilities. These signs prevent driver confusion, reduce the risk of dangerous reversing or U-turns, and improve traffic flow efficiency.
• Regulatory and control signs communicate rules and restrictions including speed limit signs (typically 10-20 km/h for car parks), no parking or no stopping zones near fire exits and service areas, stop and give way signs at intersections and blind corners, parking time limit signs for visitor or short-term spaces, and permit-only parking zone signs for staff or resident areas. These signs must feature appropriate colour schemes: blue backgrounds for mandatory signs, yellow backgrounds with black text for warning signs, and red circular borders for prohibition signs, in accordance with AS 1319 standards.
• Safety warning signs alert drivers and pedestrians to hazards, including pedestrian crossing signs at designated walkways, height clearance signs before low-clearance areas, blind corners or limited-visibility warnings on ramps and tight turns, slippery-surface warnings near wash bays or exposed weather areas, and emergency assembly point signs for evacuation procedures. High-visibility yellow backgrounds with black symbols ensure these signs are immediately recognisable.
• Information and identification signs provide helpful details, such as accessible parking identification with the International Symbol of Access, electric vehicle charging bay signs with charging symbols and instructions, parent-with-pram or family parking bay designation, loading zone time limit information, and after-hours or emergency contact details at entries.

Classic Architectural Group designs comprehensive car park signage systems that integrate all four categories, ensuring compliance with Australian standards while addressing your facility’s specific circulation patterns, safety risks, and user needs. Our custom manufacturing capabilities allow for site-specific messaging, branding integration, and reflective materials suitable for both indoor and outdoor car park environments across Australia. 

The choice between reflective and non-reflective car park signage depends on lighting conditions, location (indoor vs outdoor), and specific Australian standard requirements for your application.

Reflective signage is essential for:

• Underground or basement car parks where artificial lighting may be insufficient or fail during emergencies
• Outdoor surface car parks operating 24/7, where natural light varies throughout the day
• Poorly lit areas, such as distant parking zones or perimeter sections
• Ramp approaches and blind corners where enhanced visibility prevents collisions
• Exit routes and emergency signage which must remain visible during power failures
• Sny signage visible from roadways or public areas where AS 1742.11 compliance requires reflectivity.

Class 1 reflective sheeting provides standard reflectivity suitable for well-lit car parks and low-speed environments, while Class 2 reflective (high-intensity) is recommended for outdoor car parks, high-traffic areas, and anywhere signs must be visible from greater distances or in poor conditions.

Non-reflective signage is acceptable for:

• Well-lit internal car parks with consistent artificial lighting and backup power systems
• Directional signs in building lobbies or pedestrian areas with permanent lighting
• Informational signs like parking bay numbers or tenant directories in illuminated zones
• Decorative or branded signage where aesthetics take priority over safety function

However, even in well-lit environments, many property managers prefer reflective signage as a safety backup in case of lighting system failures.

Material and durability considerations:

Reflective signs are typically manufactured on an aluminium substrate with 3M or equivalent reflective sheeting, providing 7-10 year outdoor durability and fade resistance under Australian UV exposure. Non-reflective signs may use printed aluminium, ACM composite, or rigid plastic materials. For harsh Australian conditions, including coastal salt exposure, extreme temperatures, and intense UV, powder-coated aluminium with UV-stable reflective sheeting offers the best long-term performance regardless of lighting conditions.

Classic Architectural Group manufactures car park signage in both reflective and non-reflective options, with Class 1 and Class 2 reflective materials meeting Australian standards for visibility and durability. Our team provides site assessments to determine optimal reflectivity requirements based on your car park’s lighting design, operating hours, and compliance obligations, ensuring signs remain clearly visible and effective throughout their service life.