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Are Physical Parking Permits Still Important?

Updated: Feb 28


row of cars in parking lot

In a world dominated by digital solutions, a question we often hear is: Why would an operation still need physical parking permits? While this digital age has undoubtedly revolutionized various aspects of parking, the traditional physical parking permit still holds its ground, serving as a valuable asset for businesses. Let’s explore why a business could need physical permits.


Visible Authentication:

Physical permits provide tangible identification, offering a quick and visual way for parking enforcement personnel and users alike to identify authorized vehicles. This straightforward identification process helps maintain order and ensures that only authorized individuals are utilizing designated parking spaces.


Customer Assurance:

Customers can sometimes be confused if they have a permit, or if their permit allows them to park in certain areas. Physical parking permits allow them to know they have a permit and, with proper color or visuals, match it to the areas they can and cannot park. This helps prevent any confusion or miscommunication, making parking smoother.


Visitor Management:

In that same vein, some businesses often have visitors, clients, or vendors who may not be part of their regular parking system. Physical permits offer a simple and effective means of managing temporary access. Visitors can display the permit in an easy-to-see area, making it simple for security personnel to identify authorized vehicles.


Fraud Protection:

Physical parking permits (when designed correctly) can serve as a robust defense against fraud by introducing a tangible and easily verifiable layer of security to parking management systems. Design choices, such as holographic elements, special ink, or security watermarks revealed with light, can act as a visible deterrent to unauthorized individuals attempting to forge or replicate them.


Accessibility and Inclusivity:

Not everyone has access to a smartphone or the latest technology. Physical permits ensure inclusivity, allowing all individuals, regardless of their technological proficiency, to easily and conveniently access parking facilities. This inclusivity is crucial for businesses that aim to cater to a diverse customer base.



While digital solutions have brought about remarkable advancements in parking management, physical permits continue to play a vital role. Their accessibility, reliability, and simplicity make them an essential component for businesses looking to balance technological innovation with the practical needs of their users.


Want to learn more on whether your operation should use physical parking permits? Contact us today to discuss your options.

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