Web Posted on: December 16, 1997
Americans with Disabilities Act Statutory Deadlines
I. Employment
The ADA requirements become effective on:
- July 26, 1992, for employers with 25 or more employees.
- July 26, 1994, for employers, with 15-24 employees.
II. Public Accommodations
The ADA requirements become effective on:
- January 26, 1992, generally.
- August 26, 1990, for purchase or lease of new vehicles that are required to be accessible.
New facilities designed and constructed for first occupancy later than January 26, 1993, must be accessible.
Generally, lawsuits may not be filed until January 26, 1992. In addition, except with respect to new construction and alterations, no lawsuit may be filed until:
- July 26, 1992, against businesses with 25 or few employees and gross receipts of $1 million or less.
- January 26, 1993, against businesses with 10 or fewer employees and gross receipts of $500,000 or less.
III. Transportation
A. Public bus systems
The ADA requirements become effective on:
- January 26, 1992, generally.
- August 26, 1990, for purchase or lease of new buses.
B. Public rail systems -- light, rapid, commuter, and intercity (Amtrak) rail
The ADA requirements become effective on:
- January 26, 1992, generally.
- August 26, 1990, for purchase or lease of new rail vehicles.
By July 26, 1995, one car per train accessibility must be achieved.
By July 26, 1993, existing key stations in rapid, light, commuter rail systems must be made accessible with extensions of up to 20 years (30 years, in some cases, for rapid and light rail).
C. Privately operated bus and van companies
The ADA requirements become effective on:
- January 26, 1992, generally.
- July 26, 1996 (July 26, 1997, for small providers) for purchase of new over-the-road buses.
- August 26, 1990, for purchase or lease of certain new vehicles (other than over-the-road buses).
IV. State and local government operations
The ADA requirements become effective on:
- January 26, 1992.
V. Telecommunications
The ADA requirements become effective on:
- July 26, 1993, for provision of relay services.
This document is available in the following accessible formats:
- Braille
- Large Print
- Audiotape
- Electronic file on computer disk and electronic bulletin board (202) 514-6193
For more information about the ADA contact:
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Coordination and Review Section
P.O. Box 66118
Washington, D.C. 20035-6118
(202) 514-0301 (Voice)
(202) 514-0381 (TDD)
(202) 514-0383 (TDD)