Do traffic laws like that on public roads apply to private parking lots?

Question

Sometimes I'll be driving through a large parking lot where there's not much traffic or pedestrians. If there's a STOP sign, but no pedestrians, is it okay if I go through without stopping?
On public roads I could get a ticket for that, but just wondering if a police officer were in say a mall parking lot, and saw me not stop at a stop sign, could I get a ticket?

Answer 1

Yes they do...

Answer 2

I can only answer for the State of Connecticut. Stop signs and speed limit signs in private lots are not enforceable. An officer can ticket you for violations like parking in a handicap space when you have no permit to do so and parking in a fire lane.
You CAN be charged for the following in a parking lot...DWI, Reckless Driving, Unecessary Noise and Manslaughter/Misconduct with a Motor Vehicle.
This of course doesn't give you carte blanche. Say you blow a stop sign at the pedestrian crossing at your local WalMart. In doing so you whack someone crossing. The witnesses (and you can bet there will be plenty) will mob forth and give statements against you. Even if the cop doesn't charge you with reckless driving the civil case that will be brought against you will tax you plenty. Forget the enforcement of the stop sign. A civil court will only hear that a traffic control device/sign was in the lot and you failed to heed it...therefore had you stopped this unfortunate incident never would have occurred. So...no points on your license but you'll be lucky if you can afford a car payment after the suit is settled.
So...hope that clarifies alot for you pal.

Answer 3

Some cities having a problem with this very thing have incorporated sections of the traffic code to include this on private property.
Where I worked they didn't have that particular part about stop signs, but they did have sections covering things like needing a driver's license, insurance, tags, etc. to cover people who take their under aged kids to teach them how to drive on parking lots and to ensure that people had insurance if there was an accident. This way the Police didn't just say "sorry, they didn't have insurance but it's on private property."
Check with the local cops if you want an answer on this, particularly the traffic section which is normally where the people who enforce these laws work.

Answer 4

In NYS any parking lot serving 2 or more stores and/or having 5 or more parking spaces and having unrestricted public access is subject to all applicable vehicle and traffic safety laws.Furthermore, if requested by the property owner vehicle and traffic laws may be enforced in any private parking lot outside the above restrictions.

Answer 5

It depends on the situation, and the city ordinances. The department I started for we were unable to monitor traffic flow on a private parking lot. Even if it came to something such as a tow or whatnot, the owner had to call a tow company for that. For the most part im sure if I really wanted to I could have issued a citation but its a fine line. It all goes for the state and city! Hope that helps somewhat!

Answer 6

They could say you were drivng wreckless but the police rarely are in parking lots. Many states they will not file accident reports where accidents happen in a parking lot. You have to exchange info. No police report is made unless a person walking is hit. You may not get a ticket running a stop sign in a parking lot but you could easily hit a person walking.

Answer 7

In most states, traffic laws are restricted to public roads. Some criminal traffic laws apply to private property, it depends upon the state.

Answer 8

I think you may not see cops before you run the sign but incase anything happens, you may be found at fault and cited.... I obey all signs as I would on the road esp when the parking lot is congested and busy... "Stop" means the same whenever, wherever it is placed....

Answer 9

not unless your leaving the lot and entering a public road.

Answer 10

it is private property,be nice anyway.