Handicapped Signs And What Every Business Owners Need To Know

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There are many things that a business owner must do in order to comply with federal laws, including proper signage. Many businesses rely on having large lots in order to give their customers somewhere to park when they arrive, often having signs pointing to additional parking in the back or elsewhere. But when setting up parking areas, some forget one of the most important, and federally mandated items - handicapped parking signs.

While most businesses create a space for the disabled as close as possible to the entrance, they sometimes forget to post a sign telling those in the lot that a space is available to those with handicapped placards. The Americans With Disabilities Act states that all handicapped spots must feature a sign with the universal handicap symbol, a graphic of a figure in a wheel chair. It also states that the sign must be posted high enough so that it can be seen from cars as well as having an additional "van accessible sign".

If a business fails to post the proper signs and have the spaces needed, it is at risk of not only making it more difficult for those that need to park close to the entrance, but it could also result in a fine for the business owner.

Once a business decides they need the added signage, it is imperative that they create a sign that follows the ADA's other stipulations.

"Letters and numbers on signs shall have a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10," the law states. Additionally, "characters and numbers on signs shall be sized according to the viewing distance from which they are to be read. The minimum height is measured using an upper case X. Lower case characters are permitted."

While the majority of business owners are happy to reserve spaces for handicapped people, some may forget the federal laws governing how signs are posted. Before opening up an establishment it is a good idea to review the laws concerning handicapped parking. It is important to protect those who are not as mobile by posting visible signs.

About the Author:
Jordan Parker is a community journalist for Alphabet Signs who covers a range of topics, including current trends with no parking signs, sidewalk signs, outdoor menu boards, and parking signs.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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