The 'Parking Place' sign (801) is an information sign used in Great Britain to control various parking and loading activities. It's crucial to read this sign in conjunction with specific arrows, times, road markings, and bay limits as it dictates how waiting, parking, loading, and unloading are managed. Learners must pay close attention to the entire sign assembly, including any supplementary plates and road markings, to avoid contravening regulations.
Master the 'Parking Place' sign (801) and its intricate details for your Great Britain driving theory test. Understand its meaning, associated restrictions, and how to correctly interpret its instructions to avoid penalties and prepare for your exam.
Parking and loading signs often contain several conditions in a small space. This sign may allow stopping for a specific purpose, prohibit waiting, restrict loading, reserve a bay, set a time limit, or mark the end of a controlled area. Learners should read the whole sign assembly before stopping because a vehicle can be in contravention even when it is stopped only briefly. It is listed in the catalogue as code 801.
"Parking place" tells drivers how waiting, parking, loading, unloading, or bay use is controlled. The sign must be read with arrows, times, road markings, kerb marks, and bay limits.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 801 - Parking place road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the British driving theory exam in Great Britain.
The 801 'Parking Place' sign indicates how waiting, parking, loading, and unloading are controlled in a specific area. It's essential to read it alongside any arrows, times, road markings, kerb marks, and bay limits to understand the exact rules.
The 801 sign itself often provides general information about a parking or loading zone. Arrows show the direction or extent of the controlled area, while road markings (like yellow lines or kerb markings) and specific times on supplementary plates provide the detailed restrictions or permissions. Ignoring these can lead to a contravention even if the vehicle is only stopped briefly.
A common trap is assuming a parking bay is unrestricted without checking all associated signs and markings. Learners might also incorrectly assume they can stop briefly to load or unload if the sign implies a parking restriction, or miss that a restriction applies only in one direction indicated by an arrow.
You can only stop briefly to drop someone off (or load/unload) if the sign, markings, and any supplementary plates explicitly permit it for that specific purpose and time. If the sign prohibits waiting or loading, even a short stop can be a contravention. Always check the full sign assembly.
If the 801 sign is displayed without supplementary plates or specific road markings, it might indicate a general parking area or the start of a controlled zone. However, you should still be vigilant for other signs and markings further along the road that might introduce restrictions, and always ensure you are not obstructing traffic or access.
A clear reference image of the 801 - Parking place road sign used in Great Britain.

The 801 - Parking place road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 801 - Parking place road sign is part of the Great Britain Parking and Loading Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Comparing related parking and loading signs helps reinforce your understanding and improves recall for the theory test. Master traffic sign comparison and sign recognition to avoid common errors and prepare effectively for your Great Britain driving theory exam.

This sign directs you to a parking place available only on a specific day.

Understand the Sign 638: Continuous Prohibition on Loading and Unloading

Understand the 'Waiting Prohibited Except for Loading During the Period Indicated' Sign

Decode the 'No Waiting Except Loading' Sign and Its Directional Arrows

Understand the 'No Waiting and No Loading Direction Plate' Sign (640) in Great Britain

Understand the 'No Waiting in Off-Highway Loading Area' Sign

Learn the meaning of the 'Bay reserved for loading and unloading only' road sign (660.4)

This sign means parking is reserved for voucher payment during specific times.
Explore curated explanations and practical examples to strengthen your visual recognition of essential Great Britain road signs. These supplementary materials provide the context needed to navigate junctions safely and pass your official DVSA theory test.
As a learner driver, you have a legal obligation to ensure you are medically fit to operate a vehicle before every journey. This guide clarifies how to determine if your health condition must be reported to the DVLA, explaining the importance of compliance for both road safety and your legal standing. Mastering these rules is an essential part of your theory test preparation and your future as a responsible driver.
Navigate complex urban junctions with confidence by understanding Great Britain's specific traffic light rules. This article clarifies the meaning of amber lights, the function of green filter arrows, and the crucial importance of advanced stop lines for cyclist safety, as governed by the Highway Code. Mastering these rules is essential for passing your theory test and ensuring road safety for all.
Understand your responsibility for a safe and legal vehicle on Great Britain's roads.
Master Critical Emergency Procedures and Avoid Test Traps on GB Roads.
Parking and loading signs often contain several conditions in a small space. This sign may allow stopping for a specific purpose, prohibit waiting, restrict loading, reserve a bay, set a time limit, or mark the end of a controlled area. Learners should read the whole sign assembly before stopping because a vehicle can be in contravention even when it is stopped only briefly. It is listed in the catalogue as code 640.4.
Parking and loading signs often contain several conditions in a small space. This sign may allow stopping for a specific purpose, prohibit waiting, restrict loading, reserve a bay, set a time limit, or mark the end of a controlled area. Learners should read the whole sign assembly before stopping because a vehicle can be in contravention even when it is stopped only briefly. It is listed in the catalogue as code 667.2.
After reviewing the full list of road signs, challenge yourself with practice questions focused specifically on sign recognition. Reinforce your learning and ensure you're fully prepared to identify and understand all traffic signs on the DVSA theory test.
Browse All GB Road Signs List