Users should be able to complete tasks without unexpected changes in content or context that are a result of a time limit.

What you need to know

There are exceptions to the requirement of turning off time limits:

• The time limit is essential (e.g. buying tickets online) and extending it would invalidate the activity.
• The time limit is part of a real-time event (e.g. Ebay auction) and no alternative is possible.
• The time limit is longer than 20 hours.

For any time limit on a website a user must have one of the following options:

• Ability to turn off time limit.
• Ability to adjust time limit to at least 10x the default setting.
• After a warning of time limit expiration, given at least 20 seconds to to extend time limit at least 10x.

What you need to do

• Avoid time limits wherever possible.
• If you have a time limit, provide options to turn off, adjust, and/or extend the time.
• If a time limit is necessary, provide the ability to adjust or extend it unless you meet an exception above.

Reference

Read the full explanation of success criterion 2.2.1 on W3.org.

Related Resource

Check out “Providing Accessible Time Limits” from the University of Washington for more information about this success criterion.