CAL CHECKOUT
First and foremost, the Federal Law (ADA) requires "independent accessibility" meaning the mounted POS device must be cardholder facing and independently accessible as seen in the demostration video on our site. Our ADA-CF13082 Stand uses ADA 309 Operable Part U-Shape Pull Handle and uses ADA 309.4 operation requirements. It addresses ADA 302.8 limited reach and strength, ADA POS screen accommodation, user PCI cardholder privacy use and ADA 36.402 building code requirements of assitive-technology and VISA acceptance TADG 3.2 section 2.6 accessibility.
ADA-CF13082, Blind and low vision people, Wheelchair, Scooter users, little persons and others with accessibility needs.
California law (Cal-Fin 13082) is a point-of-sale accessibility law which is in addition to ADA requirements and is under the California Financial Code while at the same time, under the California Disability Rights Bureau, DFPI and also falls under the UNRUH ACT for all busineses in California. It applies to all retail and to state, county, city government. It's origin is AB-1489 Point-of-sale systems. In a nutshell, if your place of business has ADA parking, you too are to have an ADA-CF13082 accessibility based checkout. The minimum is one (1) and the unit-mounting serves all cardholders whether in a standing or seated postion.
Two specific sections in the FIN 13082 are section definitions (d) devices and section (e) unit. Upon its original deadline for implementation in 2010, the well-deserved uproar was about ensuring blind persons were able to use tactile PIN when using a credit/debit card reader at checkout and got all the PR so to speak. However, no mention of blind persons using wheelchairs or being a little person are mentioned and is where the ADA attaches to the CF13082.
Tactile is everyday common, but as newer checkout tech is here, PIN on Screen is fairly dominant at checkouts and rails against the tactile PIN requirement in the law, with the exception of the new Ingenico technology Visual Impairment Series of on-screen-PIN.
Section (d) "device" is the point-of-sale credit/debit card terminal and/or hand-held. (d) As used in this section, “point-of-sale device” includes any device used by a customer for the purchase of a good or service where a personal identification number (PIN) is required, but does not include the following:
(1) An automated teller machine as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 13020.
(2) A point-of-sale device that is equipped to, or exclusively services, motor fuel dispensers.
Section (e) is "unit" meaning base/stand/mounting. (e) A unit is not in compliance with this section unless it includes a device, whether internal or external to the unit, that does not lend itself to easy removal, allows visually impaired users easy access, and otherwise meets the terms and conditions of this section. If the device is "Freestanding", it shall be permanently attached to the unit by means of a braided wire or some other tether. The breakdown in section (e) is "Fixed" postion mounted to freestanding (dismount-to detach) of the device.
Is PIN entry privacy covered by the California Consumer Privacy act?
Yes, PIN entry privacy can fall under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as it can be considered a type of sensitive personal information. The CCPA defines sensitive personal information as including "an account log-in, financial account, debit card, or credit card number with any required security code, password, or credentials allowing access to an account". Since a PIN is a security code used to access an account, it would likely be considered sensitive personal information under the CCPA. PCI compliance also has requirements for PIN-Transaction Security (PTS) within the (POI) Point of Interation requiring a person must be able to PIN shield PIN entry using their body or hand. This is especially key for wheelchair, scooter users and little persons when the credit/debit terminal or hand-held is in a locked position.
Enforcement of this law is handled with care by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and the California Disability Rights Bureau, working together to ensure accessibility aligns with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. The goal here is simple yet meaningful: making sure everyone, including those with visual impairments, has fair and equal access to store and business checkouts—specifically when using credit card or handheld terminals, like those for PIN debit transactions.
Whether blind, or in a wheelchair, a scooter or are a little person, you are covered.
California law requires accessibility coverage at the point-of-sale checkout for the device and its (unit-mounting). It goes beyond ADA reach/range.
California Financial Code Section 13082 (and similar provisions), which builds on the spirit of ISO 9564—a global standard focused on user privacy for PIN transactions. But it goes a step further by requiring accessibility features to support the visually impaired along with all others with accessibility needs for accommodations. ISO 9564 and VISA TADG 3.2, 2.6 Accessibility already plays a big role in the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards, guiding PIN Transaction Security (PTS) and Point of Interaction (POI) systems that businesses agree to when accepting credit and debit cards. Together, these efforts blend privacy and accessibility into a seamless, inclusive experience for all cardholders at the checkout.
The CAL-FIN and ADA.gov includes any cardholder that uses a wheelchair, scooter or a little person and others with disabilities. Coverage: ADA.GOV -TITLE III, II , 504 and U.S. Access-Board 508 (ICT) and UNRUH ACT.
