Parking Signs Park Car Special Directions Instructions Street

In many American cities, it can be almost impossible to find street parking. If you do see an "empty spot" (a space without a car) along the side of a street, be sure to look for "signs" (large, painted pieces of metal or wood with written information) about parking "restrictions" (limitations).

Most city streets have signs "indicating" (showing) whether parking is allowed and, if so, at which times. Obviously you cannot park in a "fire lane" (space that fire-emergency vehicles need for fighting fires), which are indicated with red color paint; in front of "driveways" (short routes leading from a street to a building or garage); or any place where there is a painted yellow line on the "curb" (the raised piece of concrete next to a road).

Where parking is allowed, parking signs indicate the "time limit," or the amount of time a car can be parked there without getting a "ticket" (a piece of paper showing that one has done something against the law) and having to pay a "fine" (money paid because one has done something wrong). Some signs indicate "permit-only parking," which means that the driver must have a special "permit" (written permission) to park there, usually because he or she works or lives nearby.

Sometimes there are "exceptions" (times when a rule does not apply) to the regular parking restrictions. When there are parades or other special events, parking usually isn't allowed on certain streets. Parking is also restricted during "street cleaning" (when a large truck puts water on the streets to clean them).

Some parking signs state that "violators" (people who do not follow a law) will be "towed" (with one's car being pulled away by a special truck). If you park in one of those areas, you'll have to pay money to get your car back from the towing company!