The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) provides basic rules to states on handicapped parking.
The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) provides uniform federal guidelines for states to apply when designing handicapped parking placards and spaces. The CFR guidelines for handicapped parking can be found in Title 23, Section 1253. The CFR rules are general in nature, allowing states to devise the best specific systems for persons with disabilities.
"Persons With Disabilities" Defined
A "person with disabilities which limit or impair the ability to walk" is eligible to use handicapped parking under the CFR. Such a person is one who either: cannot walk 200 feet without resting, cannot walk without a mobility aid such as a cane, crutch, prosthetic limb, or wheelchair; has a lung disease that restricts her exhalation volume to under 1 liter; uses portable oxygen; has a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition; or has another disability that severely limits her ability to walk. The condition that limits the person's ability to walk must be determined by a doctor.
Placards for Handicapped Parking
Section 1253.6 specifies that a handicapped parking license plate or a handicapped parking placard are the only things that give a person permission to park in a labeled handicapped parking space.
Accessible Handicapped Parking
Title 23, Section 1253.7 of the CFR lists requirements for designing handicapped parking spaces. Each state is required to create rules governing the design and creation of handicapped parking spaces. These rules must follow the federal guidelines set out in the CFR. Each handicapped parking space must be "accessible to, and usable by" a person with a disability that limits or impairs his ability to walk. For instance, a handicapped parking space must leave enough flat, even space to allow a person using a wheelchair to enter and exit a car parked in the space.
Safe Handicapped Parking
Both the handicapped parking space and the routes to and from the space must "ensure the safety of persons with disabilities" who use them. For example, a handicapped parking space should be well-lit so that people who have trouble walking can see any obstacles.
Signs on Handicapped Parking
Handicapped parking spaces must be labeled with signs that show the space is reserved for persons with disabilities. These signs must meet the uniform sign requirements laid out in 23 CFR 655, subpart F. Among other things, the signs must include the International Symbol of Access, described in section 1253.1. The symbol resembles a person in a wheelchair as seen from the side. It is usually printed in white on a blue or red background, but the CFR does not require these colors to be used as long as the symbol is clearly visible.
