Comparison of NPRM and Existing Accessibility Guidelines for Buses, Vans, and 

Over-the-Road Buses

NPRM Existing Guidelines (36 CFR Part 

1192) Changes 

CHAPTER T1: APPLICATION AND

ADMINISITRATION

Subpart A – General

T101 General. This document contains 

scoping and technical requirements for 

vehicles that are readily accessible to and

usable by individuals with disabilities. The 

requirements apply to the acquisition of 

new, used, and remanufactured vehicles 

and the remanufacture of existing vehicles 

to the extent required by regulations in 49 

CFR Part 37 issued by the Department of 

Transportation under the Americans with 

Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). 

§1192.1 Purpose.

This part provides minimum guidelines and 

requirements for accessibility standards to 

be issued by the Department of 

Transportation in 49 CFR part 37 for 

transportation vehicles required to be 

accessible by the Americans with 

Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 

12101 et seq.

Clarifies that scoping and technical 

requirements apply to the

acquisition of new, used, and 

remanufactured vehicles and the

remanufacture of existing vehicles 

to the extent required by regulations

issued by the Department of 

Transportation. 

T102 Equivalent Facilitation. The 

requirements in this document do not 

prevent the use of alternative designs and

technologies that result in substantially 

equivalent or greater accessibility and 

usability. The Department of 

Transportation regulations contain 

procedures in 49 CFR §37.7 for 

determining whether alternative designs 

and technologies provide equivalent 

facilitation. 

§1192.2 Equivalent facilitation.

Departures from particular technical and 

scoping requirements of these guidelines 

by use of other designs and technologies 

are permitted where the alternative 

designs and technologies used will provide 

substantially equivalent or greater access 

to and usability of the vehicle. Departures 

are to be considered on a case-by-case 

basis by the Department of Transportation 

under the procedure set forth in 49 CFR 

37.7. 

Editorial 

T103 Conventions §1192.4 Miscellaneous instructions.

T103.1 Dimensions. Dimensions that 

are not stated as maximum or minimum 

are absolute. 

(a) Dimensional conventions. Dimensions 

that are not noted as minimum or 

maximum are absolute. 

Editorial 

T103.2 Tolerances. All dimensions are 

subject to conventional industry tolerances 

for manufacturing processes, material

properties, and field conditions. 

§1192.4 Miscellaneous instructions.

(b) Dimensional tolerances. All dimensions 

are subject to conventional engineering 

tolerances for material properties and field

conditions, including normal anticipated 

wear not exceeding accepted industrywide standards and practices. 

Editorial 

T103.3 Figures. Figures are provided for

informational purposes only, except for 

Figure T703. 

Explains purpose of figures. 

T103.4 Units of Measurement. 

Measurements are stated in metric and 

U.S. customary units. The values stated in 

each system (metric or U.S. customary 

units) may not be exact equivalents, and

each system shall be used independently 

of the other. 

Explains units of measurement. 

T103.5 Vehicle Length. The length of 

buses, over-the-road buses, and vans is 

measured from standard bumper to 

Explains how vehicle length is 

measured. 

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standard bumper, exclusive of any 

additional protrusions. 

T104 Definitions

T104.1 General. For the purpose of this

document, the terms defined in T104.4 

have the indicated meaning. Terms used 

in this document that are defined in 

regulations issued by the Department of 

Transportation at 49 CFR 37.3 have the 

meaning indicated in those regulations. 

Adopts definitions in Department of 

Transportation regulations. 

T104.2 Undefined Terms. The meaning 

of terms not specifically defined in T104.4 

or in regulations issued by the Department 

of Transportation shall be as defined by 

collegiate dictionaries in the sense that the 

context implies. 

Uses collegiate dictionaries for 

undefined terms. 

T104.3 Interchangeability. Words, 

terms and phrases used in the singular 

include the plural; and words, terms and

phrases used in the plural include the 

singular. 

Explains that singular and plural are 

used interchangeably. 

T104.4 Defined Terms.

Boarding device. A lift, ramp, or 

bridgeplate. 

Adds definition for boarding device. 

Bridgeplate. A short plate or short ramp 

designed to bridge a horizontal or vertical 

gap between a vehicle floor and a station 

platform, or between a vehicle floor and a 

lift platform. 

Adds definition for bridgeplate. 

Level boarding bus system. A system in 

which buses operate where some or all of 

the designated stops have station 

platforms, and the design of the station 

platforms and the vehicles are coordinated

to provide level boarding. 

Adds definition for level boarding 

bus system. 

Operable part. A component of a device or 

system used to insert or withdraw objects, 

or to activate, deactivate, adjust, or

connect to the device or system. Operable 

parts include, but are not limited to, 

buttons, levers, knobs, smart card targets, 

coin and card slots, pull-cords, jacks, data 

ports, electrical outlets, and touch screens. 

Adds definition for operable part. 

Surface discontinuities. Differences in 

level between two adjacent surfaces. 

Adds definition for surface 

discontinuities. 

CHAPTER T2: SCOPING 

REQUIREMENTS

T201 General. New, used, and 

remanufactured vehicles shall comply with 

the scoping requirements in Chapter T2 to 

the extent required by regulations in 49 

CFR Part 37 issued by the Department of 

Transportation under the Americans with 

Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.21 General.

(a) New, used or remanufactured buses 

and vans (except over-the-road buses 

covered by subpart G of this part), to be 

considered accessible by regulations issued 

by the Department of Transportation in 49 

CFR part 37, shall comply with the 

Editorial 

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applicable provisions of this subpart. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.151 General.

(a) New, used and remanufactured overthe-road buses, to be considered

accessible by regulations issued by the 

Department of Transportation in 49 CFR 

part 37, shall comply with this subpart. 

(b) Over-the-road buses covered by 49 

CFR 37.7(c) shall comply with §1192.23 

and this subpart. 

T202 Reduction in Access Prohibited.

Modifications to an accessible vehicle shall 

not decrease or have the effect of 

decreasing the accessibility of the vehicle 

below the requirements of this document 

that are in effect at the time of the

modification. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.21 General.

(b) If portions of the vehicle are modified 

in a way that affects or could affect 

accessibility, each such portion shall 

comply, to the extent practicable, with the 

applicable provisions of this subpart. This

provision does not require that inaccessible 

buses be retrofitted with lifts, ramps or 

other boarding devices. 

Clarifies that modifications to an 

accessible vehicle must not reduce

the accessibility of the vehicle below 

the requirements in effect at the

time of the modification. 

T203 Buses, Over-the-Road Buses, 

and Vans

T203.1 General. Buses, over-the-road 

buses, and vans shall comply with T203. 

Introductory section 

T203.2 Accessible Boarding. Vehicles 

shall provide accessible boarding in 

accordance with T203.2. 

Introductory section 

T203.2.1 Minimum Requirement for All

Vehicles. All vehicles shall provide in at 

least one doorway lifts or ramps that are 

capable of being deployed to all

designated stops on the route to which the 

vehicle is assigned and to the roadway. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a) General. All vehicles covered by this 

subpart shall provide a level-change 

mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift or 

ramp)...

(b) Vehicle lift.

(2) Controls –

(i) Requirements ...The lift shall deploy to 

all levels (i.e., ground, curb, and 

intermediate positions) normally 

encountered in the operating environment. 

Clarifies that lifts and ramps must 

be capable of being deployed to all 

designated stops and to the roadway

Eliminates exception permitting use 

of portable or station based

boarding devices for over-the-road 

buses. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

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(a)(1) General. [Same as §1192.23(a)] 

(2) Exception. If portable or station-based 

lifts, ramps or bridge plates meeting the 

applicable requirements of this section are

provided at stations or other stops 

required to be accessible under regulations 

issued by the Department of 

Transportation, the bus is not required to 

be equipped with a vehicle-borne device. 

(b) Vehicle lift.

(2) Controls –

(i) Requirements. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(2)(i) above.]

T203.2.1.1 Lifts. Lifts shall comply with 

T302.

See T302 

T203.2.1.2 Ramps. Ramps shall comply 

with T303. Ramps provided on vehicles 

more than 6.7 m (22 feet) in length shall 

be permanently installed and power 

operated. Vehicles that operate only in 

level boarding bus systems where all the 

designated stops have station platforms 

shall be permitted to provide on board the 

vehicle portable ramps that are capable of 

being deployed to the roadway. 

See T303

Requires ramps on vehicles more 

than 6.7 m (22 feet) in length to be

permanently installed and power 

operated. 

Permits portable ramps on vehicles 

that operate only in level boarding

bus systems where all the stops 

have station platforms. 

T203.2.2 Additional Requirements for 

Level Boarding Bus Systems. Vehicles 

operating in level boarding bus systems

shall comply with the additional 

requirements in T203.2.2. 

Introductory section 

T203.2.2.1 Vehicle Floor and Station 

Platform Coordination. The design of 

the vehicles shall be coordinated with the 

station platforms to minimize the gap 

between the vehicle floor and the station 

platforms. 

Requires design of vehicles 

operating in level boarding bus 

systems to be coordinated with 

station platforms. 

T203.2.2.2 Ramps and Bridgeplates. 

Where the gap between the vehicle floor 

and the station platforms is greater than 

51 mm (2 inches) horizontally or 16 mm 

(5⁄8 inch) vertically when measured at 50 

percent passenger load with the vehicle at 

rest, vehicles shall provide ramps or 

bridgeplates that are capable of being 

deployed to the station platforms in 

accordance with T203.2.2.2. Ramps and 

bridgeplates shall comply with T303, and 

shall be permanently installed and power

operated. 

Requires ramps or bridgeplates 

where gap between the vehicle floor 

and the station platforms exceeds 

51 mm (2 inches) horizontally or 16 

mm (5⁄8 inch) vertically. 

T203.2.2.2.1 Doorways on One Side of 

Vehicle. Where doorways are provided on 

one side of the vehicle to serve station

platforms, vehicles shall provide ramps or 

Requires ramps or bridgeplates in at 

least one doorway where doorways

are provided on one side of the 

vehicle. 

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bridgeplates in at least one doorway. 

T203.2.2.2.2 Doorways on Two Sides 

of Vehicle. Where doorways are provided 

on two sides of the vehicle to serve station

platforms, vehicles shall provide ramps or 

bridgeplates in at least one doorway on 

each side of the vehicle. 

