About Handicapped Parking Signs


If your state's DMV has issued you a disabled person parking placard this enables you to park where there are handicapped parking signs. Fortunately, there is a good amount of reserved handicap parking on the streets of busy metropolitan areas and also within public and private parking lots. For this, the credit goes largely to ADA strict standards and regulations required for businesses as well as State and local governments. ADA regulation require public and private businesses to mount handicap parking signs; these signs can be ordered online.

What do Handicapped parking signs look like?

Colored blue, or white with blue, they include the international symbol of accessibility and will say "Van Accessible," for spaces designated for handicap vans. With these signs, drivers should have no problem seeing them even when a vehicle is parked in the space because they are required to be mounted high. Other signs you will commonly see say: "Handicapped Parking," and "Reserved Parking."
And, as long as you have a DP (disabled person) or DV (disabled veteran) placard and plates; you can park within these handicap parking spaces.

Note: State regulations differ regarding handicap parking. Check with your state's DMV and learn about parking privileges and limitations. Below is an example of CA handicap parking priveleges.

DP and DV Parking Privileges in California (source: DMV CA)

  • In parking spaces with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol).
  • Next to a blue curb authorized for handicap parking.
  • Next to a green curb (green curbs indicate limited time parking) for as long as you wish. There is no time limit with a DP placard, DP license plates, or DV license plates.
  • In an on-street metered parking space at no charge.
  • In an area that indicates it requires a resident or merchant permit.

Read more about:
Handicap vans
Info about wheelchair lift vans