A breakdown of section (e) for clairity.
CAL-FIN 13082 Section (d) As used in this section, “point-of-sale device” includes any device used by a customer for the purchase of a good or service where a personal identification number (PIN) is required, but does not currently include the following:
(1) An automated teller machine as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 13020.
(2) A point-of-sale device that is equipped to, or exclusively services, motor fuel dispensers. (Currently,-ATM's and motor fuel dispensers fall only under the ADA and 508 regulations).
SECTION (e): A unit is not in compliance with this section unless it includes a device, whether internal or external to the unit, that does not lend itself to easy removal, allows visually impaired users easy access, and otherwise meets the terms and conditions of this section. If the device is freestanding, it shall be permanently attached to the unit by means of a braided wire or some other tether.
As noted in section (d), the "point-of-sale device" is "Device".
A "Unit" is the "paired (accessibility ADA compliant) device mounting / stand" which is to be anchored to the countertop as an example and the unit is to have an attached braided security tether to itself and the point-of sale device. NOTE: ADA Reach and Range is only measurement, -(NOT) ADA accessibility compliant nor CAL-FIN 13082 Compliant.
The Mounting / Stand is to be ADA (accessibility) compliant meaning within ADA reach range construction standards measurement, in addition, the accessibility parts require ADA 309 operable parts, in this case, the U-Shape Pull Handle which also uses the ADA 309.4 operation requirements which allows the cardholder to dismount the device from its internal position to detach as the external unit position.
This also does satisfy the VISA TADG 2.6 Accessibility, ISO 9564 Carddholder PIN privacy and security (adopted by PCI for compliance in PIN transaction Security and Point of Interaction (POI). ADA.GOV TITLE III and TITLE II, 504, 508 and the California UNRUH ACT.
ADA and Section 508 Compliance Statement for POS Mounting Hardware
Component: ADA-Compliant Dismount Credit Card Terminal Mount Manufacturer: [TAYLOR ADA] Product Name/Model: [POS DISMOUNT STAND UNIT - PART STS-1094] Minimum in one ( 1 ) Checkout for accessibility. If multi-lane, one ( 1 ) every fourth lane (meaning lane 5) and individual checkouts like pharmacy as an example.
Accessibility Standards and Penalties: ADA and California Regulations
ADA Section 302.8: Limited Reach and Strength
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 302.8 addresses accessibility for individuals with limited reach and strength. This section ensures that operable parts, such as buttons, switches, or keypads, are designed and placed to be usable by people with physical limitations. The goal is to make facilities and equipment accessible without requiring excessive effort or range of motion, aligning with the broader ADA mission of equal access.
CAL-FIN 13082: Screen and PIN Accommodation
California Financial Code (CAL-FIN) Section 13082 mandates specific accommodations for point-of-sale (POS) systems to ensure accessibility for visually impaired individuals. When a POS system includes a video touch screen or nontactile keypad, it must also feature:
A tactually discernible keypad, or
Alternative technology (e.g., biometric identification or RFID) that allows independent and private operation by visually impaired users. This applies to both new and existing systems, with compliance deadlines varying by the number of POS devices at a location (e.g., by January 1, 2010, for locations with more than two devices, at least one must comply).
ADA Section 36.402: Building Code Requirements for Accessible Mounted Terminals
ADA Section 36.402 outlines requirements for alterations to places of public accommodation or commercial facilities, including the accessibility of mounted terminals (e.g., POS units, ATMs). Any alteration must ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, the modified areas—including mounted terminals—are readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities, such as those using wheelchairs. This includes proper mounting heights, reach ranges, and operable controls, ensuring compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Penalties for Noncompliance
CAL-FIN Fines: Violations of California accessibility requirements under CAL-FIN 13082 can result in fines ranging from $4,000 to $6,000 per location. These penalties reflect California's stringent enforcement of accessibility laws, often exceeding federal mandates.
ADA.Gov Fines: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) enforces ADA compliance, with civil penalties starting at $75,000 per location for a first violation. Fines can escalate for subsequent violations, and private lawsuits may also lead to additional costs, including damages and attorney fees.
Key Takeaways
Both federal ADA regulations and California’s CAL-FIN 13082 aim to ensure equitable access to facilities and technology for individuals with disabilities. Noncompliance can lead to significant financial penalties, with California imposing per-location fines and the ADA enforcing heftier federal penalties. Businesses must prioritize accessible design—especially for mounted terminals and POS systems—to avoid costly violations and ensure inclusivity.
This version clarifies the regulations, organizes them logically, and highlights the stakes involved with noncompliance.
