In December of 2022, a closed captioning ordinance went into effect that requires all places of public accommodation in Toledo to have closed captioning on any TVs located in the building.

Violations can be reported by calling Engage Toledo at 419-936-2020.

FAQs

What is closed captioning?

Closed captioning refers to text that reflects an audio track and can be read while watching visual content. In this ordinance, it refers to having the text box at the bottom of a TV screen turned on.

Where does this apply?

The ordinance applies to all businesses open to the public in Toledo: a business, an educational institution, or a refreshment, entertainment, recreation, health, or transportation facility of any kind that is available to the public. For example, this includes bars and restaurants, hospitals and doctor’s offices, entertainment venues, and any other place of public accommodation in Toledo.

How can I turn on closed captioning?

Turning on closed captions is not the same process for all TV sets, but it's often as simple as pressing the CC button on your remote control. You only have to do it one time. Once captions are enabled, they will remain enabled unless you go in to turn them off.

Detailed instructions

What if the TVs in my business do not have closed captioning?

Closed captioning is required by federal law to be a feature on all televisions produced after July 1993. If your TV is more than 30 years old and doesn't have closed captioning capability, this ordinance does not apply.

What are the consequences if I do not turn the captions on?

Each violation is a minor misdemeanor. The first offense will receive a warning letter and all subsequent violations punishable by a maximum fine of $150. Where a Responsible Person is not immediately apparent, there shall be a rebuttable presumption of responsibility on the part of the owner of the Place of Public Accommodation.

Who is responsible?

Owner(s), manager(s), and employee(s) are responsible for ensuring close captions on a television in a place of public accommodation.

When did this go into effect?

Closed captioning must be in use on any television that is turned on in a restaurant, bar, business, educational institution, or any other public facility starting December 1st, 2022.

Who can I contact if I notice that a place of public accommodation in Toledo does not have captions turned on?

Violations can be reported by calling Engage Toledo at 419-936-2020.