Parking garages are known to offer a convenient solution to the perennial problem of finding a safe and secure place to park our vehicles. It is a place we park our cars with peace of mind that our cars are secured.
Whether situated beneath bustling city centers, attached to corporate buildings, or serving as vital infrastructure for shopping malls and residential complexes, these structures are an integral part of urban life.
However, a common problem you can face as a driver or car owner is finding yourself locked inside a parking garage after it has closed. This situation can be very frustrating and stressful especially if you’re locked after long hours at work. So, can you leave a parking garage after it closes?
Yes, you can leave a parking garage after it closes if the parking garages have automated exit gates that allow you to leave even when the garage is officially closed, if there’s security personnel who can assist you in exiting, or if you have a key card or code that allows you to exit the garage at any time.
Can You Leave a Parking Garage After It Closes?
Yes, leaving a parking garage after it closes is not impossible especially if the garage has automated exit gates that allow you to leave even when the garage is officially closed, if there’s a security personnel who can assist you in exiting, or if you have a key card or code that allows you to exit the garage at any time.
Parking garages differ in their operations, with differences in security measures, exit procedures, and hours of operation.
Generally, these facilities fall into several categories such as:
- Commercial Garages: These are often found in downtown areas and near entertainment venues. This type of parking garage has set operating hours and may close overnight.
- Residential Garages: This type of parking garage is attached to apartment buildings or condominiums, and usually offers 24/7 access to residents through key cards or codes.
- Corporate Garages: This is the type of parking garages that serve office buildings, and might have restricted access after business hours but may offer some level of employee access.
- Retail or Mall Garages: This parking garage is linked to shopping centers, and closes when the retail establishments close, though some may have extended hours for restaurant or cinema patrons.
Therefore, the type of parking garage you use will determine if you can leave the garage after it has closed. It is the first step in determining how to exit the garage after closed hours.
How to Leave a Parking Garage After It Closes
Here’s how to leave a parking garage after it has closed:
1. Identify the Type of Garage and Its Systems
First, it’s important to identify the type of parking garage you parked in to enable you to understand the available systems and procedures for exiting after hours.
For example, if you’re parked in an automated garage, it will have systems allowing 24/7 exit through automated payment and gate operation.
If it’s a staffed garage, it may require human intervention for exit, which can be problematic if they are closed and unstaffed.
However, in residential or membership garages, you may be provided with key cards, fobs, or codes for 24/7 access. But if it’s a corporate or retail garages, it might have restricted hours but could also offer some form of after-hours exit solution.
2. Use Automated Exit Systems
Most modern garages have automated payment machines that can be used at any time. You can find the automated payment machine within the garage, usually near exits or on each parking level.
If you took a ticket upon entry, insert it into the machine. The machine will calculate your fee. Make your payment by using a credit card, debit card, or cash if accepted.
However, after payment, the machine will return a paid ticket. Keep this ticket as you’ll need it to exit.
At the exit gate, insert the paid ticket into the slot at the gate. The gate should lift automatically. If you have a membership card or access key, swipe or insert it as directed. This should open the gate.
3. By Using Manual Assistance Options
In garages where attendants manually operate exits, you might face difficulties if the garage is closed. However you can still make use of manual assistance options to get out of the garage even after it has closed.
All you have to do is to look for any posted contact information for after-hours assistance. This is usually found near the payment machines, exits, or entrance.
Use your phone to call the provided number. Explain your situation clearly, and request assistance in exiting the garage.
Many parking lots/garages have security personnel available, even after hours. Locate the security office within the garage; this might be near the entrance, exit, or central parts of the garage.
Meanwhile, some garages are equipped with intercom systems or assistance buttons. If there’s one in the garage you parked, press the button to connect to a security officer or garage staff who can remotely open the gate for you or come in person to assist.
4. By Using Emergency Contact Options
Garages usually post emergency contact numbers for situations such as being locked in. All you have to do is to locate the number by checking around payment machines, exits, and entrances for emergency contact information.
Once you see the number, use your phone to call the number, providing details about your location and the issue. Emergency responders or garage management staff should be able to assist you.
However, as reiterated earlier, if there’s emergency assistance buttons in the garage, press the button to contact a central help desk or security service. Explain your situation to the person, and hopefully, they can unlock the gates remotely or dispatch help to your location.
5. By Using Alternative Exits
If the parking garage vehicle gates are locked, but pedestrian exits remain accessible, use the door or gate to exit the garage and seek further assistance outside, such as contacting garage management or returning with the necessary access tools (e.g., a membership card or key).
How Long Can You Leave a Parking Garage After it Closes?
The duration you can leave a parking garage after it closes depends on factors such as the policies of the parking garage and any security measures in place.
If the garage has automated exit gates and payment machines, you may be able to leave at any time after it closes, provided you can make payment through the automated system.
In garages with attendants or security personnel on-site, they may enforce a strict closing time, meaning you might not be able to leave until they reopen.
In emergencies, such as medical emergencies or vehicle breakdowns, some garages might have protocols to allow exits after hours. This could involve contacting security or management for assistance.
However, if the garage is tied to a residential building or requires membership access, you might have 24/7 access using your key card or access code.
In some cases, especially in areas with high crime rates or safety concerns, garages might have stricter policies regarding after-hours access for security reasons.
Conclusion
It is sad to be locked in a garage after it has closed. However, there are several ways by which you can still exit a parking garage.
All you have to do is follow the methods explained in this article you should be able to leave the closed garage with your car. I’m deeply sorry for the inconveniences.
If the methods did not work or there’s no way to leave the garage with your car, then wait till when the garage reopens, and learn from your mistake. At least, you won’t make that kind of mistake again.
As a garage driver, I’ve been locked out of a closed parking garage before, all I did was to call the security staff who helped and access the situation for me. Though it was possible because I was well known in the garage. Your situation might be different, but there’s no harm in trying.