Requires ramps or bridgeplates in at 

least one doorway on each side of

vehicle where doorways are 

provided on two sides of the vehicle. 

T203.3 Wheelchair Spaces. Vehicles 

shall provide wheelchair spaces complying 

with T402 in accordance with T203.3.

Introductory section 

T203.3.1 Large Vehicles. Vehicles more 

than 6.7 m (22 feet) in length shall 

provide at least two wheelchair spaces. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a) General. At least two securement 

locations ... shall be provided on vehicles in 

excess of 22 feet in length ...

Editorial

 

 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a)(1) General. ... At least two securement 

locations ... shall be provided. 

T203.3.2 Small Vehicles. Vehicles 6.7 

m (22 feet) or less in length shall provide 

at least one wheelchair space. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a) General. ...at least one securement 

location ... shall be provided on vehicles 22 

feet in length or less. 

Editorial 

T203.3.3 Location. Wheelchair spaces

shall be located as near as practicable to 

doorways that provide accessible boarding 

complying with T203.2. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility. 

(d) Securement devices. 

(2) Location and size. The securement 

system shall be placed as near to the 

accessible entrance as practicable ...

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices.

(2) Location and size. [Same as §1192.23

(d)(2) above.]

T203.3.4 Signs. Wheelchair spaces shall 

be identified by the International Symbol 

of Accessibility complying with T703. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.27 Priority seating signs.

(b) Each securement location shall have a 

sign designating it as such.

Clarifies that International Symbol of 

Accessibility must be used to

identify wheelchair spaces. 

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T203.4 Circulation Paths. Circulation 

paths on vehicles shall comply with 

T203.4. 

Introductory section 

T203.4.1 Surfaces. All circulation path

surfaces shall comply with T802. 

See T802 

T203.4.2 Wheelchair Spaces. 

Circulation paths shall connect each 

wheelchair space to doorways in 

accordance with T203.4.2. Circulation 

paths connecting wheelchair spaces to 

doorways shall comply with T502. 

See T502 

T203.4.2.1 Doorways with Boarding

Devices. On all vehicles, a circulation 

path shall connect each wheelchair space 

to a doorway with a boarding device that 

can be deployed to the roadway. Where a 

portable ramp is permitted to be provided 

on board a vehicle by T203.2.1.2, a 

circulation path shall connect each 

wheelchair space to a doorway where the 

portable ramp can be deployed to the 

roadway.

 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a) General. All vehicles covered by this 

subpart shall provide ... sufficient 

clearances to permit a wheelchair or other 

mobility aid user to reach a securement 

location. 

Clarifies that a circulation path must 

connect each wheelchair space to a 

doorway with a boarding device that 

can be deployed to the roadway. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a)(1) General. [Same as §1192.23(a) 

above.] 

T203.4.2.2 Additional Requirements 

for Level Boarding Bus Systems. 

Vehicles operating in level boarding bus 

systems shall comply with the additional 

requirements in T203.4.2.2. 

Introductory section 

T203.4.2.2.1 Doorways on One Side of 

Vehicle. Where doorways are provided on 

one side of the vehicle to serve station

platforms, a circulation path shall connect 

each wheelchair space to a doorway that 

provides accessible boarding complying 

with T203.2.2. 

Requires a circulation path to 

connect each wheelchair space to a

doorway that provides accessible 

boarding on vehicles operating in 

level boarding bus systems where 

doorways are provided on one side 

of the vehicle. 

T203.4.2.2.2 Doorways on Two Sides 

of Vehicle. Where doorways are provided 

on two sides of the vehicle to serve station

platforms, a circulation path shall connect 

each wheelchair space to a doorway on 

each side of the vehicle that provides 

accessible boarding complying with 

T203.2.2. 

Requires a circulation path to 

connect each wheelchair space to a

doorway on each side of the vehicle 

that provides accessible boarding on

vehicles operating in level boarding 

bus systems where doorways are

provided on two sides of the vehicle. 

T203.5 Doorways. Doorways on vehicles 

shall comply with T203.5. 

Introductory section 

T203.5.1 Doorways with Lifts or 

Ramps. Doorways with lifts or ramps 

shall comply with T503.1. 

See T503.1 

T203.5.2. Doorways with Level Entry

Boarding. Doorways with level entry 

boarding shall comply with T503.2. 

See T503.2 

T203.5.3 Doorways on Over-the-Road 

Buses. Doorways on over-the-road buses 

See T503.3 

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shall comply with T503.3. 

T203.5.4 Signs. Doorways that provide

accessible boarding complying with T203.2 

shall be identified on the exterior of the 

vehicle by the International Symbol of 

Accessibility complying with T703. Where 

all the doorways provide accessible

boarding complying with T203.2, the 

doorways shall not be required to be

identified by the International Symbol of 

Accessibility. 

Requires doorways that provide 

accessible boarding to be identified 

by the International Symbol of 

Accessibility, unless all doorways 

provide accessible boarding. 

T203.5.5 Lighting. Where lighting is 

provided at doorways, lighting shall 

comply with T803. 

See T803 

T203.6 Steps. Steps on vehicles shall 

comply with T504. 

See T504 

T203.7 Handrails, Stanchions, and 

Handholds. Vehicles shall provide 

handrails, stanchions, and handholds 

complying with T505 in accordance with 

T203.7. 

Introductory section 

T203.7.1 All Vehicles. All vehicles shall 

provide handrails and stanchions at 

passenger doorways, at fare collection 

devices where provided on vehicles, and 

along all circulation paths. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(b) Handrails and stanchions shall be 

provided in the entrance to the vehicle in a 

configuration which allows persons with 

disabilities to grasp such assists from 

outside the vehicle while starting to board, 

and to continue using such assists 

throughout the boarding and fare 

collection process. ...

(d) Handrails and stanchions shall be 

sufficient to permit safe boarding, onboard circulation, seating and standing 

assistance, and alighting by persons with 

disabilities. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.155 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(a) Handrails and stanchions shall be 

provided in the entrance to the vehicle in a 

configuration which allows passengers to 

grasp such assists from outside the vehicle 

while starting to board, and to continue 

using such handrails or stanchions 

throughout the boarding process...

(b) Where provided within passenger 

compartments, handrails and stanchions 

shall be sufficient to permit safe boarding, 

on-board circulation, seating and standing 

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assistance, and alighting by persons with 

disabilities. 

T203.7.2 Large Vehicles. Vehicles more 

than 6.7m (22 feet) in length shall provide 

handholds, stanchions, or handrails at 

forward and rear facing seats in 

accordance with T203.7.2. 

Introductory section 

T203.7.2.1 Non-Reclining Low-Back 

Seats. Handholds or stanchions shall be 

provided on the back on non-reclining lowback seats. 

Clarifies location of handholds or 

stanchions on large vehicles with

non-reclining low-back seats. 

T203.7.2.2 Reclining High-Back Seats.

 Handrails shall be provided overhead or 

on overhead luggage racks at reclining

high-back seats. 

Clarifies location of handrails on 

large vehicles with reclining highback seats. 

T203.8 Wheelchair Securement 

Systems. Vehicles shall provide 

wheelchair securement systems complying 

with T403 at each wheelchair space. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a) General. At least two securement ...

devices ... shall be provided on vehicles in 

excess of 22 feet in length ... at least one

securement ... device ... shall be provided 

on vehicles 22 feet in length or less. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a)(1) General. ... At least two securement 

... devices ... shall be provided. 

T203.9 Seat Belts and Shoulder Belts.

Vehicles shall provide seat belts and 

shoulder belts complying with T404 at 

each wheelchair space. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(7) Seat belt and shoulder harness. For 

each ... securement device provided, a 

passenger seat belt and shoulder harness

...shall also be provided ...

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(7) Seat belt and shoulder harness. 

[Same as §1192.23(d)(7) above.] 

T203.10 Seats. Seats on vehicles shall 

comply with T203.10. 

Introductory section 

T203.10.1 Priority Seats. Vehicles 

operated in fixed route systems shall 

designate at least two seats as priority 

seats for passengers with disabilities. The 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.27 Priority seating signs.

Clarifies number of seats that are 

required to be designated as priority 

seats for passengers with disabilities 

and the location of the priority 

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priority seats shall be located as near as 

practicable to a doorway that is used for 

both boarding and alighting. Where aisle 

facing seats and forward facing seats are

provided, one of the priority seats shall be 

an aisle facing seat, and one of the priority 

seats shall be a forward facing seat. 

(a) Each vehicle shall contain sign(s) which 

indicate that seats in the front of the 

vehicle are priority seats for persons with 

disabilities, and that other passengers 

should make such seats available to those 

who wish to use them. At least one set of 

forward-facing seats shall be so

designated. 

seats. 

T203.10.2 Signs. Priority seats required 

by T203.10.1 shall be identified by signs 

complying with T702 that inform other 

passengers to make the seats available to 

passengers with disabilities. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.27 Priority seating signs.

(a) Each vehicle shall contain sign(s) which 

indicate that seats in the front of the 

vehicle are priority seats for persons with 

disabilities, and that other passengers 

should make such seats available to those 

who wish to use them. 

Editorial 

T203.10.3 Aisle Seats on Over-theRoad Buses. Where armrests are 

provided on the aisle side of seats on 

over-the-road buses, the aisle seats shall 

comply with T203.11.2. 

Introductory section 

T203.10.3.1 Moveable or Removable 

Seats. Folding or removable armrests 

shall be provided on the aisle side of all

moveable or removable seats at 

wheelchair spaces. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.161 Moveable aisle armrests.

...all moveable or removable seats at 

wheelchair or mobility aide securement 

locations, shall have an armrest on the 

aisle side which can be raised, removed, or 

retracted to permit easy entry or exit. 

Editorial 

T203.10.3.2 Fixed Seats. Folding or 

removable armrests shall be provided on 

the aisle side of at least 25 percent of all

fixed aisle seats. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.161 Moveable aisle armrests.

A minimum of 50% of aisle seats ... shall 

have an armrest on the aisle side which 

can be raised, removed, or retracted to 

permit easy entry or exit. 

Modifies scoping requirement for 

moveable armrests on over-the-road

buses from 50 percent of aisle seats, 

including all moveable or removable

seats at wheelchair spaces, to 25 

percent of fixed aisle seats and all

moveable or removable seats at 

wheelchair spaces. 

