I would be interested to know how parking, waiting and stopping restrictions are denoted in various countries.

Here in the UK, we have a double-yellow line, which denotes 'no waiting at any time', which also bans parking. Apart from on one-way streets, the lines are always on the left and apply to both sides of the road.

http://www.freefoto.com/images/9908/06/9908_06_12---double-yellow-lines_web.jpg


A single yellow line denotes the same thing but that the restrictions are only in operaton at certain times on the day.

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/CEC/CityDevelopment/TransportandTravel/Parking/SignsandRoadMarkings/SingleYellowLine.jpg


A sign like this tells you what times a single yellow line applies...

http://us.fotolibra.com/images/previews/350600.jpeg


In London, red lines are used in a similar fashion to denote stopping restrictons. I've never seen them anywhere else, with most parts just using the international No Stopping sign. I can't find any decent images of this, but it looks essentially the same as above.

Slovenia:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee119/Verso1/download.jpg

The sign is in the bilingual area, I didn't find one without Italian. And usually they say "Mon-Fri", not "at workdays". We don't have lines like the UK though.

In the USA, the parking restrictions are indicated by the colour of the kerb: Red - No stopping
Yellow - Stopping for loading/unloading only
Green - Parking is allowed for a certain period of time
White - Post vehicles only (although I am not sure)
If there is no colour and no meter, it means the parking is regulated by the parking signs along the street.

In Ukraine and Russia, kerb may also be coloured: Solid yellow - No stopping and no parking (1.4 on the picture)
Dashed yellow - Stopping for loading/unloading only (1.10)
Yellow Zigzag - Parking for taxis and PT only (1.17)

http://www.gazu.ru/znaki/images/r1.gif
http://www.gazu.ru/znaki/images/r4.gif

Most likely, however, the parking will be regulated by the international parking signs without painted kerb (as in the rest of Europe). The signs from left to right are: a) no stopping, b) stopping is allowed but no parking c) No parking on odd days, d) no parking on even days

http://www.gazu.ru/znaki/images/zn3_27.gif http://www.gazu.ru/znaki/images/zn3_28.gif http://www.gazu.ru/znaki/images/zn3_29.gif http://www.gazu.ru/znaki/images/zn3_30.gif

There are quite a lot of different signs in NSW to indicate what sort of vehicles may and may not stop in a particular zone, so I just took screenshots of the "Parking" section of the Road Users' Handbook, published by the RTA.

http://i43.tinypic.com/2howdbl.png

http://i44.tinypic.com/2mzmpzr.png

http://i40.tinypic.com/abox8o.png

http://i44.tinypic.com/332w239.png

http://i43.tinypic.com/34edj52.png

http://i42.tinypic.com/29m6hdu.png

http://i39.tinypic.com/21amjb9.png

Netherlands:

1. No parking allowed
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/Nederlands_verkeersbord_E1.svg/100px-Nederlands_verkeersbord_E1.svg.png

2. Also not allowed to even stop.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Nederlands_verkeersbord_E2.svg/100px-Nederlands_verkeersbord_E2.svg.png

3. Parking.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/78/Nederlands_verkeersbord_E4.svg/100px-Nederlands_verkeersbord_E4.svg.png

4. You need a parking disk here.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Nederlands_verkeersbord_E10.svg/100px-Nederlands_verkeersbord_E10.svg.png

It seems lines or painted kerbs are rare in much of Europe. If only signs are used, how do you know where the signs influence begin and end?

Slovenia:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee119/Verso1/download.jpg

The sign is in the bilingual area, I didn't find one without Italian. And usually they say "Mon-Fri", not "at workdays". We don't have lines like the UK though.

Ah, that´s typical again, such a professional and decent looking sing you would only expect at very new parking lots in Germany or Austria, but no, it´s in Slovenia and it looks even better, awesome.

^^ You seem genuinely surpised that Slovenian civilization is sophisticated enough to be able to erect a decent waiting restrictions sign.

I know it's not exactly the pyramids, but... :crazy:

It seems lines or painted kerbs are rare in much of Europe. If only signs are used, how do you know where the signs influence begin and end?

They use them too in the Netherlands, but it depends on municipality. They are mostly used to mark the "parking disk" zones with blue lines. Yellow lines are rarely used, usually relics from the past.

It seems lines or painted kerbs are rare in much of Europe. If only signs are used, how do you know where the signs influence begin and end?

In Sweden, parking is regulated by the same signs as in the Netherlands and most of Europe. The sign's influence begins where the sign is located and until another sign, or until the next road. Sometimes an arrow pointed downwards under the sign is used to indicate the end of influence.

