Q: There’s a new sign on the eastbound I-10 Freeway near the Main Street exit in Cabazon. Rest stops and the miles to them are listed, but what do the numbers on the lighted portion of the sign mean? They aren’t always the same — but occasionally change.

– Paul Russell, Desert Hot Springs

A: Those numbers, off to one side like an electronic vertical scoreboard, show how many parking slots are available in real time at each rest stop for tractor-trailer drivers so they can take a break and even catch a snooze.

“AVAILABLE TRUCK PARKING” signs along the 10 went live on Aug. 25. Various states are using the strategy, called the Truck Parking Availability System, or plan to.

“Cameras at these rest areas will continuously monitor the number of commercial trucks entering and exiting these

See Full Page