Many speculations on accessible parking spaces. Let's explore their importance.

Disabled Persons' License Plate

This plate is for any available parking space. In an accessible space, it can only be used by the person the plate is issued to and if they are exiting the vehicle. If the person is not in the vehicle, it cannot be used in an accessible space.

Disability Placard for vehicles

This placard follows the owner to any vehicle they are riding in. They can park in any space available. It must be visible when in use and only used by the person it was issued to and if they are exiting the vehicle.

Disabled Veteran License Plate

This plate can be used for any space available. In an accessible space, it can only be used by the person the plate is issued to and if they are exiting the vehicle. If they are not in the vehicle, it can't be parked in an accessible space.

Regular license plate

This plate allows the owner to park in any parking spot except accessible parking spaces. If this plate is in an accessible parking space, they can/will be fined and the vehicle towed at the owner's expense.

Accessible wheelchair van parking sign

This sign is for wheelchair vans. ADA standards state that the space should be marked with two signs: an international symbol of accessibility and a van-accessible sign. They should be 60in high from the ground to the bottom of the sign.

Accessible parking sign

This is designated for a disabled vehicle. ADA standards state the space should be marked with the international symbol of accessibility (wheelchair) and be 60in high from the ground to the bottom of the sign. Regular plates can't park here.

Ground marking for accessible parking

This is another way that businesses mark accessible parking spaces, BUT it does not meet ADA standards and must accompany a sign marking the space. The sign must be 60in high from the ground to the bottom of the sign.

Wheelchair van parked in a non-van accessible parking spot

Any vehicle with a disabled plate or placard can park here. My van is backed in to show where the ramp lands if no van space is available. No vehicle can park in the access aisle (diagonal lines); it is not a parking space.

This image shows an accessible van space on the left, and an accessible car space on the right.

The van space gives me room for my ramp and my wheelchair to deploy. A vehicle without a ramp is parked in the car space on the right. We both have ample room.

2 ways to park for ramp access

Wheelchair van ramps come in right-side entry or back entry. If my van pulled straight into the car space, I would not have had room for my ramp and chair without hitting the vehicle parked on the right side.

Access Aisle

The space I am in is the access aisle. This space is needed for both sides to exit their vehicles. These spaces must be 96in wide with 60in of access space. Can you see why the access aisle is important and not a parking space?

Accessible car space

This space is not up to ADA standards. The access aisle should be 60in wide. This space, as it is, is best suited for a vehicle without a ramp. I would not park my van in this space and expect to exit or enter my vehicle with a car parked on my right.

Is there a right or wrong way to park?

As a wheelchair user, I come across this often. This is not a parking spot. This prevents a person who needs accessible parking to park in the space or, worse, get back into their vehicle. This vehicle can be fined and towed at the owner's expense.

Parking over the access aisle

Parking over the access aisle leaves less room for someone who needs the accessible parking spaces to exit their vehicle and/or let a ramp out. Parking this way makes it difficult, if not impossible, for someone disabled.

Accessible parking spots innaccessible to the walkway

2 accessible parking spots are at one end of the strip mall and two in the middle (no van space). This is the only option if the middle spaces are taken or a van space is needed. They are forced into a busy parking lot. Barriers must not impede access.

Cement poles and ice chest block the sidewalk

The cement poles, ice chest, and wood stacks make it impossible for someone using a mobility device to access the sidewalk. They would have to go into the parking lot, behind parked cars, and halfway through the lot to the curb cut in the sidewalk.

ADA accessible parking spaces

According to the ADA, "Accessible parking spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible facility entrance. Where buildings have multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, the accessible parking spaces must be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances." (2020)

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Accessible parking spaces 10/07/24