ADA Frequently Asked Questions
Category: General
Question: #8
Who can park in an accessible parking space?
Answer:
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design specify accessible parking requirements such as the number of spaces and the size of the spaces but not who is qualified to park there. This piece is typically addressed by state law. Each state creates and maintains their own eligibility criteria and procedures to issue accessible parking permits to people with disabilities, usually in the form of placards or license plates. These permits may only be available to certain people based on their limitations or they may come with a benefit, such as free metered parking. Because these permits are established through state law, enforcement is typically carried out by state or local law enforcement, not the federal ADA enforcement agencies. State and local governments can also create additional requirements for accessible parking spaces that go above and beyond the ADA minimums. These additional requirements would also be enforced on the state or local level.
Finally, accessible parking spaces within a particular lot may have other general eligibility criteria that would apply to anyone, regardless of disability. For example, some lots may require a person to be an employee to park there or require them to purchase a parking pass. As long as the criteria is applied equally to people with and without disabilities, this is generally allowed.
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Finally, accessible parking spaces within a particular lot may have other general eligibility criteria that would apply to anyone, regardless of disability. For example, some lots may require a person to be an employee to park there or require them to purchase a parking pass. As long as the criteria is applied equally to people with and without disabilities, this is generally allowed.
Resources(s):
