Does Your Handicap Parking Signage Satisfy ADA Requirements?
In the 10 years since the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued new regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility for people with disabilities has become the norm in cities and towns across the country. Providing ease of access to the disabled in public spaces is the responsibility of state and local governments as well as businesses and organizations, large and small.
One of the most visible signs of the impact of the ADA’s guidelines is the increased number of handicap parking spots found in commercial and public parking areas. Adding accessible parking is one step government agencies, businesses and privately run facilities can take to ensure people with disabilities are able to work and participate in programs, services or activities, both indoors and out.
Federal and State Parking Standards for Accommodating People with Disabilities
The DOJ’s 2010 standards have considered every aspect of parking accessibility, from sign design and access routes to the size, location and number of parking spots required in lots and garages.
Parking Space Requirements
Parking spaces must offer ample access for vehicles, including access aisles that provide room for mobility aids such as wheelchairs and power chairs.
Handicap Parking Sign Requirements
The ADA requires that handicapped spaces be clearly identified with access signs, and businesses must know exactly what requirements they must meet in order to be ADA compliant. It is important to note that in addition to Federal standards for use of R7-8 handicap parking signs, many state and local governments have their own standards which may be even more specific.
For instance, accessible parking requirements in New Jersey are a combination of New Jersey Statues and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards:
- Each accessible space must be identified with a sign bearing the International Symbol of Accessibility, as well as a penalty sign indicating fines for offenses.
- Signs identifying van parking spaces must contain the designation “van accessible.”
- All signage must be permanently installed so that the lower edge of the sign is at least 5 feet above the ground. This helps ensure visibility both for motorists and local enforcement officials.
Traffic Safety Direct Handicap Parking Signs Help You Be ADA Compliant
Our handicap parking signs help agencies, businesses and organizations meet federal and state regulations and alert drivers where they may and may not park. To help you maintain ADA compliance, we sell Federal R7-8 Reserved Parking Signs, Federal R7-8VA Van Accessible Signs, and New Jersey R7-8P Handicap Parking Penalty Signs.
All of our signs are made of 0.80 aluminum that is rust, fade and UV resistant to withstand the elements and prolong outdoor life. Available in three grades of reflective sheeting – Engineer, Hi-Intensity and Diamond – these signs meet the specific standards outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Published by the Federal Highway Administration, the MUTCD ensures uniformity of traffic control devices to promote safer, more efficient travel.
Installation is Easy with Our Steel U-Channel Sign Posts
Each accessibility sign comes with pre-drilled holes to make installation easy using our Steel U-Channel Posts. U-channel posts provide years of maintenance-free service and are one of the most economical choices for mounting various types of signs, making them a municipality favorite. Our posts are available in sizes ranging from 3 to 12 feet in both Green Powder Coated and Galvanized Silver. Both treatments will outlast regular paint and offer added protection against rust and elements.