Customized parking disc

The personalized parking disc is a regulated support intended to indicate the arrival time in limited-duration parking spaces in blue zones and must strictly comply with the current standards, particularly those defined by the decree of December 6, 2007, regarding the European standardization of parking discs. It is produced in three main materials depending on the desired level of quality: laminated cardboard (350 to 450 g/m²), flexible PVC (thickness 300 to 400 microns), or injected polypropylene (0.8 to 1.2 mm), with a matte or glossy finish depending on the manufacturing process. The format is strictly regulated: 150 × 150 mm for the French version, with a central round or arc-shaped window revealing an adjustable time dial by manual rotation. This dial, printed in screen printing or offset, indicates the hours from 7 am to 7 pm in 30-minute increments, with a black arrow in the center that the user manually positions to indicate their arrival time. The disc must never contain text, logos, or advertising visuals within the visible time zone under the window, under penalty of making the object non-compliant. Personalization is therefore done exclusively on the authorized areas: the back (entirely free), the lower banner of the front (outside the reading zone) or, for flap models, on the inner panels.

Custom printing can be done in offset four-color process (cardboard), screen printing (PVC), or direct UV digital printing (polypropylene). Files must be vectorized, with safety margins around the dial and a quiet zone of at least 3 mm around the central rivet. The attachment of the rotating dial is done by plastic eyelet (white or transparent), thermal bonding, or crimped axis depending on the material. The mechanism must allow smooth rotation without excessive play while maintaining the chosen position without automatic return. For plastic discs, the body is cut by flat press, sometimes embossed to enhance rigidity. The custom printing is protected by lamination or anti-UV varnish, ensuring intact readability even after several months of exposure on the dashboard. Some models include a transparent PVC pouch with adhesive flap for clean and protected distribution. The advertising marking can include a logo, message, contact information, or campaign visual, on a useful surface of up to 140 × 100 mm depending on the positioning. The disc is delivered flat, packaged in individual bags or in bulk, in batches of 100, 250, or 500 units.

The product must undergo rotation checks (500 manual cycles), high-temperature resistance (up to 60°C under the windshield), dimensional stability (no deformation or warping), and visual contrast compliance with readability requirements by road agents. A poor disc often exhibits critical defects: a dial that gets stuck or rotates too freely, poorly printed time scale, poorly centered advertising print, materials too thin that warp under heat, or print that can be erased by touch. Conversely, a good personalized parking disc combines strict compliance with regulations, mechanical stability of the dial, clear and durable printing, rigid support, and a clearly identified advertising area, without compromising the primary function of the product.