Handicap Parking Signs: A Necessity
Handicap parking signs can help to deter able-bodied persons from parking in zones reserved for people with disabilities. Such crimes have remained a persistent problem in American society since the passage of the original Americans with Disabilities Act. notice is counter
The most common violation is unqualified motorists simply parking in a handicap spot and taking the chance they will not be ticketed. This often occurs at convenience stores and similar locations where customers are in and out all day long.
There are many reasons why drivers disobey these laws. Sometimes they’re in a hurry; other times they’re simply rude. In each case, however, they run the risk of depriving a person with a disability of a needed benefit. “When people are out shopping or dining, they need the spots,” said American Association of People with Disabilities Mark Perriello in an interview. “When they can’t find them, it leaves people with disabilities out on the sidelines.”
Guidance for Handicap Parking Signs and Spaces
State and federal building codes give stringent directions for installing handicap parking sign spaces and posts. Fortunately, these are straightforward and easy to follow. The following is a breakdown of the major rules.
Note: this is a high-level introduction to the topic. For specific rules in your locality, contact your state or city highway or building department.
Space Size: A handicap parking space should be a minimum of 96 inches wide, with an adjacent aisle of 60 to 96 inches.
Space Slope: A handicap parking space should have a slope no steeper than 1:48.
Signage Logo: A sign displaying the international symbol of accessibility should mark each spot. Crews should install the signs at a height of between 60 and 84 inches.
1. How Many Handicap Parking Spots to Plan?
The following is the minimum number of handicap spaces required for parking lots. This guide is based on the number of spaces within a given lot:
| Total spaces in lot | Min. accessible spaces required |
|---|---|
| 1 – 25 | 1 |
| 26 – 50 | 2 |
| 51 – 75 | 3 |
| 75 – 100 | 4 |
| 101 – 250 | 5 |
| 151 – 200 | 6 |
| 201 – 300 | 7 |
| 301 – 400 | 8 |
| 401 – 500 | 9 |
| 501 – 1,000 | 2% of the total number of spaces |
| More than 1,000 | 20 spaces minimum +1 per each additional 100 spaces over 1,000 |
In all cases, at least one in every eight handicap parking spaces must be van accessible.
2. Space Location
Installers should place handicap parking spaces so that they offer the shortest possible route from the spot to a building entrance. In cases where a single lot serves multiple facilities, installers may place handicap parking spaces in multiple locations, as long as each space follows the shortest possible route to an accessible building entrance.
3. Access Aisles
Installers should place striped access aisles next to each handicap spot. They should make these aisles a minimum of 60 inches in width. The only exception to this rule is when a handicap spot is set aside for van parking. In such cases they should make the access aisle at least 96 inches in width. When possible, the crew should mark the aisle with a no parking sign.
4. Installing Handicap Parking Sign Posts
Holes for signposts should be between 3 and 8 inches below grade, with a minimum width of 9 inches to allow for an ample amount of anchoring concrete. Handicap parking signs are typically mounted on standard steel pipes filled with concrete.
However, Impact Recovery System’s, Inc.® Sta-Rite Sign posts and Impactable Handicap Parking Sign Posts are ADA-compliant, and are designed to withstand bumper hits without damage to the post or the vehicle.
5. Penalties
Various state and local laws provide stiff penalties for unauthorized use of spaces with a handicap parking sign. Punishments range from fines to loss of driving privileges for a limited period of time.
In need of more information or a supply of high quality signpost products? Impact Recovery carries handicap parking signs in a variety of styles to match any location.