We have a whole bunch of signs and rules that regulate parking and stopping. I'll check the road administration's website to see if I can find anything.

It seems lines or painted kerbs are rare in much of Europe. If only signs are used, how do you know where the signs influence begin and end?

First lesson when driving is taught:if you dont see a cancelling sign,its valid until the next junction...(basically all signs fall under this,but of course,there are exceptions...)

^^ Basically all signs without those being a closed "zone" in the Netherlands. If you drive outside city limits, and the speed goes from 80 to 50, you can drive 80 again after the next intersection unless 50 is signed.

It seems lines or painted kerbs are rare in much of Europe. If only signs are used, how do you know where the signs influence begin and end?As already said, with the first intersection, unless it's a zone, in which case there's a sign depicting the end of it. If a road is wide enough for permanent parking spaces, they are drawn.

^^ You seem genuinely surpised that Slovenian civilization is sophisticated enough to be able to erect a decent waiting restrictions sign.

I know it's not exactly the pyramids, but... :crazy:I don't think he's 'genuinely surprised', just very enthusiastic. :D I know what he likes most: the shiny edge of the sign. :tongue2:

In Poland we only have signs that regulate parking and stopping issues.


Here's a sign that forbids stopping during certain hours. Violating it might get your car hauled.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3226785626_365f0dd6fc.jpg?v=0


And here's a similar parking forbidden sign:
http://xylonyt.blox.pl/resource/post23oj_400x400.jpg

What's interesting, this is the only sign in Poland which end is posted like this:

http://foto.recenzja.pl/foty/zakaz_zatrzymywania_i_postoju-77-55317f988832e5d3a7fa2f34de3eeae3.jpeg

This sign says no parking on odd days
http://www.szkolnictwo.pl/rysunki_lekcje/974/4467

and even ones:
http://www.szkolnictwo.pl/rysunki_lekcje/974/1238

In Romania, there are the same signs as in all of Europe. Recently the law is being enforced and a lot of signs restricting or allowing parking are put on streets.

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/550/dscn0143.jpg

However...

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/958/dscn0039.jpg

I suppose I saw that once or twice

edit: Hey, only roughly one eigth of that Dacia is breaking the law:lol:

What do those arrows mean? You see them a lot in Switzerland too.

It means the restriction is still present and will be until a sign with an arrow down is posted.

I don't think he's 'genuinely surprised', just very enthusiastic. :D I know what he likes most: the shiny edge of the sign. :tongue2:

Not only, the whole sign looks like the country has very hih standart, and it aktually has, whenever I go through Slovenia I am amazed how everything looks, how clean etc.

I suppose I saw that once or twice

edit: Hey, only roughly one eigth of that Dacia is breaking the law:lol:

Actually all of it, because there is an intersection ahead, and therefore you cannot park 5m before the intersection!

Cona in Portuguese means cu*t!
Anyway in Portugal the system is like in the UK, one Portuguese single line= double uk line and broken Portuguese yellow line=single UK line

In Vancouver (and I presume the rest of Canada), there is a sign at least on each street corner with an arrow and instructions on if you can or cannot park/stop. Usually, it is either a no stopping or no parking sign and hours listed below (or none if it is in effect 24/7). If parking/stopping is allowed, then the time limit is also usually listed along with the hours. If the sign is not there, then you can park for as long as you want. The only implied no parking is near a fire hydrant.

Back with some photos from Bucharest!

Angle /w payment

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/434/dscn0368j.jpg (http://img19.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0368j.jpg)

Parallel /w payment
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5905/dscn0374.jpg (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0374.jpg)

Parallel /w payment - but no car drawn
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3531/dscn0385.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0385.jpg)

Handicapped spot (2)
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/3040/dscn0386.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0386.jpg)

Underground parking
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6161/dscn0390.jpg (http://img17.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0390.jpg)

Perpendicular free
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/3576/dscn0393j.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0393j.jpg)

Plata means toll in Romania? The word is similar to what I've seen in Croatia and Poland (Naplatna, Platy or something). Those languages are rather similar in central/southeastern Europe.

Yes, plata meas payment.

