Stop Signs In Parking Lots

[blujax01]

Entirely too often, I almost get hit by cars running stop signs in parking lots. If I'm walking, the driver will gauge my distance to the crosswalk and actually accelerate in order to avoid stopping at the stop sign.

If I'm driving, and pull out into the main thoroughfare, it's as if the sign doesn't even exist. I don't have a stop sign - you do. I have the RIGHT OF WAY.

Who ever got the idea that stopping for the red octagon is optional?

 

[rwsmith]

I think because parking lots are privately owned.....

I think because parking lots are privately owned, they aren't enforced and there is no penalty for running a sign, so people consider them to be a joke. Heck, some people in my subdivision routinely roll right through stop signs.

i think parking lots are dangerous as anything, except that usually (usually) accidents are at low speed.

 

[blujax01]

I think because parking lots are privately owned, they aren't enforced and there is no penalty for running a sign, ...

I would like a LEO opinion on this. If what you say is true, I get broadsided by someone running a stop sign in a parking lot, he/she isn't liable?

That can't be right...

 

[NYlakesider]

Shopping center & large parking lots are a very dangerous spot to drive!

On a road you can see what direction other cars are coming at you for the most part.

Big lots they can come at you in 360 different directions. Also can back out into or if front of you real easy.

Most time normal traffic laws are not enforceable in those places, at least in my state as its PRIVATE PROPERTY. Insurance companies love this as many times it gives them an easy out to try to mitigate their payouts!

 

[eveled]

My parking lot pet peeve is just not using the lanes. Going diagonally across all the parking spaces weaving around the cars that are parked in the spaces. Also speeding is a problem. People just don't understand the possible ramifications of their actions.

Hitting and killing a pedestrian will seriously ruin your life. All to save 15 seconds? Ed.

 

[b_san]

There is no right of way in a parking lot regardless of any posted signs. And good luck getting the other driver's insurance to cover any damage he may have caused, in a parking lot and other private property you're pretty much on your own.

 

[gunship]

Stop signs are covered by state law covering state, county, and municipal road systems. Stop signs must be approved by the state and must meet placement and sign size restrictions set up by the federal manual of Uniform traffic control devises. Once approved by the state and the Township or County pass an ordinance of approval and it becomes law and enforceable. Most privately owned lots are not approved by ordinance of the Township thus making the signs unenforceable. The property owner may apply for enforcement, then the Township passes an ordinance which is sent to the state. Meeting approval, then the lot signs can be enforced as long as the signs are maintained correctly.
This is the action needed in NJ, I'm sure most states are the same. A lot of property lot owners will not give the police the power to enforce motor vehicle law on their property.

I would like a LEO opinion on this. If what you say is true, I get broadsided by someone running a stop sign in a parking lot, he/she isn't liable?

That can't be right...

 

[NCooper]

I would like a LEO opinion on this. If what you say is true, I get broadsided by someone running a stop sign in a parking lot, he/she isn't liable?

That can't be right...

Parking lots are private property and traffic infractions aren't enforced on them unless owner of property has given permission to the local agency in writing. Even then I wouldn't hold my breath on them being enforced or patrolled.

Any collision that takes place on private property can have a police report filed for insurance purposes but don't expect the other driver to be cited for failing to stop. The officer might assign fault in the police report. If an officer even shows. A lot of agencies file the collision report over the phone, in a cost savings measure.

Your state laws may vary.

Washington's laws sound a lot like NJ's. As posted above

 

[Brian41]

I worked for super stores that had stop signs at the exits which were often run. Once after a rough day I was walking out and had my tool pouch slung over my shoulder on a strap. Some punk kids decided to run the sign just as I was stepping out. They ran the stop but I slung the tool pouch into the side of their car. Words were exchanged I can't put here but it did make me feel a tad better.
I really hate the ones driving across the lanes too as you never know where they're going and have about been hit by them several times both walking and driving.

