Help Me Multiple parking signs on one pole: which one applies?
Updated 27 October 2026
Short answer: When a pole has several plates, check each one: does it apply to your side of the pole (the arrow), to right now (the time and day), and to you (permits or vehicle type)? Of the plates that apply, the strictest wins. No Stopping beats No Parking, which beats a time limit. If none applies right now, that pole doesn't restrict you.
A worked example
Take the pole above:
- Tuesday, 8am: No Stopping applies. You can't stop at all.
- Tuesday, 11am: No Stopping has ended. 2P Ticket applies: pay, and you can stay until 1pm. With an Area 14 permit, you can stay longer.
- Tuesday, 7pm: neither plate applies, so you can park.
- Saturday: both plates are weekday-only, so you can park.
Three checks for every plate
- Side: follow the arrow. A plate pointing the other way doesn't apply to your spot.
- Time and day: outside its hours and days, ignore the plate.
- You: exceptions such as permits change who has to follow a plate.
Watch the time limit run out
If you arrive at 5pm on a "2P 10am–6pm" plate, your limit ends at 6pm, not 7pm. If a stricter plate starts while you're parked, such as a clearway starting at 3pm, you have to leave before it starts.
Common questions
Which parking sign takes priority?
The strictest one that applies right now. No Stopping and Clearway beat No Parking, which beats a time limit.
Do I read parking signs from top to bottom?
Read all of them, in any order. The plate at the top isn't automatically the one that counts.
What if two plates contradict each other?
Usually they don't. They apply at different times or to different sides of the pole. If you can't tell, assume the stricter rule and look for another spot.