Now, for some general photos with parking spaces:

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4567/dscn0379c.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0379c.jpg)

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5746/dscn0396x.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0396x.jpg)

Now, in general, each parking has its own rules of use:

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/9931/dscn0397j.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0397j.jpg)

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8131/dscn0381.jpg (http://img13.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0381.jpg)

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8984/dscn0384.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0384.jpg)

Things could get complicated sometimes :bash:

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9781/dscn0389.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0389.jpg)

And some restrictions:

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8493/dscn0398.jpg (http://img16.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0398.jpg)

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4183/dscn0399.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0399.jpg)

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4456/dscn0401r.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0401r.jpg)

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4255/dscn0404.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn0404.jpg)

Plata means toll in Romania? The word is similar to what I've seen in Croatia and Poland (Naplatna, Platy or something). Those languages are rather similar in central/southeastern Europe.

Coincidence. Romanian is a Romance/Latin language, while Croatian and Polish are Slavic. Not to mention some other completely different languages, i.e. Hungarian, Greek, Turkish, Albanian.

^^ Polish word płacić, from which words płatny/bezpłatny come from, derives from the fact that in the past people used to pay with lniane płaty(linen slices), whatever that means.

Wasn't it płatna in Polish? AFAIK they put that on the Polish motorway signs. Or does it mean tolled?

Coincidence. Romanian is a Romance/Latin language, while Croatian and Polish are Slavic.

Not exactly. You're right about Romanian being a Romance language, but it is also unique in that group because it has had a lot of influence from Slavic languages, including having a grammar that has some complex elements that are present in Slavic languages but absent from other Romance languages.

It is not a coincidence that "plata" means "payment", but rather a consequence of the influence of Slavic languages on Romanian.

Not to mention some other completely different languages, i.e. Hungarian, Greek, Turkish, Albanian.

Hehe yeah, Europe has several language groups. However, Greek and Albanian do not really belong in this list (assuming it lists the "completely different" languages), since they are Indo-European, unlike Hungarian and Turkish, which are indeed in their own respective language groups, and neither is Indo-European.

Wasn't it płatna in Polish? AFAIK they put that on the Polish motorway signs. Or does it mean tolled?

Yeah, it's just a different inflected form of the word, which probably means "for pay/tolled" (using my knowledge of Russian that's what it sounds like).

^^ You're right about Slavic influence on Romanian, I just wanted to say that Romanian (including Slavic influence) is still quite different from Slavic languages. As for Greek and Albanian, you're right too, but you have to admit they are still very different from other Indo-European languages (including different alphabet of Greek). Now back on topic. :)

^^ OK :)

In Israel, parking restrictions are indicated using the standard European signs (i.e. the blue one with the red lines), but also via curb patterns:
Red + white: no parking.
Blue + white: parking with a permit only (pay parking).
Red + yellow: no stopping (usually at bus stops).

For depictions, look at the bottom of this page:
http://www.israel-travel-tips.com/en/105/Israel%20Travel/Driving%20in%20Israel

In Ontario, signs are used to indicate parking/stopping regulations, exactly like previously described by the person from Vancouver. I've never seen curb colours being used for that purpose here.

I was wonderwing to what extend people in different countries obey parking rstrictions? Is it up to driving habits or whether parking places are well designed or not?

In Poland the problem is both - there are not many parkings, so people park wherever they want, and when it happens to be one, many people do not know how to park there :(

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3082/nsc003sp6.jpg

I think it depends on enforcement and general behaviour of the population. If the chances are big that you get towed, you'll leave the thought of parking illegal out of your mind. If nobody enforces it, and everybody just parks somewhere, it's gonna be a mess.

However, in my previous neighborhood, there was insufficient parking (new suburban area, so far for Dutch planning), and people just parked on the green spaces, and so did I.

However, in my previous neighborhood, there was insufficient parking (new suburban area, so far for Dutch planning), and people just parked on the green spaces, and so did I.

In my Norwegian neighbourhood, there are virtually no parking spaces (when it was built in the 50s, 1 parking space per 5 flats was deemed sufficient...), and even with street parking, it's pretty bad. Still, the municipal parking guards enforce laws with great care and with utter disregard for the very real lack of parking spaces. It was better for a couple of years, but now it's back to utter badness.

Otherwise, rules in Norway are similar to most of Europe, very similar if not identical to Sweden.

I didn´t find any decent sign for my country, but in BiH we are using normal international signs you can see it on this picture on the left side, though very small :)

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6821/dsc02116tp4.jpg

or here

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g146/osavic/banjaluka/2007/BL07049.jpg

Brazil:

http://www.autoboy.com.br/blog/wp-content/uploads/placa-proibido-parar-e-es.jpg

http://www.aracaplaca.com.br/produtos/grd/6proibido%20estacionar%20.jpg

http://www.fisiostore.com.br/images/product/SINA-250AY_298.jpg

http://img2.mlstatic.com/jm/img?s=MLB&f=137889618_2335.jpg&v=O

http://web.marlonguerios.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/10062007029.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_fDR8WE1TeHQ/SxMW2wwZVMI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/VW_o3DWsiDI/s400/cartoes.jpg

United States parking signs (from the Fed MUTCD)
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/images/fig2b_24_1.gif

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/images/fig2b_25.gif

These are the general parking regulation signs seen through out the US. However, state and local governments often make variations on the signs above.

