ADA Complaint Checkout Aisle Signage

Checkout Aisle Signage

Checkout aisle signage has unique Standards within the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 2010 ADA Standards 216.11, 227.2 and 904.3 cover the accessibility requirements for checkout aisles. Standard 216.11 covers signage requirements for ADA compliance. The graphic on the right is a closeup of a representative checkout aisle sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA).

Standard 904.3 covers the technical ADA requirements for a checkout aisle installation. 2010 ADA Standard 216.11, [Signs] Check-Out Aisles, states, “Where more than one check-out aisle is provided, check-out aisles complying with [Standard] 904.3 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with [Standard] 703.7.2.1. Where check-out aisles are identified by numbers, letters, or functions, signs identifying check-out aisles complying with [Standard] 904.3 shall be located in the same location as the check-out aisle identification. The graphic below is representative of a store with multiple checkout aisles and two accessible checkout aisles identified with signage including the ISA.

Checkout Aisle Group with Accessible and Non-Accessible Aisles

However, there is an exception to this Standard that reads as follows, “EXCEPTION: Where all check-out aisles serving a single function comply with 904.3, signs complying with [Standard] 703.7.2.1 shall not be required.” In other words, if all checkout aisles at a store accomplish the same function and all are ADA accessible, none of the aisles are required to have signage with the ISA symbol for accessibility.

This exception can lead to confusion at stores where all checkout aisles are ADA compliant and none have a sign to indicate this compliance. Recently I found a grocery store that has gone beyond the ADA requirements by installing the sign shown in the photo below. At this store all the checkout aisles [ie. registers] are compliant with the ADA.

Signage for Accessible Checkout Aisles

This installation is a great example of going beyond the requirements for ADA compliance. Even though the ADA does not require a sign if all checkout aisles are compliant, adding this sign serves the disabled community well with additional information to make their shopping easier. Remember, the ADA is a minimum requirement for ADA compliance. Entities that go beyond the minimum requirements of the ADA are showing a proactive and creative approach to better serve their disabled patrons and clients.

SUMMARY: ADA compliant checkout aisles in stores should have signage to indicate which aisles are accessible for individuals that are disabled, unless all the aisles are accessible. If all checkout aisles are accessible, installing a sign to notify patrons of this is helpful even though it is not required by the ADA.
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If you observe a building or checkout aisle that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.