 

[KLYDE]

I would like a LEO opinion on this. If what you say is true, I get broadsided by someone running a stop sign in a parking lot, he/she isn't liable?

That can't be right...

I'm sure they would be held liable for insurance purposes. Law enforcement action with a civil traffic violation would not be applicable because of the private owned lot.

This is just one example of behavior that irks the life out of me. A good percentage of society just can't do the right thing. I better stop before I go on a rant.

 

[Marshwheeling]

The worst offenders in parking lots are the jerks who block the lanes as they wait for someone to walk across the lot, put their stuff in their car, put on their makeup, and finally back out, freeing up the spot. Speeding and crossing lanes are reasonable and necessary countermeasures. The best course, however, is simply to avoid shopping.

 

[safearm]

In any jurisdiction where I worked, we did not enforce traffic laws on private property. However, a traffic sign/signal at the entrance to the private lot (entrance to/exit from mall, Wal-Mart, grocery store, etc.) was enforceable.
A collision on private property did not warrant a traffic accident investigation; we had a short form that simply recorded the driver's/owner's name, address, telephone number, etc., but no citation, diagram, or statements.

 

[ejeli]

Out of curiosity, how does that differ from a civil disturbance like an agrument or a fight.
I can understand why they can't enforce a stop sign violation but once damage occurs I would think they would be obligated.
Maybe if sombody crashes into my car I should just get out and slap them, that way a cop would come.

 

[gm272gs]

...The worst offenders in parking lots are the jerks who block the lanes as they wait for someone to walk across the lot, put their stuff in their car, put on their makeup, and finally back out, freeing up the spot...

You had me here, and then

...Speeding and crossing lanes are reasonable and necessary countermeasures...

you lost me there.

 

[feralmerril]

I am surprised there isnt many more accidents than there seems to be in those huge parking lots. A couple years ago I pulled next to the pipe shoping cart rack. I probley sat there for a half hour waiting for Theresa to come out, listening to Hannity or Rush. The rack was out of sight next to my right side. I totaly forgot it was there, saw Theresa come out of walmart and I turned sharp! Krunch! A couple hundred dollars damage to the truck but not enough to justify using the insurance. Those insurance companys bank on that, knowing a person will pick up hundreds of dollars that they could make the insurance pay as we all know they will just raise your rates to get it back! Outside of myself, I cant say I have ever even seen a accident in a parking lot.

 

[jimmyj]

In my area: If the parking lot is open/used by the general public, then traffic laws apply. This may differ from State to State.

 

[Cdog]

It's not just parking lots. The neighboring small town where my youngest attends school is obviously not enforcing stop sign laws. Many folks completely disregard them as if they aren't there.

The crosswalks are another story. I've complained to the school and local police dept. I can't stand watching traffic near her school.

How much time is anyone actually saving by running a stop sign?

 

[PA Reb]

I believe those that stated stop signs in parking lots are on private property and not enforceable are correct. If the OP gets "broadsided" by someone that runs a stop sign in a parking lot, I would assume that both insurance companies will have at it and the last driver with the opportunity to avoid the accident would be found at fault. As an example, I was leaving a private parking lot one time and the intersection was controlled by a traffic light. I was headed straight through the light and when the light turned green, I proceeded. The vehicle I was facing was turning left, did so, and hit me in my left front fender in the middle of the intersection. When it was settled by the insurance and to my surprise, most of the blame was placed on me and I was told that vehicles leaving a private parking lot, whether controlled by a light or not, must yield to vehicles already on the traveled roadway. I was told then that traffic lights and stop signs in private lots are not law enforceable. Moral of the story - be very careful in parking lots because you're on your own!

 

[Bat Guano]

Parking lots always remind me of water bugs on a pond.

Thank God cars (normally, anyway) only operate in two dimensions. Can you imagine what it would be like if the post-WWII predictions of an airplane in every garage had come true?


Sheesh.

 

[BearBio]

Here in Washington State, stop signs & lights (public or private property) are merely suggestions. But then, we have LE made up totally of Barney Fife clones!