U.S. Disability and Handicap Parking Regulations
Individuals in the United States who are disabled or handicapped have rights provided by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act relates to public places such as stores and office buildings, as well as parking lots and spaces. The ADA grants rights to the disabled when it comes to parking and gaining access specific to public and private locations. Parking regulations are enforceable by law and violators can receive fines.
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Qualifying Disabilities and Handicaps
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To get a parking permit or vehicle plate that indicates you are disabled or have a handicap, you must present a statement to your local department of motor vehicles from a doctor that says you have a qualifying impairment. Qualifying disabilities include legal blindness, some neuromuscular disorders, certain cardiac conditions, mental impairments and limited mobility.
Location of Parking Spaces
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Accessible parking spots are those spaces closest to the entrance of buildings. When there is a parking lot that does not have connections to a particular building, the accessible parking spaces are those that are the shortest distance to the exit of the lot or sidewalk.
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Size of Parking Spaces
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Parking spots designated for disabled passengers need to be at least 8 feet wide. Such spots should have an area next to it where others cannot park. Diagonal lines painted in the area next to an accessible parking spot indicate the space is not for parking. Two designated parking spaces may share the same painted area.
Sign Requirements
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A blue sign with the white silhouette of a wheelchair and its user indicates every accessible parking spot. Businesses must ensure this sign is high enough for passengers inside a vehicle to see.
Number of Disabled Parking Spaces Required
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One out of every 25 parking spaces in a lot needs to have an accessible parking designation. In addition, one out of every eight parking spaces must be big enough for a van with a wheelchair ramp. If a location is required only to have one parking space for those who are disabled, that space must also be van-accessible.
Unlawful Use of Accessible Spaces
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The only vehicles that can use an accessible parking spot are those that have a parking permit or license plate that signifies the disabled individuals may use the designated space. Owners of vehicles who do not display permits are subject to traffic fines. It is also unlawful for a non-disabled person to park in an accessible spot, even if he displays a parking permit, if a disabled person is not accompanying him or being picked up from that location.
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References
- Photo Credit Handicap Parking image by Joelyn Pullano from Fotolia.com
