Accessible parking spaces are among the most important spaces in any lot. For people with disabilities, a properly designed and available space close to an entrance can determine whether a trip is possible at all. Here is a general, plain-language overview of how these spaces work in the United States. It is not legal advice, and details vary by state and locality.
Where the rules come from
The Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal civil rights law passed in 1990, prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires many businesses and public entities to provide accessible facilities. Federal accessibility standards issued under the ADA address parking, including how many accessible spaces a lot generally needs, how they are designed and where they are located.
States, meanwhile, run the placard and license plate programs that identify who may use accessible spaces, and they set the penalties for misuse. Cities and counties may add their own rules for street parking. The official federal resource at ada.gov is a good starting point for the federal side.
What makes a space accessible
An accessible space is more than a painted symbol. Under federal standards, key features generally include:
- An access aisle. The striped area next to the space gives room to deploy a wheelchair lift or ramp, or to transfer from a car to a wheelchair. Parking in the aisle can make the space unusable.
- Van-accessible spaces. Some spaces are designed for vans with side lifts, with a wider aisle or space and enough vertical clearance in garages.
- Location. Spaces are meant to be on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance.
- Signage. Signs with the International Symbol of Accessibility identify the spaces, with van-accessible spaces marked as such.
- Level surfaces. Spaces and aisles are meant to be relatively level so that wheelchairs and lifts can be used safely.
Who may park there
Generally, a vehicle must display a valid disability placard or license plate issued by a state, and the person with the disability must be traveling in the vehicle. Using a family member’s placard without that person present is a common form of misuse and is typically prohibited. Placard eligibility is determined through each state’s process, often with certification from a medical provider.
Many states honor placards from other states, but rules on street parking privileges, such as meter exemptions or time limits, vary widely. If you travel with a placard, check the rules at your destination on its official city or state site.
Being a good neighbor
- Never park in an accessible space or its access aisle without a valid placard and the eligible person present.
- Do not block curb ramps or accessible routes, even briefly.
- Remember that not all disabilities are visible. A person who walks without assistance may still need the space.
- If you see a space blocked by snow, report it to the property owner.
Property owners with questions about compliance should consult the federal standards and a qualified professional, since requirements depend on the type and size of the facility.
Using a Placard Well: Practical Habits for Drivers and Passengers
For people who rely on accessible parking, a placard is a tool used many times a week. A few habits can prevent tickets, protect the placard and make each trip smoother. As always, this is general information, and your state’s rules are the ones that count.
Everyday habits
- Hang it correctly. Most states ask that a placard hang from the rearview mirror when the car is parked, so it is visible through the windshield. Many also ask drivers to remove it while the car is moving, since it can block the view.
- Check the expiration date. Placards expire, sometimes on different schedules for temporary and permanent placards. Put the renewal date on your calendar.
- Keep the paperwork. Many states issue an identification card or receipt with the placard. Keep it with you, since enforcement may ask for it.
- Protect it from theft. Placards are sometimes stolen from parked cars. Keeping it out of sight when the car is unattended and not in an accessible space can help. Report a lost or stolen placard to your state promptly.
- Know the rules where you travel. Before a trip, look up whether your destination honors your placard and what street parking privileges apply there.
When the space is not usable
Sometimes an accessible space exists on paper but cannot be used. The access aisle may be blocked by a shopping cart, a snow pile or another car. The surface may be broken or the curb ramp blocked. If you encounter this, let the property owner or manager know. Many cities and states also have a way to report accessible parking violations, and some take reports online. A clear photo with the date and location can help.
Common Misunderstandings About Accessible Parking
- “I will only be a minute.” A short stop can still prevent someone who needs the space from using it, and penalties typically apply regardless of how long you stay.
- “The aisle is just extra space.” The striped access aisle is part of the accessible space. Parking in it can trap a wheelchair user out of their own vehicle.
- “They do not look like they need it.” Many disabilities, including heart and lung conditions, chronic pain and other conditions, are not visible. Questioning a stranger is rarely appropriate. Enforcement is the job of officials.
- “A placard lets anyone in the car park there.” The placard is for trips that include the person with the disability, whether as driver or passenger.
- “There is no sign, so it is not reserved.” Painted symbols, blue markings and access aisle stripes all communicate the space’s purpose. If you are unsure, park elsewhere.
What This Means for Businesses and Property Managers
Accessible parking only works when it is maintained. Owners and managers can help by keeping signs upright and visible, repainting faded markings and aisle stripes, keeping spaces and curb ramps clear of snow and carts, and checking that the route from the space to the entrance is smooth and unobstructed. Requirements depend on the facility, so property owners should review the federal standards and consult a qualified professional about their own situation.
Questions Readers Ask
Can I use my placard in a state where I do not live?
Many states honor out-of-state placards, but privileges like meter exemptions vary. Check the official city or state site for your destination.
How do I get a temporary placard after surgery or an injury?
Most states offer temporary placards through their motor vehicle agency, usually with a form completed by a medical provider. Check your state’s official site for the steps and talk with your doctor about whether you qualify.
What should I do if I see someone misusing a placard?
Avoid confrontation. Note the details and report it to local enforcement or the property owner, following your city’s or state’s process. If you have questions about your own legal rights, an attorney can advise you on your situation.
