ADA elevator signs
Both jambs of each hoistway entrance carry the floor designation in raised characters at least 2 in high with braille below, 48 to 60 inches up to the baselines, plus a raised star on both jambs at the main entry level (407.2.3.1).
Hoistway signs
| Requirement | Value | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Location | both jambs of each hoistway entrance | 407.2.3.1 |
| Content | floor designation, raised + braille | 407.2.3.1 |
| Raised character height | 2 in min | 407.2.3.1 |
| Main entry level | raised star on both jambs | 407.2.3.1 |
| Mounting height | 48–60 in to baselines | 703.4.1 |
| Destination-oriented elevators | car designation below floor designation, 2 in min | 407.2.3.2 |
The hoistway floor designation follows the raised-character rules of 703.2 with one change: characters are at least 2 inches high instead of 5/8 inch, and standard jamb plates use 2 inch characters. Braille goes below, as on any tactile sign. The star marks the floor where people enter the building, and goes on both jambs next to the designation.
Destination-oriented systems, where passengers choose their floor in the lobby and are assigned a car, also need the car's identification (for example "A" or "3") on both jambs, immediately below the floor designation, in 2 inch raised characters with braille (407.2.3.2).
Inside the car
Car control buttons carry raised characters or symbols with braille, but they are exempt from the 48 to 60 inch height rule, and their braille may sit directly below or beside the characters with 3/16 inch separation instead of 3/8 inch (703.3.2, 703.4.1). The control panel layout itself is covered in 407.4, which is elevator contractor territory rather than sign work.
Where existing elevators do not all comply, the compliant ones need the International Symbol of Accessibility (216.7).
Jamb plates are usually installed by the elevator contractor on new work, but they are a common retrofit and inspection item. Check both jambs on every floor, the star at the entry level only, and that the plates are not covered by the door frame trim when the doors are open.
Questions
What are the ADA requirements for elevator signs?
Both jambs of every hoistway entrance need a floor designation in raised characters at least 2 inches high with braille below, mounted 48 to 60 inches up to the baselines, with a raised star on both jambs at the main entry level (407.2.3.1).
Where does the star go on elevator jamb signs?
On both jambs at the main entry level, the floor where people enter the building. It is raised, like the floor designation, and sits beside it.
Do elevator car buttons follow the 48 to 60 inch rule?
No. Tactile characters for elevator car controls are exempt from the mounting height rule (703.4.1), and braille on car controls can be beside or below the characters with 3/16 inch separation (703.3.2). The control panel has its own rules in 407.4.
When does an elevator need the wheelchair symbol?
Where some existing elevators do not comply with 407, the compliant ones must be identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility (216.7).
Last checked against the source text 2026-09-25. Section numbers refer to the 2010 ADA Standards unless marked otherwise.