What Are The Rules in Supermarket Car Parks?

A guide to the rules and regulations at supermarkets

If you do your grocery shopping in person, it’s likely that you’ll be familiar with your local supermarket car park - but have you ever been caught out by the supermarket car park rules? 

It’s not just pay-and-display public car parks that come with rules and regulations, so from designated spaces to time limits, here’s our handy guide to ensure you know the basic rules for parking in supermarket car parks… 

How long can you stay in a supermarket car park?

The maximum time that you’ll be allowed to park in a supermarket car park will vary, particularly if it’s close to a town centre; without a strict time limit, some motorists may otherwise be tempted to use a supermarket car park to avoid paying for parking in town. 

Generally, supermarket car parks will have fairly generous time limits, such as 2 or even 3 hours, to allow visitors enough time to do a big shop - or visit the cafe! 

When arriving at a new supermarket car park, there will be signs that clearly state the time allowed - make sure you take a look. 

Do you have to pay to park in a supermarket car park? 

This will vary from car park to car park. Some are pay and display like you’d find in a general public car park, and some will require a purchase from the shop so that you can use your receipt to exit the car park for free.

Even if the car park isn’t pay and display, you may still need to display a ticket to show how long you’ve been there. 

Who can park in a parent and child parking space?

In almost all supermarket car parks, you’ll find designated spaces for parent and child parking, and they’re usually closer to the store doors to save parents having to cross more of the busy car park than is necessary. Whilst it can seem ambiguous as to who can park there, we’re here to clear things up: you can park in a parent and child parking space if you’re entering the shop with a child that is under 12 years old. 

The age of 12 is used as the limit, as this is the age up to which a child must be secured in the vehicle using child restraints, such as child car seats.

If you’re going into the shop on your own and leaving a child with another adult in the car, you must use an ordinary parking space.  

Who can park in a disabled parking space? 

Any vehicle displaying a valid blue badge can park in a disabled parking space. Anyone not displaying one could land themselves with a parching charge notice. 

Can supermarket car parks enforce parking fines? 

Supermarket car parks are usually managed by private parking companies, which means that they’re able to put Parking Charge Notices on cars that are parked outside of the rules. You can appeal the fine if you believe it has been wrongfully issued (and have proof), but car park operators could take you to court if you fail to pay the amount associated with the PCN.