T203.11 Destination and Route Signs. 

Where signs displaying destination or 

route information are provided on the

exterior of a vehicle, the signs shall be 

provided on the front and boarding side of 

the vehicle. The signs shall be illuminated 

and shall comply with T702. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.39 Destination and route signs.

(a) Where destination or route information 

is displayed on the exterior of a vehicle, 

each vehicle shall have illuminated signs 

on the front and boarding side of the 

vehicle. 

Editorial 

T203.12 Public Address System. 

Vehicles more than 6.7 m (22 feet) in 

length that operate in fixed route systems 

and stop at multiple designated stops shall 

provide a public address system to

announce stops and provide other 

passenger information within the vehicle.

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.35 Public information system.

(a) Vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, 

used in multiple-stop, fixed-route service, 

Editorial 

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shall be equipped with a public address 

system permitting the driver, or recorded 

or digitized human speech messages, to

announce stops and provide other 

passenger information within the vehicle.

T203.13 Automated Stop and Route 

Announcements. Public entities that 

operate 100 or more buses in annual 

maximum service in fixed route systems, 

as reported in the National Transit 

Database in accordance with 49 CFR Part 

630, shall provide automated stop and 

route announcements complying with T704 

on buses that are more than 6.7 m (22

feet) in length and operate in fixed route 

systems. 

Requires public entities that operate 

100 or more buses in annual

maximum service in fixed route 

systems to provide automated stop 

and route announcements. 

T203.14 Stop Request Systems. 

Vehicles more than 6.7 m (22 feet) in 

length that operate in fixed route systems 

and stop at multiple designated stops on 

passenger request shall provide stop

request systems complying with T705. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.37 Stop request.

(a) Where passengers may board or alight 

at multiple stops at their option, vehicles 

in excess of 22 feet in length shall provide 

controls ... for requesting stops ...

Editorial 

T203.15 Fare Collection Devices. 

Where fare collection devices are provided 

on vehicles, fare collection devices shall

comply with T806. 

See T806 

CHAPTER T3: BOARDING DEVICES

T301 General. The technical 

requirements in Chapter T3 shall apply 

where required by Chapter T2. 

Introductory section 

T302 Lifts

T302.1 General. Lifts shall comply with 

T302.

Introductory section 

T302.2 Design Load. The lift design load 

shall be 273 kg (600 pounds) minimum. 

Load carrying components that are subject 

to wear shall have a design safety factor of 

at least six, based on the ultimate strength 

of the material. Other components that 

are not subject to wear shall have a design 

safety factor of at least three, based on 

the ultimate strength of the material. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(1) Design load. The design load of the lift 

shall be at least 600 pounds. Working 

parts, such as cables, pulleys, and shafts, 

which can be expected to wear, and upon 

which the lift depends for support of the 

load, shall have a safety factor of at least 

six, based on the ultimate strength of the 

material. Nonworking parts, such as

platform, frame, and attachment hardware 

which would not be expected to wear, shall 

have a safety factor of at least three, 

based on the ultimate strength of the 

material. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

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§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(1) Design load. [Same as §1192.23(b)(1) 

above.]

T302.3 Controls. Lift controls shall 

comply with T302.3. 

Introductory section 

T302.3.1 Interlocks. Lift controls shall 

be interlocked with the vehicle brakes, 

transmission, propulsion system, or door, 

or shall provide other systems to prevent 

the vehicle from moving when the lift is 

not stowed. Lift controls shall not be

operable unless the interlocks are 

engaged. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(2) Controls –

(i) Requirements. The controls shall be 

interlocked with the vehicle brakes, 

transmission, or door, or shall provide 

other appropriate mechanisms or systems, 

to ensure that the vehicle cannot be

moved when the lift is not stowed and so 

the lift cannot be deployed unless the 

interlocks or systems are engaged. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(2) Controls –

(i) Requirements. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(2)(i) above.]

T302.3.2 Sequence. Lift controls shall 

be of a momentary contact type requiring 

continuous manual pressure. Lift controls 

shall permit the operator to change the

operation sequence. Lift controls shall not 

permit the lift platform to be folded, 

retracted, or stowed when occupied, 

unless the platform is designed to be 

occupied when stowed in the passenger 

area of the vehicle.

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(2) Controls –

(i) Requirements. ...Where provided, each 

control for deploying, lowering, raising, 

and stowing the lift and lowering the rolloff barrier shall be of a momentary contact 

type requiring continuous manual pressure 

by the operator and shall not allow 

improper lift sequencing when the lift 

platform is occupied. The controls shall

allow reversal of the lift operation 

sequence, such as raising or lowering a 

platform that is part way down, without 

allowing an occupied platform to fold or 

retract into the stowed position. 

Editorial 

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(ii) Exception. Where the lift is designed 

to deploy with its long dimension parallel 

to the vehicle axis and which pivots into or 

out of the vehicle while occupied (i.e., 

“rotary lift”), the requirements of this 

paragraph prohibiting the lift from being 

stowed while occupied shall not apply if 

the stowed position is within the passenger 

compartment and the lift is intended to be 

stowed while occupied. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(2) Controls –

(i) Requirements. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(2)(i) above.]

T302.4 Manual Operation. Lifts shall be 

capable of being operated manually if the 

power to the lift fails. The manual 

operation shall be safe for the occupant 

and operator when operated in accordance 

with the manufacturer’s instructions. 

When operated manually, the lift platform 

shall deploy and lower to the boarding and 

alighting area or the roadway with an

occupant; shall rise to the vehicle floor 

without an occupant; and shall stow. The 

lift platform shall not fold, retract, or stow 

when occupied, unless the platform is 

designed to be occupied when stowed in

the passenger area of the vehicle. Doors 

that must be opened to allow the lift to 

operate shall have interior and exterior 

manual releases. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(3) Emergency operation. The lift shall 

incorporate an emergency method of 

deploying, lowering to ground level with a 

lift occupant, and raising and stowing the 

empty lift if the power to the lift fails. No 

emergency method, manual or otherwise, 

shall be capable of being operated in a 

manner that could be hazardous to the lift 

occupant or to the operator when operated 

according to manufacturer’s instructions,

and shall not permit the platform to be 

stowed or folded when occupied, unless 

the lift is a rotary lift and is intended to be 

stowed while occupied. 

Requires interior and exterior 

releases on doors that must be 

opened to allow emergency 

operation of the lift. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(3) Emergency operation. [Same as 

§1192.23(b)(3) above.]

T302.5 Platforms. Lift platforms shall 

comply with T302.5. 

Introductory section 

T302.5.1 Surfaces. Lift platform 

surfaces shall comply with T802. 

See T802 

T302.5.2 Size. The lift platform clear 

width shall be 720 mm (281⁄2 inches) 

minimum measured at the platform

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

Increases height of clear width and 

clear length from 760 mm (30 

inches) to 1015 mm (40 inches) 

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surface, and 760 mm (30 inches) 

minimum measured from 51 mm (2 

inches) above the platform surface to 

1015 mm (40 inches) minimum above the

platform surface. The lift platform clear 

length shall be 1015 mm (40 inches) 

minimum measured at the platform 

surface and 1220 mm (48 inches) 

minimum measured from 51 mm (2 

inches) above the platform surface to 

1015 mm (40 inches) above the platform 

surface.

 

(b) Vehicle lift –

(6) Platform surface. ...The platform shall 

have a minimum clear width of 281⁄2 inches 

at the platform, a minimum clear width of 

30 inches measured from 2 inches above 

the platform surface to 30 inches above 

the platform, and a minimum clear length 

of 48 inches measured from 2 inches 

above the surface of the platform to 30 

inches above the surface of the platform. 

minimum above the platform 

surface.

 

Clarifies clear length measured at 

the platform surface is 1015 mm (40

inches) minimum. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(6) Platform surface. [Same as §1192.23

(b)(6) above.]

T302.5.3 Edge Barriers. Lift platforms 

shall have edge barriers complying with 

Table T302.5.3 to prevent the wheels of 

wheelchairs from rolling off the platforms. 

Openings between lift platform surfaces 

and raised barriers shall not permit 

passage of a sphere 16 mm (5⁄8 inch) in 

diameter. Edge barriers shall not interfere 

with the maneuvering of wheelchairs.

Table T302.5.3 Lift Platform Edge 

Barriers 

Side of Lift 

Platform 

Edge Barrier 

Required 

Side of lift 

platform used to 

enter and exit the 

platform at

boarding and 

alighting area 

Moveable barrier 

or supplementary 

system capable of 

preventing power 

wheelchairs from 

riding over or 

defeating the 

barrier or

supplementary 

system. The 

barrier or 

supplementary 

system shall 

automatically raise 

or engage, and 

remain raised or 

engaged when the 

lift platform is 

more than 75 mm 

(3 inches) above 

the boarding and 

alighting area 

level. The barrier 

or supplementary 

system shall be 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(5) Platform barriers. The lift platform 

shall be equipped with barriers to prevent 

any of the wheels of a wheelchair or

mobility aid from rolling off the platform 

during its operation. A movable barrier or 

inherent design feature shall prevent a 

wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off 

the edge closest to the vehicle until the

platform is in its fully raised position. Each 

side of the lift platform which extends 

beyond the vehicle in its raised position 

shall have a barrier a minimum 11⁄2 inches 

high. Such barriers shall not interfere with 

maneuvering into or out of the aisle. The

loading-edge barrier (outer barrier) which 

functions as a loading ramp when the lift is 

at ground level, shall be sufficient when 

raised or closed, or a supplementary 

system shall be provided, to prevent a 

power wheelchair or mobility aid from 

riding over or defeating it. The outer 

barrier of the lift shall automatically raise 

or close, or a supplementary system shall 

automatically engage, and remain raised,

closed, or engaged at all times that the 

platform is more than 3 inches above the 

roadway or sidewalk and the platform is 

occupied. Alternatively, a barrier or 

system may be raised, lowered, opened, 

closed, engaged, or disengaged by the lift 

operator, provided an interlock or inherent 

design feature prevents the lift from rising 

Editorial 

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permitted to be 

operated manually 

if an interlock or 

other design 

feature prevents 

the lift from

operating unless 

the barrier or 

supplementary 

system is raised or

engaged. 

