---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 38.153"
title: "49"
number: "38.153"
heading: "Doors, steps and thresholds."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/38.153"
---

# §38.153. 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.
- (b) 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 dark-on-light or light-on-dark.
- (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)](#c-1) of this section is not feasible, the minimum door width shall be 27 in (685 mm).
- (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).

## Notes

### Amendments

[56 FR 45756, Sept. 6, 1991, as amended at 63 FR 51698, 51702, Sept. 28, 1998]

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 12101-12213; 49 U.S.C. 322.

### Source

Source: 56 FR 45756, Sept. 6, 1991, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[56 FR 45756, Sept. 6, 1991, as amended at 63 FR 51698, 51702, Sept. 28, 1998]