Handicap parking sign requirements in California
Stall signs, van signs, the $250 fine plate and the tow-away sign, with heights and sizes from CBC 11B-502 and the 2010 ADA.
Most accessible parking findings in California are not about striping. They are about signs: a stall sign mounted too low, a missing "Minimum Fine $250" plate, a van stall with no "Van Accessible" sign, or no tow-away sign at the lot entrances. Here is what California requires, next to the federal 2010 ADA Standards.
The stall sign
| Item | California (CBC 11B) | 2010 ADA |
|---|---|---|
| Symbol | International Symbol of Accessibility, white on blue (11B-502.6) | International Symbol of Accessibility (502.6) |
| Size and finish | Reflectorized, 70 sq in minimum (11B-502.6.1) | Not specified |
| Height | 60 in min to the bottom of the sign; 80 in min in a circulation path | 60 in min to the bottom of the sign |
| Van spaces | "Van Accessible" on the sign or a second sign below it | "Van Accessible" required |
| Fine | "Minimum Fine $250" below the symbol (11B-502.6.2) | Not required |
| Location | Visible from the stall, next to it or at the head end within its width; may be on a wall at the end (11B-502.6.3) | Not specified |
The tow-away sign
California also requires a tow-away sign at each entrance to an off-street parking facility, or immediately next to the accessible stalls. It is at least 17 inches wide by 22 inches high, with letters at least 1 inch high, and it states that unauthorized vehicles not displaying placards or plates will be towed away at the owner's expense, with the address and phone number where towed vehicles can be reclaimed filled in (CBC 11B-502.8).
Pavement marking
Each stall is marked either with a 36 by 36 inch International Symbol of Accessibility, white on blue, or by outlining or painting the stall blue with a 36 by 36 inch symbol. The access aisle has a blue border, hatching at 36 inches on center maximum, and the words "NO PARKING" in white letters at least 12 inches high (CBC 11B-502.6.4 and 11B-502.3.3). See the van accessible parking dimensions for the layout.
Field checklist
- Bottom of each stall sign at 60 in or higher (80 in if people walk under it)
- Sign reflective and at least 70 sq in
- "Van Accessible" at every van stall
- "Minimum Fine $250" below the symbol
- Tow-away sign at each entrance or next to the stalls, 17 × 22 in, reclaim address and phone filled in
- Symbol on the pavement 36 × 36 in, "NO PARKING" 12 in letters in each aisle
Questions people ask
How high does a handicap parking sign have to be in California?
The bottom of the sign must be at least 60 inches above the ground (CBC 11B-502.6). Where the sign is in a walkway or other circulation path, the bottom must be at least 80 inches high.
Is the "Minimum Fine $250" sign required?
Yes. California requires additional language or a separate sign below the International Symbol of Accessibility stating "Minimum Fine $250" (CBC 11B-502.6.2). The federal ADA does not require it.
Does every van accessible space need its own sign?
Yes. Van spaces need the words "Van Accessible" on the sign or on a second sign below it (CBC 11B-502.6 and ADA 502.6).
Where does the tow-away sign go?
At each entrance to the parking facility, or immediately next to the accessible stalls, where it can be seen. It is at least 17 by 22 inches with letters at least 1 inch high (CBC 11B-502.8).
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Codes and statutes change; always check the current edition of the California Building Code, the 2010 ADA Standards and the Civil Code before you rely on a number.
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