Federal Requirements for Accessible Parking
Under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, every parking lot or garage open to the public must include a minimum number of accessible parking spaces. The number depends on the total size of the lot.
For example, a small restaurant with 20 parking spaces must have at least 1 accessible space. A shopping center with 300 spaces must have at least 7. These are the minimum — some facilities choose to provide more.
Accessible spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the building entrance. That means as close to the door as possible, on a path without stairs or steep slopes.
Official Standard
2010 ADA Standards §208.2 — Minimum Number
Parking facilities must include the following minimum number of accessible spaces:
1–25 total spaces → 1 accessible
26–50 → 2 accessible
51–75 → 3 accessible
76–100 → 4 accessible
101–150 → 5 accessible
151–200 → 6 accessible
201–300 → 7 accessible
301–400 → 8 accessible
401–500 → 9 accessible
For lots over 500: 2% of first 500, plus 1 for each additional 100 or fraction thereof.
Van-Accessible Spaces
At least one out of every six accessible spaces must be "van-accessible." These spaces are wider because wheelchair-accessible vans need extra room to deploy a side ramp or lift.
Van-accessible spaces must be at least 11 feet wide(compared to 8 feet for standard accessible spaces) with an access aisle of at least 5 feet. Alternatively, the standard 8-foot space can be used with an 8-foot access aisle.
Van-accessible spaces must have a sign that says "Van Accessible" in addition to the standard accessible parking sign.
Official Standard
2010 ADA Standards §208.2.4
"For every six or fraction of six accessible parking spaces required by §208.2, at least one shall be a van parking space."
§502.2 — Vehicle Space Width
Van parking spaces shall be 132 inches (11 feet) wide minimum. Van parking access aisles shall be 60 inches (5 feet) wide minimum.
Signage Requirements
Every accessible space must have a sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility (the blue wheelchair symbol). The sign must be:
- Mounted at least 60 inches high (measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign), so it's visible even when a car is parked in the space
- Include "Van Accessible" text for van spaces
Ground-painted symbols alone are not sufficient — an upright sign is required. Many states also require the sign to display state-specific penalties for illegal use.
Official Standard
2010 ADA Standards §502.6
"Accessible parking spaces shall be identified by signs showing the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA). Signs identifying van parking spaces shall contain the designation 'van accessible.' Signs shall be 60 inches minimum above the finish floor or ground surface measured to the bottom of the sign."
Access Aisles
The access aisle is the striped area next to an accessible space. It provides room for a person to get in and out of their vehicle, deploy a wheelchair ramp, or use a mobility device.
Access aisles must be:
- At least 5 feet wide (8 feet for van-accessible when the space is standard width)
- Level — maximum slope of 1:48 (2%) in any direction
- Clearly marked with painted stripes or hatching
- Connected to an accessible route to the building
Official Standard
2010 ADA Standards §502.3
"Access aisles shall adjoin an accessible route. Two parking spaces shall be permitted to share a common access aisle."
§502.3.1 — Width: 60 inches minimum.
§502.3.3 — Marking: "Access aisles shall be marked so as to discourage parking in them."
Common Parking Violations
These are the most frequently reported accessible parking problems:
State Disabled Parking Permits
Disabled parking permits (placards and plates) are issued by state governments, not the federal government. The rules vary by state, but generally:
- You need a doctor's certification that you have a qualifying mobility limitation
- Permits are either temporary (usually 6 months) or permanent (renewed every few years)
- Using someone else's placard or using an expired placard is illegal in every state and carries fines
- Your state-issued placard is valid in all 50 states
How to Report Parking Violations
If you encounter an accessible parking violation, you have several options:
- Take photos of the violation — the space, the access aisle, signage (or lack thereof), and any cars blocking access
- Contact the property manager or business owner to request immediate correction
- File a complaint with the DOJ at ADA.gov for systemic or ongoing violations
- Report to local code enforcement or your city's ADA coordinator for building code issues
Important Note
This guide provides general information about ADA parking requirements. State and local building codes may impose additional requirements. For legal advice about your specific situation, connect with an experienced ADA attorney.
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Related guide: Accessible Parking Requirements