How to complete a safe public car park handover
Use a calm, one-to-one DropIn handover protocol that respects traffic, visible queues, parking signs and the safety of every driver.
Before the match
Do not activate Give if another driver is already clearly waiting for your bay or you have promised it directly. Do not activate Find while stopped illegally or blocking the car park entrance.
Both members should use the app only while safely parked, or have a passenger operate the phone.
The calm handover sequence
An app message never overrides a sign, line marking, traffic direction or lawful instruction.
- The giver remains inside the legal space and keeps the exit path clear.
- The finder follows normal traffic flow and approaches without stopping beside the giver for an extended time.
- Both members confirm the vehicle colour and plate shown in DropIn.
- The finder indicates they can see the correct vehicle.
- The giver leaves only when safe; the finder takes the space through the normal traffic movement.
When to stop
Use the handover problem option and leave safely. No car park is worth an argument.
- Another vehicle has taken or is physically blocking the space.
- A driver is angry, confrontational or behaving unpredictably.
- The finder cannot reach the giver without blocking traffic.
- The giver’s parking time or another restriction requires them to leave.
- Either member no longer feels safe or comfortable.
Respect official parking rules
Drivers must obey official signs, time limits, line markings and parking restrictions. DropIn does not validate whether an individual bay is lawful for a particular vehicle.
Check the sign at the location every time, even if you have parked there before.
Questions about this guide
Should the giver reverse out before the finder arrives?
No. The giver should remain safely parked until the matched car is close and the exit can be completed normally.
What if someone becomes aggressive?
Do not confront them. End the handover, leave when safe and contact emergency services if there is an immediate threat.
Does DropIn check parking restrictions?
No. Each driver remains responsible for signs, time limits, vehicle restrictions and road rules at the location.