There are several things to avoid when installing ADA signs to guarantee compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some of these pitfalls result in hefty fines, so it is important to be aware of them.
6 Common ADA Sign Mistakes
- Lack of Visibility: Signs must be visible and legible from a distance to be effective. This means they should be installed at eye level, and there should be no obstacles blocking them.
- Incorrect Placement: Signs must be located and easily accessible to those who need them. This means they should not be placed too high or too low.
- Improper Materials: Signs must be made from durable materials which will not fade or break down over time. This means the signs should be made from high-quality materials, such as aluminum and vinyl.
- Non-Compliant Fonts: Only certain fonts comply with the ADA, so it is important to use an ADA-approved font for the signs. The fonts must not include embellishments and must be large enough to be legible from a distance. Some compliant fonts include Arial, Helvetica, and Times New Roman.
- Failure to Test: Signs must be tested before they are installed to make sure they are effective. This means they should be tested under different lighting conditions and from varied distances.
- Incorrect Installation Hardware: Signs must be properly secured to avoid damage and theft. They should be installed with the proper hardware, such as screws and bolts.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
There are several penalties imposed for non-compliant ADA signs. These penalties can be civil or criminal and vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Some of the potential penalties for non-compliant ADA signs include:
- Fines: Depending on the jurisdiction, fines for non-compliant ADA signs range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. The federal government imposes fines up to $75,000 for a first violation and $150,000 for subsequent offenses.
- Damages: In some cases, those harmed by non-compliant ADA signs may be able to sue for damages. This could include damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses.
- Injunction: A court may order the party responsible for the non-compliant ADA signs to take corrective action, such as removing, updating, or modifying, so the signs are compliant.
- Jail Time: In some cases, those responsible for non-compliant ADA signs may be subject to jail time. This is most likely to occur in cases of fraud and intentional violations.
Avoiding Non-Compliance
The best way to avoid non-compliance is to be aware of the requirements for ADA signs and to make sure the signs meet all the requirements. Consulting with an experienced sign professional like our team at FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento – Arden-Arcade, CA is the best way to make sure signs are compliant.
If a business has been cited for non-compliant ADA signs, it is best to take immediate action to correct the problem and avoid further penalties. Also, consulting with an attorney to discuss legal options and defense strategies is a good idea.
At FASTSIGNS® of Sacramento – Arden-Arcade, CA, we specialize in ADA signs. Contact us today if you have any questions or to learn more about our ADA sign solutions.
