Any building that is open to the public is legally required to have ADA signs. That means that most people have seen ADA signs and may not even know that’s what they are. Additionally, you may not know what makes a sign ADA complaint or what could happen if it isn’t. Understanding the legal requirements for signs under the Americans with Disabilities Act is essential for keeping your business compliant, avoiding fines, and creating an inclusive space. Here’s what you need to know about ADA signs, including the answer to the question what are the legal requirements for ADA signs?, and how Tupp Signs can help you.
Key Takeaways
- ADA signs are legally required in public buildings and must meet specific design standards to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments.
- Signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces—such as restrooms, exits, stairwells, and accessible features—must include raised tactile characters, Grade 2 Braille, and high-contrast, non-glare finishes.
- ADA-compliant signage must be mounted at a height between 48–60 inches from the floor and placed beside the door’s latch side to allow tactile access.
- Non-compliance with ADA signage regulations can result in steep penalties, including fines of up to $75,000 for first violations and $150,000 for subsequent ones, as well as legal action.
What is an ADA Sign?
ADA signs are different from regular signage because they are specifically designed to provide information to individuals with disabilities. ADA signage includes features like universal symbols, tactile characters, Braille, and high-contrast coloring to make navigation easier and information more visible. You can spot ADA-compliant signs in places like restrooms, stairwells, elevators, exits, and office suites.
Not every sign in a facility must be ADA-compliant, but those that identify permanent rooms or provide wayfinding (think movie theaters, hotels, and museums) must follow strict standards.
Where are ADA Signs Required?
Accordig to the ADA Standards for Accessible Design, businesses must post ADA signs in the following locations:
- Restrooms
- Exits and emergency exits
- Room identification (such as offices, conference rooms, and break rooms)
- Stairwells and elevators
- Accessible features, including entrances and ramps
- Floor and suite numbers in public buildings
Temporary signs or signs that change frequently (like whiteboards or digital displays) do not have to comply to ADA standards.
What are the Legal Requirements for ADA Signs?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines specific standards that signage must follow to ensure accessibility for individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities. These rules are not simply suggestions. You must comply with them in order to avoid fines and other legal consequences. Below are the core criteria ADA signs must meet in order to be compliant:
Tactile Characters
Permanent room identification signs must include raised characters that individuals can read by touch. Note that tactile (raised) lettering and Braille are two different things.
Tactile characters must include:
- Letters and numbers raised at least 1/32 inch from the surface.
- Only uppercase, sans serif fonts, such Arial or Helvetica, as they are easier to read and distinguish by touch.
- No italic, decorative, or script fonts, due to the difficulty of interpretation.
Braille
Braille is required on all ADA signs that identify permanent spaces. It must be included just below the printed text.
On ADA signs, Braille must be Grade 2, meaning that contractions and abbreviations are used for make reading faster. Furthermore, Braille should be domed or rounded and placed directly beneath the corresponding tactile characters for logical flow. Lastly, spacing, placement, and height must be accurate to ensure compliance and readability.
Contrast and Finish
ADA-compliant signage must be visually readable by individuals with low vision. That means the sign needs to be easy to see under various lighting conditions.
Two things to keep in mind:
- Characters and symbols must contrast with the background, such as white text on a dark background or vice versa.
- The entire sign must have a non-glare finish, like matte or satin, to prevent light reflections that could obscure the content.
Pictograms
If a sign includes a symbol—such as a wheelchair icon for accessible restrooms—it must follow a specific layout:
- The pictogram must be placed inside a minimum 6-inch-high field, which should be left free of any text.
- Any descriptive text or labels should appear directly beneath the pictogram, in both raised characters and Braille.
Mounting Height and Location
In order to retain ADA-compliance, signs must also be placed properly. Signs must be positioned where they are visible and reachable. For instance, signs must be installed so that tactile characters are between 48 and 60 inches from the floor. Signs must also be mounted on the latch side of a door, beside the doorframe, and not on the door itself (unless no other acceptable space exists).
Also, placement should allow a visually-impaired individual to approach within a few inches so that the sign can be read by touch. Space around the sign is required.
What are the Penalties for Non-Compliance for ADA Signs?
Failure to comply with any of the legal requirements for ADA signs may result in repercussions that will cost your business. You may be penalized with the following:
- Fines of up to $75,000 for a first violation and up to $150,000 for subsequent violations
- Legal action from affected individuals or advocacy groups
- Loss of business opportunities due to non-accessible facilities
It’s important to keep your building accessible—not just to avoid fines but to serve every customer.
Stay ADA-Compliant with Business Signage from Tupp Signs
Designing and installing ADA signs is a legal requirement for many businesses that deal with the public. In other words, knowing what makes a sign fully ADA-compliant is essential. At Tupp Signs, we produce fully ADA-compliant signs that meet all legal requirements for visibility, contrast, Braille, and proper mounting. We work closely with property managers, architects, and business owners to make sure every sign serves both its purpose and your brand identity.
From restrooms to room markers and directional signage, we ensure every detail is covered—so you stay compliant and accessible to all.
Call Tupp Signs today at 866-324-7446 to request a consultation or learn more about ADA signage solutions that are both functional and beautifully made.