Side of lift 

platform used to 

enter and exit the 

vehicle 

Moveable barrier 

or other design 

feature to prevent 

the wheels of 

wheelchairs from 

rolling off the lift 

platform when the 

platform is not at 

the vehicle floor 

level 

Other sides of lift 

platform 

Barriers 38 mm 

(11⁄2 inches) high 

minimum 

unless the barrier is raised or closed or the 

supplementary system is engaged. 

(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between 

the platform surface and the raised 

barriers shall not exceed 5⁄8 inch in width. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(5) Platform barriers. [Same as §1192.23

(b)(5) above.]

(7) Platform gaps. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(7) above.]

T302.5.4 Gaps. When the lift platform is 

at the vehicle floor level and any edge 

barrier is lowered, the gap between the 

platform surface and the vehicle floor shall 

not permit passage of a sphere 16 mm (5⁄8

inch) in diameter. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(7) Platform gaps. When the platform is at 

vehicle floor height with the inner barrier 

(if applicable) down or retracted, gaps

between the forward lift platform edge and 

the vehicle floor shall not exceed 1⁄2 inch 

horizontally and 5⁄8 inch vertically. 

Modifies gap to be consistent with 

T302.5.3. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(7) Platform gaps. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(7) above.]

T302.5.5 Threshold Ramps. Threshold

ramps from boarding and alighting areas 

to lift platforms and edge barriers used as 

threshold ramps shall have slopes not 

steeper than 1:8 (12.5 percent) for a rise 

of 75 mm (3 inches) maximum. The slope

shall be measured when the lift platform is 

level. Surface discontinuities at transitions 

from boarding and alighting areas to

threshold ramps shall comply with T802.5. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(8) Platform entrance ramp. The entrance 

ramp, or loading-edge barrier used as a 

ramp, shall not exceed a slope of 1:8,

measured on level ground, for a maximum 

rise of 3 inches ...

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

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Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(8) Platform entrance ramp. [Same as 

§1192.23(b)(8) above.] 

T302.5.6 Visual Contrast. The 

perimeter of the lift platform surface shall 

be outlined. The outline shall be 25 mm

(1 inch) wide minimum and shall contrast 

visually with the rest of the platform 

surface either light-on-dark or dark-onlight.

 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.25 Doors, steps and thresholds.

(b) Contrast. ...the boarding edge of ... lift 

platforms shall have a band of color(s) 

running the full width of the ... edge which

contrasts from the ... lift ...surface, either 

light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

Harmonizes requirement for visual 

contrast on sides of lift platform with 

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 

Standards (FMVSS) (49 CFR 

571.403, S6.4.10). 

T302.5.7 Deflection. When occupied, lift 

platforms shall be permitted to deflect 3 

degrees maximum in any direction with 

respect to the platform’s unloaded 

position, exclusive of vehicle roll or pitch. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(9) Platform deflection. The lift platform 

(not including the entrance ramp) shall not 

deflect more than 3 degrees (exclusive of 

vehicle roll or pitch) in any direction 

between its unloaded position and its 

position when loaded with 600 pounds 

applied through a 26 inch by 26 inch test 

pallet at the centroid of the platform. 

Eliminates test for deflection of lift 

platform. Federal Motor Vehicle 

Safety Standards (FMVSS) (49 CFR 

571.403, S6.4.10) specifies 

performance test for deflection of lift 

platform. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(9) Platform deflection. [Same as 

§1192.23(b) (9) above.] 

T302.5.8 Movement. Lift platform 

movement shall comply with T302.5.8. 

Introductory section 

T302.5.8.1 Normal Operating

Conditions. When occupied, lift platforms 

shall move at a rate of 150 mm/second (6 

inches/second) maximum, and the 

horizontal and vertical acceleration shall 

be 0.3g maximum under normal operating

conditions. When folding, retracting, or 

stowing, lift platforms shall move at a rate 

of 306 mm/second (12 inches/second) 

maximum under normal operating 

conditions, unless the platform is folded 

and stowed manually. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(10) Platform movement. No part of the 

platform shall move at a rate exceeding 6 

inches/second during lowering and lifting 

an occupant, and shall not exceed 12 

inches/second during deploying or

stowing. This requirement does not apply 

to the deployment or stowage cycles of 

lifts that are manually deployed or 

Editorial 

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stowed. The maximum platform horizontal 

and vertical acceleration when occupied 

shall be 0.3g. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(10) Platform movement. [Same as 

§1192.23 (b)(10) above.] 

T302.5.8.2 Power or Equipment

Failure. In the event of a power failure or 

single failure of any load carrying 

component, lift platforms that are 

occupied or are stowed in a vertical 

position shall move at rate of 306 

mm/second (12 inches/second) maximum. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(4) Power or equipment failure. Platforms 

stowed in a vertical position, and deployed 

platforms when occupied, shall have

provisions to prevent their deploying, 

falling, or folding any faster than 12 

inches/second or their dropping of an 

occupant in the event of a single failure of 

any load carrying component. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(4) Power or equipment failure. [Same as 

§1192.23(b)(4) above.] 

T302.5.9 Boarding Direction. Lift

platforms shall permit passengers who use 

wheelchairs to board the platforms facing 

either toward or away from the vehicle. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(11) Boarding direction. The lift shall 

permit both inboard and outboard facing of 

wheelchair and mobility aid users. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(11) Boarding direction. [Same as 

§1192.23(b) (11) above.] 

T302.5.10 Standees. Lift platforms shall 

be usable by passengers who use walkers, 

crutches, canes, or braces or who 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

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otherwise have difficulty using steps. Lift 

platforms shall be permitted to be marked 

to indicate a preferred standing position. 

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(12) Use by standees. Lifts shall 

accommodate persons using walkers, 

crutches, canes or braces or who 

otherwise have difficulty using steps. The 

platform may be marked to indicate a 

preferred standing position. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(12) Use by standees. [Same as §1192.23

(b) (12) above.]

T302.5.11 Handrails. Lifts platforms

shall have handrails complying with T804 

on two sides of the platform that move in 

tandem with the platform to provide 

support for passengers in a standing 

position. Handrails shall have a usable 

gripping surface 205 mm (8 inches) long 

minimum. The gripping surface shall be 

760 mm (30 inches) minimum and 965 

mm (38 inches) maximum above the lift 

platform surface. Handrails shall not 

interfere with the maneuvering of

wheelchairs. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. Platforms on lifts shall be 

equipped with handrails on two sides, 

which move in tandem with the lift, and 

which shall be graspable and provide 

support to standees throughout the entire

lift operation. Handrails shall have a 

usable component at least 8 inches long 

with the lowest portion a minimum 30 

inches above the platform and the highest 

portion a maximum 38 inches above the 

platform. ... Handrails shall not interfere 

with wheelchair or mobility aid

maneuverability when entering or leaving 

the vehicle. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(13) above.]

T303 Ramps and Bridgeplates

T303.1 General. Ramps and bridgeplates 

shall comply with T303. Ramps and 

bridgeplates shall be permitted to fold or 

telescope if all the requirements of T303 

are met.

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(5) Slope... Folding or telescoping ramps 

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are permitted provided they meet all 

structural requirements of this section. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(5) Slope. [Same as §1192.23(b)(13) 

above.] 

T303.2 Design Load. The design load of 

ramps and bridgeplates 760 mm (30 

inches) or more in length shall be 273 kg 

(600 pounds) minimum. The design load 

of ramps and bridgeplates less than 760 

mm (30 inches) in length shall be 136 kg 

(300 pounds) minimum. Ramps and 

bridgeplates shall have a design safety

factor of at least 3, based on the ultimate 

strength of the material. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(1) Design load. Ramps 30 inches or 

longer shall support a load of 600 pounds, 

placed at the centroid of the ramp 

distributed over an area of 26 inches by 26 

inches, with a safety factor of at least 3

based on the ultimate strength of the 

material. Ramps shorter than 30 inches 

shall support a load of 300 pounds. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(1) Design load. [Same as §1192.23(c)(1) 

above.]

T303.3 Attachment. When used for

boarding and alighting, ramps and 

bridgeplates shall be firmly attached to the 

vehicle and shall not be subject to 

displacement from the vehicle. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(6) Attachment. When in use for boarding 

or alighting, the ramp shall be firmly 

attached to the vehicle so that it is not 

subject to displacement when loading or 

unloading a heavy power mobility aid ...

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(6) Attachment. [Same as §1192.23(c)(6) 

above.]

T303.4 Emergency Operation. Power 

operated ramps and bridgeplates shall be 

Requires manual operation of power 

operated ramps and bridgeplates in

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capable of being operated manually and in

a manner that is safe for the occupant and 

operator if the power fails.

event of power failure.

 

T303.5 Surfaces. Ramp and bridgeplate

surfaces shall comply with T802, and shall 

be uninterrupted from edge to edge. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(2) Ramp surface. The ramp surface shall 

be continuous ...

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(2) Ramp surface. [Same as §1192.23(c)

(2) above.]

T303.6 Clear Width. The ramp and

bridgeplate clear width shall be 760 mm 

(30 inches) minimum. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(2) Ramp surface. The ramp surface ...

shall have a clear width of 30 inches ...

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(2) Ramp surface. [Same as §1192.23(c)

(2) above.]

T303.7 Edge Barriers. The edges of

ramps and bridgeplates that are more than 

75 mm (3 inches) above the boarding and 

alighting area level shall have barriers 51 

mm (2 inches) high minimum. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(4) Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp 

shall have barriers at least 2 inches high to 

prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping 

off. 

Clarifies that edge barriers required 

where edges of ramps and 

bridgeplates are more than 75 mm 

(3 inches) above the boarding and

alighting area. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(4) Ramp barriers. [Same as §1192.23(c)

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(4) above.]

T303.8 Slope. Ramp and bridgeplate 

slopes shall comply with T303.8 when 

measured at 50 percent passenger load. 

Clarifies that ramp and bridgeplate 

slopes are measured at 50 percent

passenger load. 

