Question from a reader:
I’m worried about parking without permission in a supermarket parking lot. I’m planning to visit a daycare service for my child after school, but I’m not confident about parking in a tight space. If I park for about an hour at the nearby supermarket to go for the visit, will I definitely get caught? I intend to
do some shopping on the way back, but will that be okay?

Considering the Risks of Parking Without Permission in a Supermarket Parking Lot

Parking without permission is something many people might consider. Especially when visiting a daycare service for their child, parking issues inevitably arise. I faced a similar situation during my university days, so I’d like to share my experiences and consider this issue from a legal perspective.

What is Unauthorized Parking?

First, unauthorized parking refers to the act of parking without the permission of the parking lot’s manager or owner. Many supermarkets and commercial facilities have parking lots designed for the convenience of users, but there are certain rules regarding their use. Generally, parking is allowed for shopping purposes, but parking without shopping is often not permitted. This rule exists to maintain fairness in the use of the parking lot.

Unauthorized Parking from a Legal Perspective

Let’s touch on how unauthorized parking is treated legally. First, unauthorized parking may fall under tort law. Specifically, the parking lot manager might consider it an illegal occupation and could potentially seek damages. Additionally, with the increasing installation of surveillance cameras, penalties may be imposed if unauthorized parking is detected. This serves as a punitive measure for not adhering to the parking lot’s usage regulations. From my experience, especially during days when I was engrossed in reading, I sometimes forgot about parking. There were times when I spent a long time parked while out with friends, and I realized how frightening it could be to attract the attention of those around me. Even if I thought it was okay as long as I shopped afterward, considering the subsequent procedures and troubles, unauthorized parking should indeed be avoided.

The Perspective of Parking Lot Managers

From the perspective of those managing the parking lot, unauthorized parking is a significant headache. Particularly in tight parking lots, it is necessary to make effective use of limited space, and unauthorized parking can often inconvenience other users. If unauthorized parking continues, complaints from other users may increase, potentially lowering the overall evaluation of the store. I recall when I worked part-time at a café near my university, complaints about unauthorized parking were constant.

Recommended Actions When Visiting

Now, considering the situation of the person worried about parking without permission, it seems that following the rules is the most important thing. When visiting, I recommend checking the parking lot’s usage regulations and, if necessary, securing a parking space in advance or consulting with the manager. Since the person mentioned they plan to shop on the way back, if they can adhere to the parking rules with the premise of shopping, they should be able to avoid unnecessary troubles.

In Conclusion

Unauthorized parking may seem easy at first glance, but there are many risks lurking behind it. Legal troubles, inconveniencing other users, and conflicts with managers are just a few of the risks that expand the more you think about them. I once had an optimistic view of “It should be fine,” but in reality, I ended up suffering from stress and troubles afterward. I hope that through the visit, a suitable after-school daycare service for the child can be found, and by resolving the parking issue, at least that stress can be alleviated. By acting in accordance with the rules without forcing unauthorized parking, one should be able to enjoy the visit with peace of mind.