Handicapped Parking Sign — Meaning

By DMV Master Editorial Team Updated April 28, 2026 Also: Disabled Parking, Accessible Parking

Category: Regulatory
Shape: Square or Vertical Rectangle
Colors: Blue, White
Text: RESERVED PARKING (with wheelchair symbol)
MUTCD Code: R7-8

What does the Handicapped Parking Sign mean?

The Handicapped Parking sign is a blue and white sign featuring the International Symbol of Access (a wheelchair icon). It marks parking spaces reserved exclusively for vehicles displaying valid disability placards or license plates. Unauthorized parking carries heavy fines.

What to do when you see this sign

1
Only park here if your vehicle displays a valid disability placard or plate
2
Even with a placard, the placard holder must be in the vehicle
3
Do not block access aisles next to handicapped spaces
4
Report misuse to local police or property management

Where you'll see it

Closest spaces in commercial parking lots
Near building entrances
In municipal lots and government buildings
In medical facility lots (often a higher proportion)

Test trap: don't get caught by this

A disability placard belongs to the person, not the car. A vehicle parked in a handicapped space without the placard holder present can be ticketed even if a valid placard hangs on the mirror.