Is Traveling Behind Parked Cars Accessible?

When designing accessible parking, one of the most critical—and often overlooked—safety features is the path of travel from the car to the building. A common question arises: Is it acceptable for a wheelchair user to travel behind other parked vehicles to reach a ramp or entrance?

The simple answer is no, especially in California.

The Safety Hazard

Imagine a wheelchair user parking in an accessible stall. They deploy their lift, exit into the access aisle, and turn toward the building. If the curb ramp is located several stalls away, they are forced to wheel out of their protected aisle and into the drive lane. Now, they must travel behind a row of parked cars—likely SUVs or trucks with large blind spots—to reach the ramp.

This scenario forces a pedestrian who is lower to the ground to share the right-of-way with backing vehicles. It is a dangerous configuration that accessibility codes aim to eliminate.

The Rules: Federal vs. California

Federal Law (ADA)

Under the 2010 ADA Standards, passing behind cars is technically allowed but strongly discouraged. The Department of Justice recognizes the danger and advises designers to place accessible routes in front of parking spaces whenever possible.

California Law (CBC)

California takes a much stricter stance. The California Building Code (CBC) explicitly prohibits this design for both public accommodations (Chapter 11B) and multifamily housing (Chapter 11A). In California, you cannot design a site where a person with a disability is compelled to travel behind any car other than their own.

Real-World Examples: Traveling behind parked cars

Non-Compliant Example (The "Trap"): An accessible stall shares an access aisle with a standard stall. The only curb ramp is located at the far end of the parking row. To get to the ramp, the user must leave their access aisle, enter the vehicular lane, and roll behind three other parked cars. This is a violation in California.

Compliant Example (The Safe Route): The curb ramp is located immediately in front of the access aisle, or a marked pedestrian path is provided in front of the parked vehicles (between the car bumpers and the building). The user exits their car, enters the access aisle, and moves directly onto the safe, elevated path without ever entering the drive lane behind other neighbors' cars.

Regulatory Citations

2010 ADA Standards, Advisory 502.3 Access Aisle:

Accessible routes must connect parking spaces to accessible entrances. In parking facilities where the accessible route must cross vehicular traffic lanes, marked crossings enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids. Where possible, it is preferable that the accessible route not pass behind parked vehicles.

2022 California Building Code (CBC), Title 24, Part 2, Section 11B-502.7.1 Arrangement:

Parking spaces and access aisles shall be designed so that persons using them are not required to travel behind parking spaces other than to pass behind the parking space in which they parked.

2022 California Building Code (CBC), Title 24, Part 2, Section 1109A.7 Location of accessible parking spaces:

Accessible parking spaces shall be located so that persons with disabilities are not compelled to wheel or walk behind parked cars other than their own.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney or consultant for advice tailored to your situation.