Which ADA signs require tactile characters and braille?
The deciding question is usually what the sign does: permanent room designation, direction, information or a temporary/changeable message.
Permanent room and space identification
Section 216.2 generally requires interior and exterior signs that identify permanent rooms and spaces to comply with the tactile-character provisions of Section 703.2 and the visual-character provisions of Section 703.5. Raised characters are duplicated in contracted braille under Section 703.3.
Common examples include restroom identification, permanent room numbers or letters, stairwell identifications and permanent room names. A project’s adopted code and sign schedule still control the final scope.
Directional and informational signs
Section 216.3 directs signs that provide directions to or information about interior spaces and facilities to the visual-character requirements of Section 703.5. That does not automatically make every directional sign a tactile/braille sign.
Common federal exceptions
Section 216.1 does not require building directories, menus, seat and row designations, occupant names, building addresses, company names/logos or temporary signs used for seven days or less to comply with Section 216. Other listed facility-specific exceptions may apply.
Pictograms identifying permanent rooms
When a pictogram designates a permanent interior room or space, Section 216.2 requires the pictogram to comply with Section 703.6 and to have text descriptors complying with the tactile and visual provisions. The pictogram field, descriptor and braille are separate production zones.
Primary reference: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Section 216. This page is a fabrication aid, not project-specific legal or code approval.