Permit holders only sign: what it means
This parking sign means only vehicles with the right permit may park there, for example residents of that street.
What does the permit holders only sign mean?
Know your traffic signs describes it as parking for permit holders only, at all times. Other plates can show times when other drivers may park too. Rule 241 says you must not park in spaces reserved for specific users, such as residents, unless entitled to.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Parking only for permit holders.
- Waiting limits apply in the whole zone.
- Parking only for disabled badge holders.
Show answer
A. Parking only for permit holders. The parking is for permit holders only (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: on-street parking control signs and road markings, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 241, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
In residential streets and controlled parking zones.
What should you do?
Park there only with a valid permit, or at times the plate allows others.
What do people get wrong?
Not reading the whole plate. Some bays allow other drivers at certain times, others never.
Common questions
Can visitors park in permit bays?
Only if they have a permit or the plate shows times when others may park.
Is it the same as a controlled parking zone?
Not quite. A controlled parking zone sign covers a whole area; this sign is for a bay or street.
Compare with
Controlled parking zone signWaiting limits apply in the whole zone.
Disabled badge holders only signParking only for disabled badge holders.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 4 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (on-street parking control signs and road markings) and The Highway Code rule 241.
- Know your traffic signs: on-street parking control signs and road markings, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 241, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.