T303.8.1 General. Ramps and

bridgeplates shall have slopes not steeper 

than 1:6 (17 percent) when deployed to 

boarding and alighting areas without 

station platforms and to the roadway. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(5) Slope. Ramps shall have the least 

slope practicable and shall not exceed 1:4 

when deployed to ground level. If the

height of the vehicle floor from which the 

ramp is deployed is 3 inches or less above 

a 6 inch curb, a maximum slope of 1:4 is 

permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor 

from which the ramp is deployed is 6 

inches or less, but greater than 3 inches, 

above a 6 inch curb, a maximum slope of

1:6 is permitted; if the height of the 

vehicle floor from which the ramp is 

deployed is 9 inches or less, but greater 

than 6 inches, above a 6 inch curb, a 

maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the 

height of the vehicle floor from which the 

ramp is deployed is greater than 9 inches 

above a 6 inch curb, a slope of 1:12 shall 

be achieved. 

Modifies slope to not exceed 1:6 

when deployed to boarding and 

alighting areas without station 

platforms and to the roadway. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(5) Slope. [Same as §1192.23(c)(5) 

above.] 

T303.8.2 Station Platforms. Ramps and

bridgeplates shall have slopes not steeper 

than 1:8 (12.5 percent) when deployed to 

station platforms. 

Modifies slope to not exceed 1:8 

when deployed to station platforms.

T303.9 Transitions. Surface 

discontinuities at transitions from boarding 

and alighting areas to ramps and 

bridgeplates shall comply with T802.5. 

See T802.5 

T303.10 Visual Contrast. The perimeter 

of the ramp and bridgeplate surface shall 

be outlined. The outline shall be 25 mm 

(1 inch) wide minimum and shall contrast 

visually with the rest of the ramp and 

bridgeplate surface either light-on-dark or 

dark-on-light.

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.25 Doors, steps and thresholds.

(b) Contrast. ...the boarding edge of 

ramps shall have a band of color(s) 

running the full width of the ... edge which 

contrasts from the ... ramp surface, either 

light-on-dark or dark-on-light. 

Modifies requirement for visual 

contrast to apply to all sides of

ramps and bridgeplates. 

T303.11 Gaps. When deployed for

boarding and alighting, gaps between the 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

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ramp or bridgeplate surface and vehicle 

floor shall not permit passage of a sphere 

more than 16 mm (5⁄8 inch) in diameter.

 

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(6) Attachment. When in use for boarding 

or alighting ... no gap between vehicle and 

ramp exceeds 5⁄8 inch. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(6) Attachment. [Same as §1192.23(c)(6) 

above.]

T303.12 Stowage. Where portable 

ramps or bridgeplates are permitted, a 

compartment, securement system, or 

other method shall be provided within the 

vehicle to stow the ramps and bridgeplates 

when not in use. When stowed in 

passenger areas, portable ramps and 

bridgeplates shall not pose a hazard to 

passengers, and shall not interfere with 

the maneuvering of wheelchairs.

 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(7) Stowage. A compartment, securement 

system, or other appropriate method shall 

be provided to ensure that stowed ramps,

including portable ramps stowed in the 

passenger area, do not impinge on a

passenger’s wheelchair or mobility aid or 

pose any hazard to passengers in the 

event of a sudden stop or maneuver. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(7) Stowage. [Same as §1192.23(c)(7) 

above.]

CHAPTER T4: WHEELCHAIR SPACES 

AND SECUREMENT SYSTEMS

T401 General. The technical 

requirements in Chapter T4 shall apply 

where required by Chapter T2. 

Introductory section 

T402 Wheelchair Spaces

T402.1 General. Wheelchair spaces shall 

comply with T402. 

Introductory section 

T402.2 Surfaces. Wheelchair space 

surfaces shall comply with T802. 

See T802 

T402.3 Approach. One full unobstructed 

side of each wheelchair space shall adjoin 

or overlap a circulation path complying 

with T502. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

Editorial 

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(2) Location and size. The securement 

system ... shall have a clear floor area of 

30 inches by 48 inches. Such space shall

adjoin, and may overlap, an access path. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(2) Location and size. [Same as §1192.23

(d) (2) above.]

T402.4 Size. Wheelchair spaces shall be 

760 mm (30 inches) minimum by 1220 

mm (48 inches) minimum. Where the 

wheelchair space is confined on all or part 

of three sides, additional maneuvering 

space complying with T402.4.1 or 

T402.4.2 shall be provided. Fold-down 

seats shall be permitted to occupy the

wheelchair space and additional 

maneuvering space provided the spaces 

are not obstructed when the seats are in 

the up position. Fold-down seats shall be 

permitted to occupy the additional 

maneuvering space when the wheelchair 

space is occupied. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(2) Location and size. The securement 

system ... shall have a clear floor area of 

30 inches by 48 inches... Securement areas 

may have fold-down seats to 

accommodate other passengers when a 

wheelchair or mobility aid is not occupying 

the area, provided the seats, when folded

up, do not obstruct the clear floor space 

required. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(2) Location and size. [Same as §1192.23

(d) (2) above.]

T402.4.1 Front or Rear Entry. Where 

the short side of the wheelchair space is 

entered from the front or rear and the

confined space is more than 610 mm (24 

inches) deep, the wheelchair space and 

additional maneuvering space shall be 787 

mm (31 inches) minimum by 1220 mm 

(48 inches) minimum. 

Requires 27 mm (1 inch) 

maneuvering space where short side 

of confined wheelchair space is 

entered from front or rear. 

T402.4.2 Side Entry. Where the long 

side of the wheelchair space is entered 

from the side and the confined space is 

more than 380 mm (15 inches) deep, the 

wheelchair space and additional

maneuvering space shall be 760 mm (30 

inches) minimum by 1372 mm (54 inches) 

minimum. 

Requires 152 mm (6 inches) 

maneuvering space where long side 

of confined wheelchair space is 

entered from side. 

T403 Wheelchair Securement Systems

T403.1 General. Wheelchair securement

systems, including attachments, shall 

comply with T403. Wheelchair securement 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

Editorial 

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systems shall be capable of securing 

wheelchairs that can enter and maneuver 

within an accessible vehicle. Wheelchair 

securement systems shall be automatic or 

easy to operate by a trained person. 

(d) Securement devices –

(3) Mobility aids accommodated. The 

securement system shall secure common 

wheelchairs and mobility aids and shall 

either be automatic or easily attached by a 

person familiar with the system and 

mobility aid and having average dexterity. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(3) Mobility aids accommodated. [Same 

as §1192.23(d)(3) above.] 

T403.2 Orientation. Wheelchair

securement systems shall secure the 

wheelchair so that the occupant faces the 

front or rear of the vehicle. On vehicles 

more than 6.7 m (22 feet) in length, at 

least one wheelchair securement system 

shall be front facing. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(4) Orientation. In vehicles in excess of 

22 feet in length, at least one securement 

device or system required by paragraph 

(a) of this section shall secure the 

wheelchair or mobility aid facing toward

the front of the vehicle. In vehicles 22 

feet in length or less, the required 

securement device may secure the 

wheelchair or mobility aid either facing 

toward the front of the vehicle or 

rearward. Additional securement devices 

or systems shall secure the wheelchair or

mobility aid facing forward or rearward. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(4) Orientation. At least one securement 

device or system required by paragraph 

(a) of this section shall secure the

wheelchair or mobility aid facing toward 

the front of the vehicle. Additional 

securement devices or systems shall 

secure the wheelchair or mobility aid 

facing forward or rearward. 

T403.3 Design Force. Front and rear 

facing wheelchair securement systems 

shall comply with T403.2.1 or T403.2.2, as

applicable. 

Introductory section 

T403.3.1 Large Vehicles. On vehicles Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Reduces design force for large 

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with a gross vehicle weight rating of 

13,608 kg (30,000 pounds) or more,

wheelchair securement systems shall 

restrain a force in the forward longitudinal 

direction of 8,800 N (2,000 pounds) 

minimum for each wheelchair. 

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(1) Design load. Securement systems on 

vehicles with GVWRs of 30,000 pounds or 

above, and their attachments to such 

vehicles, shall restrain a force in the 

forward longitudinal direction of up to

2,000 pounds per securement leg or 

clamping mechanism and a minimum of

4,000 pounds for each mobility aid. 

vehicles from 17,600 N (4,000

pounds) to 8,800 N (2,000 pounds) 

minimum. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(1) Design load. Securement systems, 

and their attachments to vehicles, shall 

restrain a force in the forward longitudinal 

direction of up to 2,000 pounds (8,880 N) 

per securement leg or clamping 

mechanism and a minimum of 4,000 

pounds (17,760 N) for each mobility aid. 

T403.3.2 Small Vehicles. On vehicles 

with a gross vehicle weight rating of less 

than 13,608 kg (30,000 pounds),

wheelchair securement systems shall 

restrain a force in the forward longitudinal 

direction of 22,000 N (5,000 pounds) 

minimum for each wheelchair. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(1) Design load. ...Securement systems on 

vehicles with GVWRs of up to 30,000 

pounds, and their attachments to such 

vehicles, shall restrain a force in the 

forward longitudinal direction of up to

2,500 pounds per securement leg or 

clamping mechanism and a minimum of

5,000 pounds for each mobility aid. 

Editorial 

T403.4 Movement. Front and rear facing 

wheelchair securement systems shall limit 

the movement of an occupied wheelchair 

so that no part of the wheelchair that is in 

contact with the vehicle floor when initially 

secured in accordance with manufacturer’s 

instructions moves more than 51 mm (2 

inches) in any direction under normal 

vehicle operating conditions. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(5) Movement. When the wheelchair or 

mobility aid is secured in accordance with 

manufacturer’s instructions, the 

securement system shall limit the 

movement of an occupied wheelchair or 

mobility aid to no more than 2 inches in 

any direction under normal vehicle 

operating conditions. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

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§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(5) Movement. [Same as §1192.23(d)(5) 

above.] 

T403.5 Rear Facing Wheelchair 

Securement Systems. Rear facing 

wheelchair securement systems shall 

comply with T403.5. 

Introductory Section 

T403.5.1 Forward Excursion Barrier. A 

forward excursion barrier shall be provided 

to prevent an occupied wheelchair from

moving toward the front of the vehicle. 

The barrier shall extend from the vehicle 

floor to a height of 610 mm (24 in) 

minimum for the full width of the 

wheelchair space. 

Requires forward excursion barrier 

to be provided at rear facing

wheelchair securement systems. 

T403.5.2 Padded Head Rest. A padded

head rest complying with T403.5.2 shall be 

provided above the forward excursion 

barrier. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(4) Orientation. ...Where the wheelchair or 

mobility aid is secured facing the rear of 

the vehicle, a padded barrier shall be

provided. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(4) Orientation. [Same as §1192.23(d)(4) 

above.]

