Eggs … and $65 parking fine PARK AT YOUR OWN RISK How can parking in a private lot be illegal? Businesses generally “invite” customers to park in their lots just by having them, because any reasonable person could presume that the business wants customers to park, come in and spend money. But businesses can limit this invitation and often do so, with signs that read, “For dining room customers only” or “No parking for …” the business next door. There is no law stopping private property owners from charging people for trespassing and privately collecting on that charge. Property owners can get an exemption from state and federal privacy laws that will allow them to find vehicle owners through their license plate information. Consumers, however, are protected by Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits unfair and deceptive business practices, a claim that can be made in a civil court.