In South Carolina, parking lot safety is a concern that should never be taken lightly. One crucial aspect of this is setting an appropriate parking lot speed limit. While it may seem trivial, drivers who follow a reasonable speed limit in your parking area can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
This blog will guide you through the best practices for compliance with parking lot speed limits, specifically tailored to South Carolina’s regulations and statutes. From understanding the legal requirements to implementing effective signage, we’ll cover everything you need to know to maintain a safe and lawful parking environment.
What is the Usual Speed Limit for a Parking Lot in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the speed limits in parking lots are typically not regulated by state statutes. However, some local municipalities may have their own regulations in place.
As a parking lot property owner, it’s still essential to post speed limit signs or guidelines. This helps drivers remember to drive cautiously in parking lots, often crowded with pedestrians and other vehicles. Drivers must be aware of parking lot rules and regulations to ensure everyone has a safe and smooth experience.
Always check with your municipality before setting your speed limits. Your asphalt installation company can likely give you information about how to handle traffic in your parking areas. Generally speaking, they have experience setting speed limits in your locality. Also, listen to your contractor about other safety tips, such as:
- Painted asphalt turn signals to guide drivers
- Stop signs
- Lights
- Parking lot space sizes
- Lane size of aisles for driving and backing
- Reasonable crossing areas for intersection crosswalks.
The University of South Carolina sets its speed limits and explains them thoroughly on its website.
“Unless otherwise posted, campus speed limit is 15 miles per hour. The speed in all garages is 10 miles per hour.”
The University also includes rules such as:
You will be towed if you park in certain areas:
- Fire Hydrants
- Fire Lanes
- Yellow Curbs
- Accessible Spaces (unless you have an accessible permit)
- Reserved Spaces
- Driveways, Alleyways, Walkways
- Sidewalks
- Grass Areas
Do not block these areas at any time:
- Curb Ramps
- Accessible Spaces
- Service Drives
- Trash Pickup Areas
But how do they enforce the rules in their private property areas? Let’s see next how to help law enforcement keep an eye on your parking lot.
Parking Lot Speed Limit Enforcement in South Carolina
You’re not alone if you’re concerned about speed limit compliance in your South Carolina parking lot. Many private property owners with a parking lot feel concerned about traffic signs, posted speed limits, and moving vehicles striking pedestrians. In addition, bad weather can bring a need for extra caution. With potentially tight spaces, blind spots, and other hazards, it’s easy to worry about accidents!
Fortunately, state law provides a framework for involving law enforcement to help maintain safety and order. According to S.C. Code Ann. § 23-1-15, law enforcement officers have the authority to enforce all traffic laws in parking lots open to public use, even if they are privately owned. However, there are specific steps you must take to enable this authority.
Firstly, you’ll need to post appropriate signs in your parking lot to inform the public that the area falls under police jurisdiction concerning the unlawful operation of motor vehicles. The law specifies that the extension of police jurisdiction becomes effective only after you post these signs.
Without proper signage, law enforcement won’t have the authority to enforce speed limits or other traffic laws in your parking lot.
Once the signs are up, State traffic laws and municipal ordinances can be enforced in your parking lot, just as on public streets and highways. This includes the authority to issue fines or even arrest individuals for severe violations.
Additionally, S.C. Code Ann. § 16-11-760 outlines penalties for unauthorized parking on private property. If you post a notice prohibiting such parking, violators can be fined between twenty-five and one hundred dollars or face imprisonment for up to thirty days. This offense can be charged on a uniform traffic ticket, making it easier for law enforcement to handle.
By understanding and following these South Carolina laws, you can work effectively with law enforcement to ensure that your parking lot is a safe environment for all vehicle drivers.
AMP Paving Can Help
At AMP Paving, we understand the importance of a well-designed and safe asphalt parking lot. That’s why we offer comprehensive paving solutions tailored to meet your specific needs, including the proper installation of speed bumps, signage, and markings that comply with South Carolina’s regulations.
Our team of experienced professionals can assess your parking lot and provide recommendations to enhance safety, including optimal speed limit settings. We also ensure that all safety measures and ADA requirements are up to code, making it easier for officers to patrol and enforce speed limits in your parking area.
From the initial planning stages to the final layer of asphalt, AMP Paving is committed to delivering a parking lot that not only looks great but is also a safe environment for drivers and pedestrians alike.
So, if you’re looking to improve the safety and compliance of your parking lot, look no further. AMP Paving has the expertise and resources to help you achieve a parking area that meets all legal requirements while providing everyone with a safe and pleasant experience.