ADAAG Manual

Signage [4.6.4]

Accessible spaces must be designated by the access symbol, which can be mounted on walls, posts, or from garage ceilings so that it is not obscured by vehicles parked in the space. Recommendation: Since traffic codes often govern sign height, ADAAG does not specify a height for parking signs. A height of at least 60 inches (measured to the bottom edge) is generally advisable (taking care not to make the sign a protruding object), although a higher height is better for signs at van spaces.

ADAAG specifies the sign content and symbol/field contrast (light-on-dark or dark-on-light), but not the color or size, which may be addressed by local jurisdictions. The "Van-Accessible" designation is meant to be informative, not restrictive, in the use of van spaces. Additional signage can clarify this, which may be important in lots with only one accessible space since that space must be a van space.

The method and color of striping is not specified in ADAAG but may be addressed by local code. Access symbols on the parking surface, sometimes required locally, are obscured by vehicles parked in the space and cannot substitute for post- or wall-mounted signage. Since van access aisles can be as wide as spaces, it is important that they be clearly marked (diagonal striping is often used). Bollards or other barriers can help prevent misuse of the aisle as a space provided that they do not obstruct the connecting accessible route.