If you’ve ever spotted a handshake symbol painted on a parking space, you might have wondered what it means. Unlike common parking designations like handicapped spots or reserved areas, the handshake symbol isn’t widely recognized. However, it serves a crucial purpose in ensuring safe and secure transactions—especially in the world of online buying and selling.
In places like Pembroke, Ontario, and many other cities across North America, these handshake-marked spaces are part of an initiative called Project Safe Trade. They provide designated meeting spots where individuals can safely conduct online transactions, reducing the risk of fraud, theft, or personal harm.
Let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind this symbol, why these spaces exist, and how they can help keep you safe.
What Does the Handshake Symbol on a Parking Spot Mean?
The handshake symbol represents a “community safety zone” for people meeting up for online transactions. These spaces are typically located outside police stations or other monitored public locations.
The goal? To provide a neutral, secure environment for people buying or selling items from online marketplaces like:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- eBay
- Kijiji
- OfferUp
Rather than meeting strangers in secluded locations, these designated zones allow buyers and sellers to exchange goods safely, in a well-lit, public setting.
Why Were Safe Trading Zones Created?
Video: Handicapped Parking stall symbol installation
With the rise of online marketplaces, face-to-face transactions between strangers have become increasingly common. Unfortunately, so have scams, frauds, and even violent crimes linked to these exchanges.
Project Safe Trade was launched to reduce risks associated with online transactions by shifting these meetups from:
- Private homes (which can be dangerous for both parties)
- Secluded parking lots (which increase the risk of theft or scams)
- Unmonitored locations (where police intervention is unlikely)
By meeting in an official Safe Trade location, buyers and sellers can ensure a higher level of security and accountability.
Where Can You Find These Handshake Parking Spaces?
Currently, handshake parking spots are most common in Canada and the United States, particularly outside police departments or municipal buildings. Cities that have adopted this initiative include:
- Pembroke, Ontario
- Toronto, Ontario
- Los Angeles, California
- New York City, New York
- Houston, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
In many cases, these spaces are available 24/7, with no appointment required. Simply show up, park, and conduct your transaction under the watchful eye of security cameras and law enforcement presence.
How Safe Trade Zones Help Prevent Fraud and Crime
According to law enforcement agencies, many online scams involve meeting in unsafe locations. The handshake parking symbol offers several layers of protection:
1. Visible Police Presence
Even though police officers won’t intervene in transactions, their presence deters criminals from attempting theft, scams, or worse.
2. Security Cameras for Evidence
Most Safe Trade locations are monitored by cameras, ensuring that any suspicious activity is recorded. If a dispute arises, having video footage can be crucial for legal protection.
3. Reduces the Risk of “No-Show” Scammers
If a seller refuses to meet in a Safe Trade location, it’s often a red flag. Scammers prefer low-profile locations where they can disappear quickly after receiving payment—so hesitation to meet in a secure space is a clear warning sign.
Tips for Staying Safe During Online Transactions
Even if you don’t have access to an official handshake parking spot, you can still take steps to protect yourself when meeting up for a sale or purchase.
1. Always Meet in a Busy, Public Location
If no Safe Trade Zone is available, choose a well-lit, populated area like a coffee shop, grocery store, or shopping mall parking lot.
2. Bring a Friend or Family Member
Having someone with you adds an extra layer of protection and makes it less likely you’ll be targeted for fraud or robbery.
3. Conduct Transactions During Daylight Hours
Criminals are far less likely to act in broad daylight when bystanders can witness any wrongdoing.
4. Never Exchange Money Before Inspecting the Item
Scammers will often try to rush the transaction, asking for money before showing the actual product. Always verify the condition of an item before paying.
5. Keep a Record of All Communication
Save emails, text messages, and voicemails from the buyer or seller in case something goes wrong. This documentation can be helpful if you need to file a police report.
What Law Enforcement Says About Safe Trading Zones
Police departments across North America encourage buyers and sellers to use common sense and take advantage of Safe Trade locations whenever possible.
According to Const. Mike Mahon of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP):
“If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If a buyer or seller refuses to meet in a Safe Trade zone, that’s a red flag.”
Police officers won’t act as mediators or witnesses to a sale, but they will respond if a crime occurs or if someone feels threatened during a transaction.
Why More Cities Are Adopting Handshake Parking Spaces
With the holiday season and online shopping continuing to grow, cities are expanding Project Safe Trade locations to ensure safer exchanges between strangers.
According to Steph Neufeld, Commander of the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP Detachment:
“As online property transactions continue to increase, Project Safe Trade is an important step in preventing crimes related to marketplace transactions.
Many law enforcement agencies believe public education about Safe Trade Zones is crucial to reducing fraud and violent crime.
Final Thoughts: What to Remember About the Handshake Symbol on Parking Spaces
The next time you see a handshake symbol in a parking lot, know that it represents a safe place for online transactions. These designated zones:
Provide a secure, well-monitored environment for meeting strangers
Help reduce scams, fraud, and potential crimes
Ensure greater peace of mind for buyers and sellers
If you’re planning to buy or sell something online, always consider using a Safe Trade parking space. It’s a simple way to stay protected while making transactions in today’s digital marketplace.
Bottom line: If a seller refuses to meet in a handshake-marked parking space, think twice before proceeding—because your safety is always worth more than any deal.