T403.5.2.1 Width. The padded head rest 

shall be 255 mm (10 inches) wide 

minimum, and shall be centered on the 

wheelchair space. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(4) Orientation. ...The padded barrier shall 

extend ... with a width of 18 inches, 

laterally centered immediately in back of 

the seated individual. 

Modifies width of padded head rest 

from 355 mm (18 inches) to 255 

mm (10 inches) wide minimum. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(4) Orientation. [Same as §1192.23(d)(4) 

above.]

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T403.5.2.2 Height. The lower edge of

the padded head rest shall be 965 mm (38 

inches) minimum and 1016 mm (40

inches) maximum above the vehicle floor. 

The top edge of the padded head rest shall 

be 1420 mm (56 inches) minimum above 

the vehicle floor.

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(4) Orientation. The padded barrier shall 

extend from a height of 38 inches from the 

vehicle floor to a height of 56 inches from

the vehicle floor ...

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(4) Orientation. [Same as §1192.23(d)(4) 

above.]

T403.5.2.3 Protrusion. The plane of the 

face of the padded head rest shall 

protrude into the wheelchair space 230 

mm (9 inches) minimum and 305 mm (12 

inches) maximum measured from the 

plane of the forward excursion barrier. 

Clarifies how far the padded 

headrest can protrude into the 

wheelchair space. 

T403.6 Stowage. When wheelchair

securement systems are not in use, the 

systems shall not protrude into the

wheelchair space except as provided in 

T403.5.2.3, and shall not interfere with 

passenger movement or pose a hazard. 

Wheelchair securement systems shall be 

reasonably protected from vandalism, and 

shall be readily accessed when needed for 

use. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(6) Stowage. When not being used for 

securement, or when the securement area 

can be used by standees, the securement 

system shall not interfere with passenger 

movement, shall not present any 

hazardous condition, shall be reasonably 

protected from vandalism, and shall be

readily accessed when needed for use. 

Editorial 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(6) Stowage. [Same as §1192.23(d)(6) 

above.] 

T404 Seat Belts and Shoulder Belts.

Seat belts and shoulder belts provided for 

passengers who use wheelchairs shall 

comply with 49 CFR § 571.209. Seat belts 

and shoulder belts shall not be used in 

place of wheelchair securement systems 

complying with T403 to secure wheelchairs 

to vehicles. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(7) Seat belt and shoulder harness. ... a 

passenger seat belt and shoulder harness, 

Editorial 

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complying with all applicable provisions of 

49 CFR part 571, shall also be provided for 

use by wheelchair or mobility aid users. 

Such seat belts and shoulder harnesses 

shall not be used in lieu of a device which 

secures the wheelchair or mobility aid 

itself.

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and 

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(d) Securement devices –

(7) Seat belt and shoulder harness. 

[Same as §1192.23(d)(7) above.] 

CHAPTER T5: CIRCULATION PATHS 

AND DOORWAYS ON BUSES, OVERTHE-ROAD BUSES, AND VANS

T501 General. The technical 

requirements in Chapter T5 shall apply 

where required by Chapter T2. 

Introductory section 

T502 Circulation Paths

T502.1 General. Circulation paths 

connecting wheelchair spaces to doorways 

shall comply with T502. 

Introductory section 

T502.2 Clear Width. The clear width of 

circulation paths connecting wheelchair 

spaces to doorways shall be 865 mm (34 

inches) minimum from the vehicle floor to 

a height 1015 mm (40 inches) minimum 

above the vehicle floor. From a height 

1015 mm (40 inches) minimum above the 

vehicle floor, the clear width of circulation

paths shall be 760 mm (30 inches) 

minimum to the height specified in Table

T502.

Table T502 Circulation Path Clear 

Width 

Vehicle Length 

Minimum Height 

Above 1015 mm 

(40 inches) 

Vehicles 6.7 m (22 

feet) or less 

1420 mm (56 

inches) above 

vehicle floor 

Over-the-road 

buses 

1650 mm (65 

inches) above 

vehicle floor 

Other vehicles 

more than 6.7 m 

(22 feet) 

1725 mm (68 

inches) above 

vehicle floor 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Specifies 865 mm (34 inches) 

minimum clear width for circulation 

paths connecting wheelchair spaces 

to doorways. 

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a) General. All vehicles covered by this 

subpart shall provide ... sufficient 

clearances to permit a wheelchair or other 

mobility aid user to reach a securement 

location. 

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(f) For vehicles in excess of 22 feet in 

length, the minimum interior height along 

the path from the lift to the securement 

location shall be 68 inches. For vehicles of 

22 feet in length or less, the minimum

interior height from lift to securement 

location shall be 56 inches.

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(a)(1) General. [Same as §1192.23(a) 

above.] 

§1192.153 Doors, steps and 

thresholds.

(d) The overhead clearance between the 

top of the lift door opening and the sill 

shall be the maximum practicable but not 

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less than 65 inches (1651 mm). 

T502.3 Features on Circulation Paths.

Features on circulation paths connecting 

wheelchair spaces to doorways shall be 

located so as to not interfere with the 

maneuvering of wheelchairs. Stanchions 

located directly behind the driver seat shall 

terminate at the surface of aisle facing 

seats where provided, or shall be turned 

away from the circulation path below the 

driver seat. Where provided on vehicles, 

fare collection devices shall be located as 

close to the dashboard as possible. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(a) Interior handrails and stanchions shall 

permit sufficient turning and maneuvering 

space for wheelchairs and other mobility 

aids to reach a securement location from 

the lift or ramp. ...

(e) For vehicles in excess of 22 feet in 

length with front-door lifts or ramps, 

vertical stanchions immediately behind the 

driver shall either terminate at the lower 

edge of the aisle-facing seats, if applicable, 

or be “dog-legged” so that the floor 

attachment does not impede or interfere

with wheelchair footrests. If the driver 

seat platform must be passed by a 

wheelchair or mobility aid user entering 

the vehicle, the platform, to the maximum 

extent practicable, shall not extend into 

the aisle or vestibule beyond the wheel 

housing. 

§1192.33 Fare box.

Where provided, the farebox shall be 

located as far forward as practicable and 

shall not obstruct traffic in the vestibule, 

especially wheelchairs or mobility aids. 

T503 Doorways 

T503.1 Doorways with Lifts or 

Ramps. The vertical clearance at 

doorways with lifts or ramps shall be in

accordance with Table T503.1 measured 

vertically from the top of the door opening 

to the vehicle floor, or to the surface of the 

lift or to the highest point of the ramp 

when deployed to the vehicle floor level.

Table T503.1 Vertical Clearance at 

Doorways with Lifts or Ramps

Vehicle Length 

Minimum 

Vertical 

Clearance 

Vehicles 6.7 m (22 

feet) or less 

1420 mm (56 

inches) 

Over-the-road 

buses 

1650 mm (65 

inches) 

Other vehicles 

more than 6.7 m 

(22 feet) 

1725 mm (68 

inches) 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.25 Doors, steps and thresholds.

(c) Door height. For vehicles in excess of 

22 feet in length, the overhead clearance 

between the top of the door opening and 

the raised lift platform, or highest point of 

a ramp, shall be a minimum of 68 inches. 

For vehicles of 22 feet in length or less, 

the overhead clearance between the top of 

the door opening and the raised lift

platform, or highest point of a ramp, shall 

be a minimum of 56 inches.

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.153 Doors, steps and 

thresholds.

(d) The overhead clearance between the 

top of the lift door opening and the sill 

shall be the maximum practicable but not 

less than 65 inches (1651 mm). 

T503.2 Doorways with Level Entry 

Boarding. Doorways with level entry 

boarding shall comply with T503.2. 

Introductory section 

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T503.2.1 Clear Width. Doorways shall 

provide a clear opening of 810 mm (32 

inches) minimum. 

Requires doorways of vehicles 

operating in level boarding bus 

systems to provide a clear opening 

of 810 mm (32 inches) minimum. 

T503.2.2 Thresholds. Thresholds at

doorways shall be marked by a strip. The 

strip shall be 25 mm (1 inch) wide 

minimum and shall contrast visually with 

the rest of the circulation path surface 

either light-on-dark or dark-on-light. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Clarifies that contrasting strip at 

thresholds must be 25 mm (1 inch) 

wide minimum. 

§1192.25 Doors, steps and thresholds.

(b) Contrast. All ... thresholds ... shall have 

a band of color(s) ... which contrasts ...

either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

T503.3 Doorways on Over-the-Road

Buses. On over-the road buses, 

doorways with steps shall provide a clear 

opening 760 mm (30 inches) minimum 

from the lowest step tread to a height 

1220 mm (48 inches) above the lowest 

step tread. Where compliance is not 

structurally feasible, the clear opening 

shall be permitted to be 685 mm (27 

inches). The clear opening shall be

permitted to taper to 457 mm (18 inches) 

minimum from a height 1220 mm (48

inches) above the lowest step tread to the 

top of the doorway. Hinges and other 

door mechanisms shall be permitted to 

protrude 100 mm (4 inches) maximum 

into the clear opening. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

Editorial 

§1192.153 Doors, steps and 

thresholds.

(c) (1) Doors shall have a minimum clear 

width when open of 30 inches (760 mm), 

measured from the lowest step to a height 

of at least 48 inches (1220 mm), from 

which point they may taper to a minimum 

width of 18 inches (457 mm). The clear 

width may be reduced by a maximum of 4 

inches (100 mm) by protrusions of hinges 

or other operating mechanisms. 

(2) Exception. Where compliance with the 

door width requirement of paragraph (c)

(1) of this section is not feasible, the

minimum door width shall be 27 in (685 

mm). 

T504 Steps

T504.1 General. Steps shall comply with 

T504.

Introductory section 

T504.2 Surfaces. Step tread surfaces 

shall comply with T802. 

See T802 

T504.3 Visual Contrast. The outer edge 

of step treads shall be marked by a strip. 

The strip shall be 25 mm (1 inch) wide 

minimum and shall contrast visually with 

the rest of the step tread or circulation 

path surface either light-on-dark or darkon-light. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Clarifies that contrasting strip at 

step tread edges must be 25 mm (1 

inch) wide minimum. 

