Accessible parking signs: the ISA, 60 inches and VAN ACCESSIBLE

Parking signs are the ADA signs most people notice, and the rules are short. Section 216.5 of the 2010 ADA Standards says accessible parking spaces must be identified by signs, and §502.6 says what those signs must show and how high they go.

What the sign must show

• The International Symbol of Accessibility, the wheelchair symbol defined in §703.7.2.1.
• On van-accessible spaces, the words VAN ACCESSIBLE as well. The Access Board's guide notes this is informative: it tells drivers the space has a wider access aisle, but it doesn't reserve the space for vans.

The bottom edge of the sign must be at least 60 inches above the ground, so it can be seen over a parked car. The symbol painted on the pavement doesn't replace the sign. Signs can go on posts, on walls or hung from a ceiling in a garage, and one sign can serve more than one space if it's clear which spaces it covers.

When a sign isn't required

• Lots with four or fewer spaces in total: the accessible space doesn't need a sign (§216.5, Exception 1). It still has to be built accessibly.
• Residential spaces assigned to a specific dwelling unit (§216.5, Exception 2).

The R7-8 design

The ADA Standards don't prescribe a layout, but almost every sign in the country follows the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Its R7-8 is a 12 by 18 inch white sign reading RESERVED PARKING over the symbol on a blue square, with the R7-8P VAN ACCESSIBLE plaque mounted below. Our parking sign builder draws the R7-8 and adds the plaques under it:

Fines, towing and state rules

Penalty plaques, towing notices, permit wording and even the legend color are set by state and local law, not by the ADA. Many states require a specific fine amount or statute citation on the sign, and some require their own design. That's why the fine plaque in the builder is free text. Check your state's motor vehicle or building code for the exact wording before you order signs.

Loading zones and EV charging

Accessible passenger loading zones (§503) have their own access aisle requirements, and many owners sign them the same way. Electric vehicle charging is not covered by the 2010 Standards. The Access Board has published design recommendations for accessible EV chargers, and some states now require accessible charging spaces. The builder's ACCESSIBLE EV CHARGING plaque is there for owners who want to mark one. All of these are in the accessible parking section of the directory.