Texas ADA sign requirements (TAS 2012)
Texas enforces the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), and its sign sections are word for word the same as the federal 2010 ADA Standards: tactile signs 48 to 60 inches, Grade 2 braille, latch side, parking signs with the ISA 60 inches to the bottom. What Texas adds is enforcement: projects of $50,000 or more go to TDLR for review and are inspected within a year of completion, and parking in an accessible space illegally costs $500–$750 for a first offense.
TAS and the ADA, section by section
We compared the sign sections of TAS 2012 with the 2010 ADA Standards paragraph by paragraph. Apart from punctuation and table layout, they are identical:
| Topic | TAS 2012 vs 2010 ADA | Sections |
|---|---|---|
| Which signs must comply, exemptions | identical | TAS 216 |
| Raised characters, braille, visual characters | identical | TAS 703.1–703.5 |
| Mounting height and location | identical | TAS 703.4 |
| Pictograms and accessibility symbols | identical | TAS 703.6, 703.7 |
| Parking sign identification | identical | TAS 502.6 |
| Number of accessible parking spaces | identical | TAS 208.2 |
| Elevator hoistway signs | identical | TAS 407.2.3 |
So every page on this site applies in Texas as written, with the TAS section number in place of the ADA one: mounting height, braille, restroom signs, exit signs. Texas has no equivalent of California's geometric restroom door symbols.
Texas parking signs
The sign itself follows TAS 502.6: the International Symbol of Accessibility, "van accessible" on van spaces, and at least 60 inches from the ground to the bottom of the sign (details on the parking signs page). State law adds two things around it:
- Who must follow the standard. A city or other political subdivision that designates accessible parking must follow the TDLR standards for identification and dimensions. A private owner may designate spaces without them unless another law requires them, and a city can require private owners to conform (Transportation Code 681.009). Businesses open to the public are covered by the federal ADA either way, with the same 502.6 sign.
- The fine. Parking in an accessible space without a disabled placard or plates is a misdemeanor, $500 to $750 for a first offense, with higher fines and community service for repeat offenses (Transportation Code 681.011). The state offense covers spaces designated by a city or other political subdivision, and private lots where the city has extended it. Some signs show the fine, but the statute does not require it.
TDLR review and inspection
Under the Texas Architectural Barriers Act, plans for a building or facility subject to the Act must be submitted to TDLR for review when the estimated construction cost is at least $50,000 (Government Code 469.101), and a building official may not accept a permit application until the project is registered with TDLR (469.102). Within a year of completion, the owner must have the building inspected by TDLR, a contracted entity, or a Registered Accessibility Specialist (469.105). Signs are part of that inspection, so a Texas job's signs are checked against TAS by someone whose job is to check them.
On Texas projects, ask for the RAS's plan review comments before proofing; they often list sign items by room. Keep the checklist with the install crew: the inspector will measure the 48 and 60 inch baselines, the latch side and the 18 by 18 inch clear floor space.
Questions
Are Texas ADA sign requirements different from the federal ADA?
Not in their technical content. The sign sections of the 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), 216, 703, 502.6 and 407.2.3, read the same as the 2010 ADA Standards. What Texas adds is enforcement: projects of $50,000 or more are submitted to TDLR for review and inspected within a year of completion.
What are the Texas ADA restroom sign requirements?
The same as the federal rules: raised uppercase characters with Grade 2 braille, non-glare and contrasting, braille baseline at 48 inches minimum and the top raised baseline at 60 inches maximum, on the wall at the latch side, and the International Symbol of Accessibility on accessible restrooms where not all are accessible (TAS 216.2, 216.8, 703). Texas does not require California-style door symbols.
What are the Texas handicap parking sign requirements?
Each accessible space gets a sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility, van spaces add "van accessible", and the bottom of the sign is at least 60 inches above the ground (TAS 502.6). Cities must mark accessible spaces to these standards (Transportation Code 681.009).
What is the fine for parking in a handicap space in Texas?
For a first offense, a misdemeanor fine of $500 to $750; repeat offenses carry higher fines and community service (Transportation Code 681.011). The state offense applies to spaces designated by a city or other political subdivision, and to private lots where the city has extended it. The statute does not require the fine to be printed on the sign.
Who inspects ADA signs in Texas?
For buildings subject to the Architectural Barriers Act, the owner has the building inspected within a year of completion by TDLR, a contracted entity or a Registered Accessibility Specialist (Government Code 469.105). Signs are part of that inspection.
- 2012 Texas Accessibility Standards (TDLR)
- TDLR Architectural Barriers program
- Texas Transportation Code 681.009 and 681.011; Government Code 469.101 and 469.105 (texas.public.law, from statutes.capitol.texas.gov)
- Access Board guide, Chapter 7: Signs
- 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (U.S. Access Board)
Last checked against the source text 2026-09-25. Section numbers refer to the 2010 ADA Standards unless marked otherwise.