§1192.25 Doors, steps and thresholds.

(b) Contrast. All step edges ... shall have a 

band of color(s) running the full width of 

the step ... which contrasts from the step 

tread and riser, ... either light-on-dark or 

dark-on-light. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.153 Doors, steps and 

thresholds.

(b) [Same as §1192.25(b) above.] 

T505 Handrails, Stanchions, and 

Handholds

T505.1 General. Handrails, stanchions, 

and handholds shall comply with T505 and 

T804. 

Introductory section 

T505.2 Doorways. Handrails and

stanchions at passenger doorways shall be 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

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configured so that passengers with 

disabilities can grasp the handrails and 

stanchions from outside the vehicle, and 

use the handrails and stanchions 

throughout the boarding and alighting 

process. 

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(b) Handrails and stanchions shall be 

provided in the entrance to the vehicle in a 

configuration which allows persons with 

disabilities to grasp such assists from 

outside the vehicle while starting to board, 

and to continue using such assists 

throughout the boarding ... process. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.155 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(a) [Same as §1192.29(b) above.] 

T505.3 Fare Collection Devices.

Handrails at fare collection devices shall be 

configured so that passengers with 

disabilities can use the handrail for support 

when using the fare collection device. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(b) ...Where on-board fare collection 

devices are used on vehicles in excess of 

22 feet in length, a horizontal passenger 

assist shall be located across the front of 

the vehicle ... Passengers shall be able to 

lean against the assist for security while 

paying fares. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.155 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(a) ...Where on-board fare collection 

devices are used, a horizontal passenger 

assist shall be located between boarding 

passengers and the fare collection device...

Passengers shall be able to lean against 

the assist for security while paying fares. 

T505.4 Circulation Paths. Handrails and 

stanchions along circulation paths shall be 

configured so that passengers with 

disabilities can use the handrails when 

moving through the vehicle. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(d) Handrails and stanchions shall be 

sufficient to permit ... on-board circulation 

... by persons with disabilities. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.155 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(b) [Same as §1192.29(d) above.] 

T505.5 Seats. Handholds and stanchions 

on the backs of forward and rear facing 

seats shall be located directly adjacent to 

the aisle so that passengers with 

disabilities can use the handholds and 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

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handrails when moving from the aisles to 

the seats.

(d) Handrails and stanchions shall be 

sufficient to permit ... seating and standing 

assistance ... by persons with disabilities. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.155 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(b) [Same as §1192.29(d) above.] 

CHAPTER T7: COMMUNICATION 

FEATURES

T701 General. The technical 

requirements in Chapter T7 shall apply 

where required by Chapter T2. 

Introductory section 

T702 Signs

T702.1 General. Characters on signs 

shall comply with T702. 

Introductory section 

T702.2 Character Proportions.

Characters shall be selected from fonts 

where the width of the uppercase letter 

“O” is 55 percent minimum and 110 

percent maximum of the height of the 

uppercase letter “I”. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Revises technical requirements for 

sign characters to be consistent with 

accessibility guidelines for buildings 

and facilities.

§1192.27 Priority seating signs.

(c) Characters on signs ... shall have a 

width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 

...

§1192.39 Destination and route signs.

(b) Characters on signs ... shall have a 

width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 

...

T702.3 Character Height. Character 

height shall comply with Table T702.3. 

Character height shall be based on the

uppercase letter “I”.

Table T702.3 Character Height 

Sign 

Minimum 

Character 

Height 

Exterior route or 

destination signs on 

boarding side of vehicle

51 mm 

(2 inches) 

Exterior route or 

destination signs on front 

of vehicle 

100 mm 

(4 inches) 

Interior signs designating 

wheelchair spaces or 

priority seats, where 

baseline of character is 

1015 mm (40 inches) to 

1780 mm (70 inches) 

above the vehicle floor 

16 m 

(5⁄8 inch) 

Interior signs designating 

wheelchair spaces, 

priority seats, stop 

announcements, or stop 

requests where baseline 

of character is more than 

51 mm 

(2 inches) 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.27 Priority seating signs.

(c) Characters on signs ... shall have ... a 

minimum character height (using an upper 

case “X”) of 5⁄8 inch ...

§1192.39 Destination and route signs.

(b) Characters on signs ... shall have ... a 

minimum character height (using an upper 

case “X”) of 1 inch for signs on the 

boarding side and a minimum character 

height of 2 inches for front “headsigns” ... 

Revises technical requirements for 

sign characters to be consistent with 

accessibility guidelines for buildings 

and facilities. 

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1780 mm (70 inches) 

above the vehicle floor 

T702.4 Stroke Thickness. Stroke 

thickness of the uppercase letter “I” shall 

be 10 percent minimum and 30 percent

maximum of the height of the character. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.27 Priority seating signs.

(c) Characters on signs ... shall have ... a 

stroke width-to-height ratio between 1:5 

and 1:10 ...

§1192.39 Destination and route signs.

(b) Characters on signs ... shall have ... a 

stroke width-to-height ratio between 1:5 

and 1:10 ...

Revises technical requirements for 

sign characters to be consistent with 

accessibility guidelines for buildings 

and facilities. 

T702.5 Character Spacing. Character 

spacing shall be measured between the 

two closest points of adjacent characters,

excluding word spaces. Spacing between 

individual characters shall be 10 percent 

minimum and 35 percent maximum of 

character height. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.27 Priority seating signs.

(c) Characters on signs ... shall have ...

“wide” spacing (generally, the space 

between letters shall be 1/16 the height of 

upper case letters) ...

§1192.39 Destination and route signs.

(b) Characters on signs ... shall have ...

“wide” spacing (generally, the space 

between letters shall be 1/16 the height of 

upper case letters) ...

Revises technical requirements for 

sign characters to be consistent with 

accessibility guidelines for buildings 

and facilities. 

T702.6 Line Spacing. Spacing between 

the baselines of separate lines of 

characters within a message shall be 135

percent minimum and 170 percent 

maximum of the character height. 

Revises technical requirements for 

sign characters to be consistent with 

accessibility guidelines for buildings 

and facilities. 

T702.7 Contrast. Characters shall 

contrast with their background with either 

light characters on a dark background or 

dark characters on a light background. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.27 Priority seating signs.

(c) Characters on signs ... shall contrast 

with the background either light-on-dark 

or dark-on-light. 

§1192.39 Destination and route signs.

(b) Characters on signs ... shall contrast 

with the background, either dark-on-light 

or light-on-dark. 

Editorial 

T703 International Symbol of

Accessibility. The International Symbol 

of Accessibility shall comply with Figure 

T703. The symbol shall have a 

background field height of 100 mm (4 

inches) minimum. The symbol and its

background shall have a non-glare finish. 

The symbol shall contrast with its 

background with either a light symbol on a 

Provides figure for the International 

Symbol of Accessibility, and

specifies background field, finish, 

and contrast. 

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dark background or a dark symbol on a 

light background. 

T704 Automated Stop and Route 

Announcements

T704.1 General. Automated stop and 

route announcements shall comply with 

T704, and shall use recorded or digitized

human speech. 

Requires automated stop and route 

announcements to use recorded or

digitized human speech. 

T704.2 Automated Stop 

Announcements. Automated stop 

announcements shall be audible and 

visible within the vehicle. Visible 

announcements shall be a sign complying 

with T702 located at the front of the 

vehicle. Where rear facing wheelchair 

securement systems are provided, an 

additional sign complying with T702 shall 

be located within view of passengers 

facing the rear of the vehicle. 

Requires automated stop 

announcements to be audible and 

visible within the vehicle. 

T704.3 Automated Route 

Announcements. Automated route 

announcements shall be audible at 

boarding and alighting areas. 

Requires automated route 

announcements to be audible at 

boarding and alighting areas. 

T705 Stop Request Systems

T705.1 General. Stop request systems 

shall provide audible and visible indicators 

when passengers request a vehicle to stop 

at designated stops on the vehicle’s 

assigned route. Audible indicators shall be 

verbal or non-verbal signals, and shall 

sound only once for each stop. Visible 

indicators shall be a light or sign

complying with T702 at the front of the 

vehicle, and shall extinguish when the 

vehicle door opens at a stop. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.37 Stop request.

(a) ...Such a system shall provide auditory 

and visual indications that the request has 

been made. 

Clarifies technical requirements for 

audible and visible indicators for 

stop request systems. 

T705.2 Operation. Stop request systems 

shall be operable at each wheelchair space 

and at priority seats for passengers with 

disabilities. Operable parts shall comply 

with T805. At wheelchair spaces, operable 

parts shall be located on a side wall or

partition 610 mm (24 inches) minimum 

and 915 mm (36 inches) maximum from

the side of the wheelchair space facing the 

back of a wheelchair secured in the 

wheelchair space. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems

§1192.37 Stop request.

(a) ... vehicles ... shall provide controls 

adjacent to the securement location for 

requesting stops ...

Clarifies location of operable parts 

for stop request systems.

CHAPTER T8: OTHER FEATURES

T801 General. The technical 

requirements in Chapter T8 shall apply 

where required by Chapter T2 or where 

referenced by a requirement in this 

document. 

Introductory section 

T802 Surfaces Introductory section 

T802.1 General. Surfaces shall comply 

with T802. 

Surfaces on circulation paths 

(T203.4.1), lift platforms 

(T302.5.1), ramps and bridgeplates 

(T303.5), wheelchair spaces 

(T402.2), and step treads (T504.2) 

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are required to comply with T802. 

T802.2 Slip Resistant. Surfaces shall be 

slip resistant. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(6) Platform surface. The platform surface 

... shall be slip resistant. 

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(2) Ramp surface. The ramp surface shall 

be ... slip resistant ...

§1192.25 Doors, steps and thresholds.

(a) Slip resistance. All aisles, steps, floor 

areas where people walk and floors in 

securement locations shall have slipresistant surfaces. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(6) Platform surface. [Same as §1192.23

(b)(6) above.]

§1192.153 Doors, steps and 

thresholds.

(a) Floor surfaces on aisles, step treads 

and areas where wheelchair and mobility 

aid users are to be accommodated shall be 

slip-resistant.

T802.3 Openings. Openings in surfaces

shall not allow the passage of a sphere 

more than 16 mm (5⁄8 inch) diameter. 

