Towing rules for property managers in Pennsylvania

Printable checklist

• ☐ Placement: At each entrance facing traffic entering the lot; readily visible where there are no set entrances
• ☐ Letters at least 3 inches tall

What the sign law says

Applies to: Private lots open to the public, free or paid

The main restriction message needs letters at least 3 inches tall, with one extra inch for each 25 feet of distance beyond 75 feet from the entrance. Extra messages need letters at least 2 inches tall. Signs should stand at each entrance and face traffic entering the lot. If the lot has no set entrances, such as an open side along a road, signs should be readily visible to an ordinarily observant driver. Signs meant to apply after dark must be reflective or lit so they are readable by headlights of entering cars.

67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(2) (opens in a new tab)

3 inches applies to the main restriction message, increasing by 1 inch per 25 feet beyond 75 feet from the entrance; other messages 2 inches. "Should stand at each entrance" and "reflective or lit" are not firm requirements, so at-each-entrance and reflective are not marked. The sign must state the restriction; wording about towing is optional. Additional quoted text comes from: 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(3) <https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/pennsylvania/67-Pa-Code-SS-212-115>.

Parking signs on private lots

• A private lot open to the public, whether free or paid, is covered by the no-unauthorized-parking rule only if it is posted with the restrictions. The state transportation department sets what counts as adequate posting. 75 Pa.C.S. 3353(b)(2) (opens in a new tab)
• Signs should stand at each entrance and face traffic entering the lot. If the lot has no set entrances, such as an open side along a road, signs should be readily visible to an ordinarily observant driver. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(2) (opens in a new tab)
• The sign must state the restriction, for example private parking, permit only, or apartment parking only. It may add hours, charges and a warning that unauthorized vehicles may be towed, and should list the owner's name and phone number. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(1) (opens in a new tab)
• The main restriction message needs letters at least 3 inches tall, with one extra inch for each 25 feet of distance beyond 75 feet from the entrance. Extra messages need letters at least 2 inches tall. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(2) (opens in a new tab)
• Signs meant to apply after dark must be reflective or lit so they are readable by headlights of entering cars. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(3) (opens in a new tab)
• The regulation says an owner of a car towed from a private lot cannot be prosecuted for the parking violation unless the restrictions were posted as the regulation requires. Check your photos of the signs. 67 Pa. Code 212.115(b)(4) (opens in a new tab)

Sources

• https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/75/00.033.053.000..HTM (opens in a new tab)
• https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/pennsylvania/67-Pa-Code-SS-212-115 (opens in a new tab)