Striping
Parking Lot Arrow Markings: Types, Placement, and Requirements
Cojo
March 21, 2026
6 min read
Directional arrows are the traffic signals of your parking lot. Without them, drivers must guess which direction to travel in each aisle, where to turn, and how to navigate to exits. This guesswork creates head-on conflicts in one-way aisles, wrong-way travel, confusion at intersections, and near-miss collisions between vehicles and pedestrians.
Properly placed arrow markings eliminate this guesswork. They establish clear traffic flow patterns that every driver can follow, reducing conflicts and improving both safety and parking efficiency. For lots with one-way aisles, angled parking, or complex circulation patterns, arrows are not optional — they are essential infrastructure.
The straight arrow indicates forward travel in the current direction. It confirms the driver is heading the correct way in a one-way aisle and should continue forward.
Standard dimensions: 72 to 96 inches long, 12 to 18 inches wide at the shaft, with a proportional arrowhead. Larger arrows (96 inches) provide better visibility in wide aisles and high-speed areas.
Turn arrows indicate that traffic must or may turn in the specified direction. They are placed at the end of aisles where the traffic pattern requires a turn, at T-intersections, and at lot exits to direct traffic toward the exit point.
Placement: Position turn arrows far enough before the turn that drivers have time to react and position their vehicle — typically 10 to 20 feet before the turning point. Placing arrows too close to the turn point means drivers are past the arrow before they see it.
Combination arrows show multiple options — straight and left, straight and right, or left and right. These are placed at intersections where drivers may choose between two or more valid paths.
Common combinations:
U-turn arrows indicate where drivers should reverse direction, typically at the end of a parking aisle system where the traffic pattern doubles back. These are less common in standard parking lots but important in structured parking, garages, and lots with dead-end aisle configurations.
Every one-way aisle should have a directional arrow at its entry point confirming the direction of travel. Drivers entering from a cross-aisle or from the lot perimeter need immediate confirmation that they are traveling in the correct direction.
Any location where a driver must choose between two or more paths — aisle intersections, fork points, exit approaches — should have an arrow indicating the correct choice or available options.
Long one-way aisles (over 150 feet) should have additional arrows at midpoint to reinforce the traffic direction. A driver who enters a long aisle may forget the direction indication they saw at the entry, especially if they are focused on finding a parking space.
Arrows leading drivers toward lot exits prevent the frustration of circling a lot looking for the way out. Place arrows at each intersection on the exit route, directing traffic toward the exit point.
| Aisle Configuration | Arrow Placement |
|---|---|
| One-way aisle under 100 ft | One arrow at entry |
| One-way aisle 100-200 ft | Arrows at entry and midpoint |
| One-way aisle over 200 ft | Arrows every 75-100 ft |
| At every intersection | Combination or turn arrow |
| Approaching exits | Straight or turn arrow |
Standard parking lot directional arrows are painted white. This follows the same convention used on public roads where white markings delineate traffic moving in the same direction. Yellow arrows are occasionally used in parking lots but are less standard and can create confusion with the established convention. For color code details, see our striping regulations in Oregon guide.
Arrows experience less direct tire traffic than lane lines, so standard traffic paint provides adequate durability. However, arrows at lot entries and high-traffic intersections do receive significant tire wear and benefit from thermoplastic application for extended lifespan.
Pre-formed thermoplastic arrows offer factory-precision geometry that produces the cleanest, most professional-looking results. See our complete striping guide for material comparisons.
The number of arrows depends on lot size, complexity, and traffic pattern design.
| Lot Size | Typical Arrow Count |
|---|---|
| 20-50 spaces | 4-8 arrows |
| 50-100 spaces | 8-16 arrows |
| 100-200 spaces | 16-30 arrows |
| 200-500 spaces | 30-60 arrows |
| 500+ spaces | 60+ arrows |
Individual arrow markings cost $15 to $35 each for standard paint application and $35 to $75 each for thermoplastic. For a 100-space lot needing 12 arrows, budget $180 to $420 for paint or $420 to $900 for thermoplastic. These costs are a small fraction of the total striping budget but have an outsized impact on lot functionality. See our parking lot striping cost in Oregon guide for complete pricing.
Arrows too close to turns. If a driver is over the arrow before they see it, the arrow serves no purpose. Place arrows at least 10 feet before the action point, more in high-speed areas.
Missing arrows at entries. Every one-way aisle entrance needs an arrow. Skipping this creates wrong-way travel that is both dangerous and frustrating for other drivers.
Inconsistent arrow style. Mixing different arrow styles, sizes, or proportions across a lot looks unprofessional. Use consistent stencils throughout.
Arrows without supporting signage. In complex lots, pavement arrows should be reinforced with vertical signs — ONE WAY, DO NOT ENTER, EXIT ONLY — at key decision points.
Wrong direction arrows. This seems obvious, but arrow direction must match the actual traffic pattern. If the lot layout is designed for counterclockwise flow, every arrow must support that direction. A single wrong-direction arrow creates head-on conflict potential.
Cojo includes directional arrow markings as part of every complete lot striping services project, using professional-grade stencils for consistent geometry. We evaluate your lot's traffic flow during the assessment and recommend arrow placement that optimizes circulation.
See our line striping basics for more on marking methods. Contact Cojo for a free lot assessment including traffic flow analysis and arrow placement recommendations.
Complete guide to ADA parking lot striping dimensions, paint colors, access aisle markings, and layout requirements for Oregon commercial properties. Includes van accessible specifications.
Current ADA parking lot striping requirements for Oregon in 2026. Space counts, dimensions, access aisles, signage, and marking specifications for full compliance.
Learn the specific requirements for van-accessible parking spaces in Oregon — wider aisles, vertical clearance, signage, and proper striping for full ADA compliance.
Have a question about this topic? We'll respond within 24 hours.