who is responsible for stop signs in parking lots of businesses?

Question

Who do I contact about the blatent disregard of posted stop signs in the lots of businesses such as in front of Wal- Mart stores, drive-thru's etc.?

Answer 1

I take it that you are asking about who has responsibility for enforcing traffic laws and such on private property - like parking lots and such. If you notice, most stop signs (or other signs) on non-public roads aren't up to the same standards as regular public road signs.

In general, signs posted by private owners aren't necessarily enforceable by law enforcement - if you put a speed limit sign on your driveway, the cops aren't going to enforce it - you are responsible.

Depending on what state you live in, there may be certain traffic laws that police can enforce on private roads and parking lots - most states allow the enforcement of DUI and reckless driving laws wherever they are noticed - and not just on public roadways.

Things like sign compliance, (ie obeying stop signs, speed limits, or one-way direction) may not be able to be enforced by law enforcement, and thus are the responsibility of the property owner or manager - usually either the shopping center management company, or whatnot. Depending on the jurisdiction, the owners may have the right to give warnings, but probably not tickets or fines. Of course they could try to not allow repeat offenders to enter the lot, but that would be expensive to enforce.

Michigan recently had a bill that would allow traffic cops to enforce traffic law on private roads and lots IF the lots used traffic signs and other traffic control devices that were up to the proper code: http://www.michiganvotes.org/2005-HB-4807

Of course, if the traffic violation is happening as someone is leaving the private property to enter the public road, then law enforcement can crack down on them.

So what can you do?
If you know that there is a security guard for the shops or parking lot, complain to them, if not, write a letter to the store management (or complex management). You could also write a letter to your local community newspaper to gain public support for safer driving in your community's parking lots.

Answer 2

Technically, traffic laws apply an private property that is 'used by the public to drive or park'. In most cases, police are not required to enforce traffic laws on private parking lots.
I was once told the won't even give tickets for parking in 'wheelchair accessible' spaces unless they receive a request from the property owner.

Answer 3

That would be the owner of the private land on which the stop sign was placed. This isn't a matter of public law enforcement, because it is on private land. You can try the store manager(s) of the businesses leasing the land, but usually they don't care. You will need to find the owner(s) of the land and ask them to do something about it, but they will probably also tell you that it isn't their concern.

Answer 4

It's a suggestion for your safety. It ISN'T a public road therefore real police officers can't enforce someone not stopping. If it is at a walkway and almost running over someone, then the private security should be notified to stay closer to that area. If at the end of a parking row......take care of yourself to not get hit.

Answer 5

For the most part, there's little that you can do about it. Police don't normally enforce those rules on private property. They're pretty much there to assist in assessing liability in case of an accident, but nothing more.

Answer 6

In this instance, special parking assignments are at the discretion of the property managers for the ownership, or the owner. Usually, in large shopping centers, the management posts their information, or you can obviously contact the company or private owner who collects the rent. Normally, this must be done in writing and is solely at the discretion of the landlord, who must assure it is not against city ordinances in the designated space you identify.

Answer 7

The store manager can request additional patrols to secure the lot.

Answer 8

take down the license # & call a cop

Answer 9

the drivers