Plata means toll in Romania? The word is similar to what I've seen in Croatia and Poland (Naplatna, Platy or something). Those languages are rather similar in central/southeastern Europe.

Quite a coincidence, because plata means money in Spanish, at least the South American variety. In many Romance languages "plat" means something precious. "Platinum" for instance derives from "plata", and it means "little silver".

Prata is Portuguese for silver

Quite a coincidence, because plata means money in Spanish, at least the South American variety. In many Romance languages "plat" means something precious. "Platinum" for instance derives from "plata", and it means "little silver".

Well, I do not know if that is the case... Romanian has borrowed quite a few words from Bulgarian (official language of Vlachia until 14th century) and other Slavic languages. (I may give you quite a few examples - ograda, voinik, poiana etc.) I think this is the Slavic word, and not a Romance cognate...

In Italy, the regular sign for no parking...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/9/94/20100717125544!Italian_traffic_signs_-_divieto_di_sosta.svg

... is valid only for 8h-20h on urban areas, unless otherwise posted (a 24h rectangular white background black typeface "integrative panel" or other time-specified restriction).

Parking is allowed on the curbside unless otherwise posted, provided you leave 1m distance on the right to the front door/wall/fence/whatever is built.

The sign indicating parking and stop forbidden is applicable 24h per default.

======
The "passo carrabile" sign indicates that there is an easement at that point that must be kept clear. In other other, a garage, parking lot or driveway entrance. Every single access to the smallest and narrower of streets with auto traffic must be signed and assigned: they have unique codes. This is, by far and large, the most ubiquitous traffic sign in Italy:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/e/ed/20100722112810!Italian_traffic_signs_-_passo_carrabile.svg

============

Finally, curbside paintings:

YELLOW: reserved/special parking (requires a permit or that the vehicle fit the category - e.g., guests of a hotel unloading).

BLUE: paid parking

^^Is it just me, or the pictures are not visible?

I can see them.

I can't.

United States parking signs (from the Fed MUTCD)
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/images/fig2b_24_1.gif

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/images/fig2b_25.gif

These are the general parking regulation signs seen through out the US. However, state and local governments often make variations on the signs above.
The "No Standing" sign is pretty common too.

Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca: limited parking zones.
A resident's parking permit or payment at ticket machine is necessary, with limited time of parking without a resident's permit.

Both signs in Catalan only, pics taken in Summer 2012

Barcelona
http://i.imgur.com/do96l.jpg


Palma de Mallorca
http://i.imgur.com/WKB9H.jpg

^^ In Spain all traffic signs MUST BE IN SPANISH (or with icons).

That's means if a traffic sign is in another language, even if is official or not, must be Bilingual or will not be legal.

In another words, these signs, and a lot off traffic signs in Calataluña / C. Valenciana / Islas Baleares which are only written only in Catalán dosen't have any legal validity, so, like if never had existed.

:lol:

¿why are only in Catalan? Because some people are :censored: …!

And yes, you don't have to pay the fine :| (if you have one )http://www.vozbcn.com/2011/12/23/97040/ayuntamiento-cobra-multas-senales/

]

This sign says no parking on odd days
http://www.szkolnictwo.pl/rysunki_lekcje/974/4467

and even ones:
http://www.szkolnictwo.pl/rysunki_lekcje/974/1238


Eeee? I never seen this signs. Are they new??????

And yes, you don't have to pay the fine :| (if you have one )http://www.vozbcn.com/2011/12/23/97040/ayuntamiento-cobra-multas-senales/
I indeed received a multa in Palma once. The amount is EUR 60, or half of it for "fast payers".
The multa was a printed slip of paper, in both Catalan and Spanish, with a signature of the agent. But the zone sign was only in Catalan, like the photo above.

I did not pay, and up to now, did not get any reminder - the car had foreign plates :)

Quite a coincidence, because plata means money in Spanish, at least the South American variety. In many Romance languages "plat" means something precious. "Platinum" for instance derives from "plata", and it means "little silver".



In South America, "Plata" means both silver and money.