Elongated openings shall be placed so that 

the long dimension is perpendicular to 

dominant direction of travel. Lift platforms 

that are folded and stowed manually, and 

ramps and bridgeplates that are deployed 

manually shall be permitted to have a cutout in the surface 38 mm (11⁄2 inches) 

maximum by 115 mm (41⁄2 inches) 

maximum for the operator to grasp the 

surface. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial for lift platforms.

Applies technical requirements for 

openings to ramps and bridgeplates.

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between 

the platform surface and the raised 

barriers shall not exceed 5⁄8 inch in width...

Platforms on semi-automatic lifts may 

have a hand hold not exceeding 11⁄2 inches 

by 41⁄2 inches located between the edge 

barriers. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(7) Platform gaps. [Same as §1192.23(b)

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(7) above.]

T802.4 Protrusions. Protrusions on

surfaces shall be permitted to be 6.4 mm 

(1⁄4 inch) high maximum. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(6) Platform surface. The platform surface 

shall be free of any protrusions over 1⁄4

inch high ...

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(2) Ramp surface. The ramp surface ...

shall not have protrusions from the surface 

greater than 1⁄4 inch) high ...

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(6) Platform surface. [Same as §1192.23

(b)(6) above.]

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(2) Ramp surface. [Same as §1192.23(c)

(2) above.]

T802.5 Surface Discontinuities.

Surface discontinuities shall be 6.4 mm (1⁄4

inch) high maximum without edge

treatment and 13 mm (1⁄2 inch) high 

maximum with beveled edge treatment. 

The bevel shall have a slope not steeper 

than 1:2 (50 percent) applied across the 

entire surface discontinuity. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Requires bevel across the entire 

surface discontinuity if more than 

6.4 mm (1⁄4 inch) high maximum. 

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(8) Platform entrance ramp. ... the 

transition from roadway or sidewalk to 

ramp may be vertical without edge 

treatment up to 1⁄4 inch. Thresholds 

between 1⁄4 inch and 1⁄2 inch high shall be 

beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. 

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(3) Ramp threshold. The transition from 

roadway or sidewalk and the transition 

from vehicle floor to the ramp may be 

vertical without edge treatment up to 1⁄4

inch. Changes in level between 1⁄4 inch 

and 1⁄2 inch shall be beveled with a slope 

no greater than 1:2. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

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(8) Platform entrance ramp. [Same as 

§1192.23(b)(8) above.] 

(c) Vehicle ramp –

(3) Ramp threshold. [Same as §1192.23

(c)(3) above.]

T803 Doorway Lighting. Lighting at

passenger doorways shall comply with 

Table T803. Lighting shall not shine 

directly in the eyes of passengers when 

entering and exiting doorways.

Table T803 Areas Illuminated and 

Illuminance Levels 

Vehicles Areas 

Illuminated 

Illuminance 

Levels 

Buses

Over-theRoad 

Buses 

Vans 

Lift 

Platforms 

When lift is 

raised or 

lowered 

between the 

vehicle floor 

and the

boarding and 

alighting 

area or 

roadway, 55 

lux (5 footcandles)

illuminance 

on all 

portions of 

the lift 

platform 

surface 

throughout

the lift cycle

When lift is 

at the 

boarding and 

alighting 

area or 

roadway 

level, 11 lux 

(1 footcandle) of 

illuminance 

on the 

surface of 

the threshold 

ramp 

Buses

Over-theRoad 

Buses 

Vans 

Ramps

Bridgeplates 

When ramp 

or 

bridgeplate is 

deployed to 

the boarding 

or alighting 

area or 

roadway, 22 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Harmonizes technical requirements 

for lighting on lift platforms with 

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety 

Standards (FMVSS) (49 CFR

571.404, S4.1.5). 

§1192.31 Lighting.

(a) Any stepwell or doorway immediately 

adjacent to the driver shall have, when the 

door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of 

illumination measured on the step tread or 

lift platform. 

(b) Other stepwells and doorways, 

including doorways in which lifts or ramps 

are installed, shall have, at all times, at 

least 2 foot-candles of illumination 

measured on the step tread, or lift or 

ramp, when deployed at the vehicle floor 

level. 

(c) The vehicle doorways, including 

doorways in which lifts or ramps are 

installed, shall have outside light(s) which, 

when the door is open, provide at least 1 

foot-candle of illumination on the street 

surface for a distance of 3 feet 

perpendicular to the bottom step tread or 

lift outer edge. Such light(s) shall be 

shielded to protect the eyes of entering 

and exiting passengers. 

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lux (2 footcandles) of 

illuminance 

on all 

portions of 

the ramp or 

bridgeplate 

surface 

Buses

Over-theRoad 

Buses 

Vans 

Steps at 

doorways 

adjacent to 

the driver 

When doors 

are open, 22 

lux (2 footcandles) of 

illuminance 

on step tread 

surfaces 

Buses

Over-theRoad 

Buses 

Vans 

Steps at 

doorways 

not adjacent 

to the driver 

At all times, 

22 lux (2 

foot-candles) 

of 

illuminance 

on step tread 

surfaces 

Buses

Over-theRoad 

Buses 

Vans 

Boarding 

and alighting 

areas 

adjacent to 

doorways 

When doors 

are open, 11 

lux (1 footcandle) of 

illuminance

measured at 

points on 

boarding and 

alighting 

area surfaces 

915 mm (36 

inches) 

perpendicular 

from the 

outer edge of 

the bottom 

step tread or 

the doorway 

threshold 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.157 Lighting.

(a) Any stepwell or doorway immediately 

adjacent to the driver shall have, when the 

door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of 

illumination measured on the step tread. 

(b) The vehicle doorway shall have outside 

light(s) which, when the door is open, 

provide at least 1 foot-candle of 

illumination on the pathway to the door for 

a distance of 3 feet (915 mm) to the 

bottom step tread or lift outer edge. Such 

light(s) shall be shielded to protect the 

eyes of entering and exiting passengers. 

T804 Additional Requirements for 

Handrails, Stanchions, and Handholds

T804.1 General. Handrails, stanchions, 

and handholds shall comply with T804. 

Introductory section 

T804.2 Edges. Edges shall be rounded. Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Simplifies technical requirement for 

edges. §1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. The handrail shall ... have 

eased edges with corner radii of not less 

than 1⁄8 inch. 

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

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(b) Handrails shall ... have eased edges 

with corner radii of not less than 1⁄8 inch. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.155 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(a) [Same as §1192.29(b) above.] 

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(13) above.]

T804.3 Cross Section. Gripping surfaces 

shall have a cross section complying with 

T804.3.1 or T804.3.2. 

Introductory section 

T804.3.1 Circular Cross Section.

Gripping surfaces with a circular cross 

section shall have an outside diameter of 

32 mm (11⁄4 inches) minimum and 51 mm 

(2 inches) maximum. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Revises technical requirements for 

cross section to be consistent with 

accessibility guidelines for buildings 

and facilities.

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. ...The handrail shall have a

cross-sectional diameter between 11⁄4

inches and 11⁄2 inches ...

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(b) ...Handrails shall have a cross-sectional 

diameter between 11⁄4 inches and 11⁄2

inches ...

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.155 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(a) [Same as §1192.29(b) above.] 

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(13) above.]

T804.3.2 Non-Circular Cross Section.

Gripping surfaces with a non-circular cross 

section shall have a perimeter dimension 

of 100 mm (4 inches) minimum and 160 

mm (61⁄4 inches) maximum, and a cross 

section dimension of 57 mm (21⁄4 inches) 

maximum. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Revises technical requirements for 

cross section to be consistent with 

accessibility guidelines for buildings 

and facilities.

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift. –

(13) Handrails. ...The handrail ... shall 

provide an equivalent grasping surface ...

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§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(b) ...Handrails ... shall provide an 

equivalent grasping surface ...

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.155 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(a) [Same as §1192.29(b) above.] 

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(13) above.]

T804.4 Clearance. Clearance between

gripping surfaces and adjacent surfaces 

shall be 38 mm (11⁄2 inches) minimum. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift. –

(13) Handrails. ...Handrails shall be placed 

to provide a minimum 11⁄2 inches knuckle 

clearance from the nearest adjacent 

surface.

§1192.29 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(b) ...Handrails shall be placed to provide a 

minimum 11⁄2 inches knuckle clearance 

from the nearest adjacent surface. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.155 Interior circulation, 

handrails and stanchions.

(a) [Same as §1192.29(b) above.] 

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(13) above.]

T804.5 Structural Strength. Handrails

on lift platform surfaces shall be capable of 

withstanding a force of 445 N (100 

pounds) applied at any point on the 

handrail without permanent deformation of 

the handrail or supporting structure. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. ...The handrails shall be 

capable of withstanding a force of 100 

pounds concentrated at any point on the

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handrail without permanent deformation of 

the rail or its supporting structure. 

Subpart G – Over-the-Road Buses and

Systems

§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.

(b) Vehicle lift –

(13) Handrails. [Same as §1192.23(b)

(13) above.]

T805 Operable Parts Introductory section 

T805.1 General. Operable parts shall 

comply with T805. 

Operable parts on stop request 

systems (T706.2) and fare collection

devices (T806) are required to 

comply with T805. 

T805.2 Height. Operable parts shall be 

located 620 mm (24 inches) minimum and 

1220 mm (48 inches) maximum above the 

vehicle floor. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Modifies technical requirements for 

height from 375 mm (15 inches) to 

620 mm (24 inches) minimum 

above the vehicle floor. 

§1192.37 Stop request.

(b) Controls ... shall be mounted no higher 

than 48 inches and no lower than 15 

inches above the floor ...

T805.3 Operation. Operable parts shall 

be operable with one hand and shall not 

require tight grasping, pinching, or 

twisting of the wrist. The force required to 

activate operable parts shall be 22.2 N (5 

pounds) maximum. 

Subpart B – Buses, Vans and Systems Editorial 

§1192.37 Stop request.

(b) Controls ... shall be operable with one 

hand and shall not require tight grasping, 

pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The 

force required to activate controls shall be 

no greater than 5 lbf (22.2 N).

T806 Fare Collection Devices. Operable 

parts of fare collection devices shall 

comply with T805. The operable parts

shall be located so that a wheelchair or 

mobility aid can approach within 255 mm 

(10 inches) maximum. 

Requires fare collection devices to 

comply with technical requirements

for operable parts. 

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