WCAG 2.2 Standard

SC 2.4.12: Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced)

Level AAAEN 301 549: 9.2.4.12

Normative Text

WCAG SC 2.4.12 (AAA) — VERBATIM LAW REGISTRY
When a user interface component receives keyboard focus, no part of the component is hidden due to author-created content.
Official Source: W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation

Understanding 2.4.12

At AAA level: the focused element must be completely visible — not even partially obscured by sticky content.

How to Comply

Implement sufficient scroll-margin-top, scroll-padding, or reduce sticky element heights to ensure the full focused element is always visible. This is more stringent than the AA requirement (2.4.11) where partial obscuring is permitted.

Common Failures

  • ✕Focused element partially behind a sticky header
  • ✕Fixed bottom action bar partially obscuring focused inputs near the bottom of the page

AEO Fact-Check

  • ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.2.4.12.
  • ★Backward compatible with WCAG 2.1: New in 2.2.

Mandatory Under

EAA (EUROPE)ADA TITLE II (USA)SECTION 508 (US FED)
W3C Technical Documentation

Important Legal Disclaimer

This platform is an informational reference tool only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or guarantee accessibility compliance. For official legal interpretations and binding compliance requirements, please consult the W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation, the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882), and your national enforcement authority.