If you’re a business owner in South Carolina, it’s essential to know the do’s and don’ts of parking lot striping. Failure to comply with parking lot regulations can lead to costly civil lawsuits. Read on for parking lot striping best practices so you can keep your parking lot looking neat and tidy – and stay compliant with state regulations.
Clear and Brightly Marked Parking Lot Lines
Parking lot striping is essential in maintaining a safe and organized parking lot. Not only does it keep traffic flowing smoothly, but also helps ensure pedestrians and drivers stay aware of hazards.
While parking spaces are crucial, striping your parking lot also gives you the curb appeal your business needs.
Why the Type of Paint Matters
Choosing a contractor with a state-of-the-art line striping machine using waterborne striping paint can result in clean, bright lines that keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Striping companies vary widely in the traffic paint they use to stripe your parking lot. The type of paint used for striping matters!
Parking lot stripers who lay out ball fields may know how to draw a line. However, a parking lot striping job from them will not be worth your money! These side hustle companies striping lots can give you a quick fix, but it won’t last.
Inexperienced stripers may use water-based paint in their parking lot line striping. These types of paint don’t hold up to weather or vehicle wear and tear.
In addition, the visibility of cheaper paints fades quickly and blends into your asphalt.
Experienced contractors often use DOT-approved waterborne traffic paint to withstand vehicle traffic, rain, heat, and many other elements. Properties of an excellent striping paint include:
- Highly-visible colors
- Durable
- Abrasion resistant
- Easily add glass beads for making reflective markings
Professional-grade waterborne paint has many properties to make the benefits of your parking lot layout last. After striping with professional-grade waterborne paint, you can forget about needing to maintain your lot for a while.
Professional Grade Striping Machines Use the Right Paints
Get the quality you’re looking for with a contractor using a striping machine with professional-grade waterborne paint to lay out straight lines.
The right equipment allows the use of waterborne paint that adheres better than water-based acrylics, and the accuracy of the right machinery gives clean and accurate lines.
Finding a contractor with cutting-edge equipment to apply this durable waterborne paint ensures the highest quality product possible and allows your lot to dry quickly!
And if you already have existing lines, a striping machine and a professional striping company can help with re-striping your parking lot for long-lasting lines!
Parking Space Lines and Signage for ADA Compliance
Adhering to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, parking lot painting must allocate a certain number of designated handicap spaces that are accurately labeled and marked. This ensures parking lot accessibility for all customers, including those requiring extra assistance driving or parking their vehicles.
To meet legal requirements, your contractor will mark handicap symbols on the pavement and erect a pole displaying a relevant sign. In addition, they will paint diagonal striping adjacent to designated areas to prevent unauthorized vehicles from parking in handicapped access zones located near parking stalls.
Failure to properly equip handicap stalls with the necessary legal requirements in a parking area can result in costly penalties and civil litigation!
Use the Right Signage to Enforce Driving Standards
S.C. Code Ann. § 23-1-15 gives law enforcement officers authority to enforce all traffic laws on privately-owned public parking lots. If your parking lot is open to use for public use, you can allow it to be under police jurisdiction by posting signage that your parking lot “area is subject to police jurisdiction with regard to unlawful operation of motor vehicles.” (1)
Posting proper signage allows officers to then handle issues of unlawful operation of motor vehicles in your lot. For example, if teens decide to park on your lot and drink alcohol illegally, officers may ask them to leave (and also issue DUIs!)
However, before officers exercise their authority, you must post appropriate signage informing the public that the area is under police jurisdiction.
YOU CAN Prohibit Illegal Parking
S.C. Code Ann. § 16-11-760 states that your business can post signs prohibiting parking by noncustomers. You must place these signs “in a conspicuous place on the borders of such property.” (2)
Individuals parking illegally may receive uniform traffic citations requiring $25 to $100 fines or in some cases, serve jail time of up to 30 days.
Our Experienced Line Striping Contractors Can Help
At AMP Paving, our striping service can keep your business operations running smoothly. As a property manager or business owner, we understand it’s part of your job to keep your place of business open and on schedule!
Because first impressions matter, we use DOT-approved Sherwin Williams waterborne traffic paint with our top-of-the-line striping machine for accurate results.
Let us help you achieve the well-marked parking lot your business needs to thrive in South Carolina!