By Allstate Sign & Plaque | Updated 2025
New York has stricter requirements than the federal ADA, including a unique wheelchair symbol that no other state uses. If you’re posting accessible parking signs in New York, here’s exactly what you need.
The Active ISA Symbol
New York is one of only two states in the country (along with Connecticut) that requires its own version of the accessibility wheelchair symbol on handicap parking signs.
In July 2014, Governor Cuomo signed legislation (Laws A.8193 and S.6846) adopting the Active ISA (International Symbol of Accessibility), created by The Accessible Icon Project. Effective November 25, 2014, any new or replacement handicap parking sign in New York must use this symbol, not the traditional seated wheelchair image.
What makes the Active ISA different:
- Head faces forward – the person is in motion and in control
- Arm angles backward – depicting an energetic pushing motion
- One leg is raised forward – showing forward momentum
The same law bans the word “handicapped” on new signage. Signs must use “accessible” instead.
Watch out: A standard ADA-compliant sign with the old seated symbol does not satisfy New York law for new or replacement signs. You must use the NY-specific R7-8(NY) design.
Shop New York-compliant signs:
- NY Handicap Parking Sign (R7-8NY) – Active ISA, .080" aluminum, retroreflective
- NY Handicap Parking Sign with Double Arrow
Sign Specs at a Glance
| Requirement | New York Standard |
|---|---|
| Sign code | R7-8(NY) |
| Standard size | 12" x 18" |
| Mounting height (bottom of sign) | 60" min to 84" max above grade |
| Material | .080" heavy-gauge aluminum |
| Reflectivity | Retroreflective sheeting required (Engineer Grade or better) |
| Symbol | Active ISA (NY-specific) |
| Wording | “Accessible” not “Handicapped” |
| Installation | Permanently mounted; must not block accessible route |
Engineer Grade reflectivity meets the minimum. High-Intensity or Diamond Grade is worth the upgrade for high-traffic lots or areas with poor ambient lighting.
Van-Accessible Spaces
Van spaces have additional dimensional and signage requirements on top of the standard accessible space rules.
Dimensions
A van-accessible space must meet one of two configurations:
- At least 132" wide with an access aisle at least 60" wide, or
- At least 96" wide with an access aisle at least 96" wide
The parking space, access aisle, and vehicular route must all provide at least 98" of vertical clearance to accommodate vehicles with raised roofs or wheelchair lifts.
Signage
Each van space requires two signs stacked together: the main R7-8(NY) accessible parking sign, plus a “Van Accessible” panel mounted directly below it. The bottom of the lower sign must still be at least 60" above grade.
Note: New York requires all access aisles to be at least 8 feet wide, making every aisle effectively van-accessible by width. When in doubt, post the “Van Accessible” supplementary sign.
Shop van-accessible signs:
- Van Accessible Sign – Reflective, mounts below main sign
Access Aisle Signs
This is the requirement most property owners miss. The New York State Building Code requires that every access aisle (the striped zone between accessible spaces) display a sign reading:
NO PARKING ANYTIME
The federal ADA does not require this. It is a New York-only rule. The purpose is straightforward: a vehicle parked in the access aisle blocks wheelchair users from deploying ramps and exiting their vehicles.
The sign must be mounted at the same 60" to 84" height range and must not obstruct the accessible route from the aisle to the building entrance.
How Many Spaces Are Required?
New York follows the federal ADA table. Count the total number of spaces in your lot, then reference the minimums below.
| Total Parking Spaces | Minimum Accessible Spaces |
|---|---|
| 1 to 25 | 1 |
| 26 to 50 | 2 |
| 51 to 75 | 3 |
| 76 to 100 | 4 |
| 101 to 200 | 5 to 6 |
| 201 to 500 | 7 to 9 |
| 501 to 1,000 | 2% of total |
| 1,001 and over | 20 + 1 per 100 over 1,000 |
At least 1 in every 6 accessible spaces must be van-accessible. If you only have one accessible space, that space must be van-accessible.
Exception: Lots with 4 or fewer total spaces are not required to post accessible parking signs, though dimensional requirements still apply if you designate a space.
New York also specifically requires that shopping centers with 5 or more retail stores provide reserved accessible parking.
Fines and Enforcement
Under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, fines for illegal parking in an accessible space start at $50 for a first offense and up to $150 for repeat violations. Local municipalities can set higher fines, and vehicles can be towed and impounded.
One important point: if an accessible space is not properly posted with the correct New York signage, a driver parked there generally cannot be cited. Proper signs are a prerequisite for enforcement, not just a formality.
Adding a penalty sign alongside your accessible parking sign reinforces consequences and strengthens your ability to enforce.
Shop penalty signs:
- $250 Fine Sign (Reflective Green) – Pairs with any accessible parking sign
Shop All NY-Compliant Signs
Allstate Sign & Plaque has manufactured signs on Long Island since 1956. Our R7-8(NY) handicap parking signs ship on .080" aluminum with retroreflective sheeting, compliant out of the box.
Browse All Handicapped Parking Signs
FAQ
Do I need to replace old signs that still show the traditional wheelchair symbol?
The 2014 law applies to new and replacement signs. There is no hard statewide retrofit deadline. However, if you are installing new signs or replacing a damaged one for any reason, you must use the Active ISA. Proactively updating all signs reduces liability risk.
Does New York City have different requirements than the rest of the state?
The same sign requirements apply statewide. NYC has its own parking permit system (NYC PPPD) for individuals, which is separate from the statewide disability permit, but the physical signage standards for accessible spaces are the same throughout New York.
Is a private lot required to have accessible parking in New York?
Yes, if the lot serves places of public accommodation such as retail stores, restaurants, or medical offices. Shopping centers with five or more retail stores are specifically required by state law. Private residential lots assigned to specific dwelling units may be exempt.
Does New York require a penalty sign alongside the accessible parking sign?
State law does not mandate a separate fine sign the way New Jersey does. However, posting a penalty sign is strongly recommended. It reinforces enforcement and makes it harder for violators to claim they were not warned.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always consult your local building department or a licensed professional for guidance specific to your property.
Allstate Sign & Plaque | Long Island, NY | Est. 1956