Rules for Handicap Parking Spaces
The rules for handicap parking spaces are designed to give preferred access to people with physical challenges. They vary slightly from state to state but are generally the same throughout the United States. The rules for handicap parking spaces are designed to comply with the American with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines.
Identification
Rules for handicap parking spaces dictate that there be at least one handicap space in a parking lot of 25 spaces or less. More handicap parking spaces are required as the parking lot gets bigger. For a parking lot of 100 spaces there must be at least four handicap parking spaces. For a parking lot of 500 there must be at least nine handicap parking spaces. After that it must be 2 percent of the total number of spaces.
Size
Rules for handicap parking spaces require that they be at least 12 feet wide. They must be placed along a handicap accessible path to the building and have an access strip next to the space. Two handicap parking spaces can share a single access strip that is painted with diagonal stripes to indicate that no parking is allowed there.
Features
Rules for handicap parking spaces specifically call for them to be outlined in blue paint. The "international symbol of accessibility," which resembles a person sitting in a wheelchair, is often painted in the middle of the parking space. This is required in some states but not others. A prominently displayed blue sign saying, "parking by disabled permit only," is required in every state. They must be posted in front of every handicap parking space.
Function
Rules for handicap parking spaces only allow drivers who have a handicap parking permit or a handicap license plate on their vehicle to stop, stand or park in a handicap space. Handicap parking permits and license plates must be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles. They require documentation confirming that the applicant is qualified to park in a handicap parking space. People with healing injuries, who are disabled for limited period of time, are given temporary handicap parking permits with expiration dates.
Considerations
Rules for handicap parking spaces call for large fines for violators who park in them. Drivers who stop, stand or park in a handicap space or access strip without a handicap permit or license plate are in violation of the law. Fines vary from state to state but in most places it is $250. This fine also applies to drivers who use a handicap permit or license plate when the person they are intended for did not ride in the vehicle when it was parked.
