Important: ADA compliance isn't optional—it's federal law. Non-compliant businesses face fines up to $75,000 for first violations and $150,000 for subsequent violations, plus potential lawsuits.
How Many Accessible Spaces Do You Need?
| Total Parking Spaces | Required Accessible Spaces |
|---|---|
| 1-25 | 1 |
| 26-50 | 2 |
| 51-75 | 3 |
| 76-100 | 4 |
| 101-150 | 5 |
| 151-200 | 6 |
| 201-300 | 7 |
| 301-400 | 8 |
Van-Accessible Requirement: At least 1 in every 6 accessible spaces must be van-accessible.
Accessible Space Dimensions
Standard Accessible Space
- Width: 8 feet minimum
- Access aisle: 5 feet minimum
- Total width: 13 feet (space + aisle)
Van-Accessible Space
- Width: 8 feet minimum
- Access aisle: 8 feet minimum
- Total width: 16 feet (space + aisle)
- Vertical clearance: 98 inches minimum
Striping Requirements
- Space lines: Blue or white, clearly visible
- Access aisle: Diagonal stripes, blue or white
- "No Parking" in aisle: Required in access aisles
- International symbol: Must be painted on pavement
Signage Requirements
- Height: Bottom of sign at least 60 inches above ground
- International symbol: Required on sign
- Van-accessible: Additional "Van Accessible" sign required
- Fine amount: Many jurisdictions require fine amount posted
Location Requirements
- Closest spaces to accessible entrance
- On the shortest accessible route
- Connected to accessible path of travel
- No obstructions between space and entrance
Common Compliance Mistakes
- Wrong number of spaces: Calculate based on total lot capacity
- Insufficient van spaces: 1 in 6 must be van-accessible
- Faded striping: Lines must be clearly visible
- Missing access aisles: Every space needs an adjacent aisle
- Signs too low: Must be 60 inches minimum height
- Blocked access routes: Path to entrance must be clear
Medical Facilities: Additional Requirements
Hospitals, outpatient facilities, and rehabilitation centers need additional accessible parking based on the services they provide.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- First violation: Up to $75,000
- Subsequent violations: Up to $150,000
- Private lawsuits: Unlimited damages possible
- Required remediation: Must fix issues regardless of fines
Get Your Parking Lot Compliant
We provide ADA-compliant line striping services. We'll assess your lot, calculate requirements, and ensure proper striping and marking.