Handicap Parking Fraud Increasing, States Report

posted on Feb 02 by Stacy in the Disability News, Wheelchair Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible Vans category

Handicapped Parking Spot


Many states are now noticing the fraud that is prevalent in handicap parking, and are cracking down to give people larger fines and make it harder to fake handicap parking placards.
As we previously reported, South Carolina put a low into effect earlier this year which required the disabled person to have a photo on their placard. Other states that have had new laws go into effect in 2010 are North Carolina, and California.

A new website has also been set up by a Californian woman that had a terrible time parking with her handicapped grandfather. Handicapped Fraud.org has users send in tips that she then sends to the officials at the particular state’s department of motor vehicles.

The founder of the handicapped fraud website, Maureen Birdsall, recommends that when someone sees a driver abusing the system, they shouldn’t confront them, though. Some people who use handicapped parking have invisible disabilities, and it would be very upsetting for them to feel as though their illness or disability was not valid.

Some of the changes in handicap parking across the United States are:

  • Connecticut: Republican Governor Judi Rell initiated a media campaign, new technology to make it easier to make sure someone has a valid handicap parking placard, and window stickers instead of the placards that hang on rear view mirrors.
  • California: January 1st, a law went into effect that gives cities the control over whether they increase penalties for handicap parking violations. These fines can be up to $1,000. Also, parking officers can issue them now, where before violations could only be issued by law enforcement. After the bill went into effect, the city of San Francisco raised it’s fine to $750 from $100.
  • North Carolina: Handicap parking placards will now have expiration dates that are in a very large font. This way they can been seen over fifteen feet away.

Is handicapped parking fraud a serious issue where you live? If you have encountered it, what have you done?

5 Comments

janice hall, posted this comment on Feb 18th, 2010

I was born with LGMD and am so tired of the fraud. Was able to walk up until 13 years ago to watch some of these healthy people use HCP is a shame. Even some of the older people get the sticker from a dr, and walk around a store with no problem. All some of these people need to do is loose 150 - 200 lbs. Walking from the parking lot would help get much needed expersise. Dr. should also be made responsible for issuing the permits.

Louise Klimkowski, posted this comment on Feb 18th, 2010

DISABILITY PARKING

I realize, that a lot of disabled people are un-aware of what the aisle stripped access next to the disabled parking space is for. I was not either until I purchased a van with a ramp, on its side to drive my scooter down..

Handicapped parking spaces must be marked with a sign and penalty tag and be at least eight feet wide.

Also, at least one handicapped parking space in each parking lot, must be van-accessible with an 8 foot wide space and adjacent stripped access aisle at least 8 feet wide. The space and access aisle must be painted in color. That is a great law if people didn’t park on it.

The stripped access aisle which is about 8 ft. wide adjacent to the disabled parking space, should not be parked on, or close. I drive a van using a scooter, I need the stripped access aisle to let the ramp down from the side of my van, get on to my scooter and drive down the ramp.(a sign in my van windows does state this)

If you are parked on these lines, I can not get out, if you park after I did get out, I can not get my scooter in the van so I can drive home.

In the past three weeks once at WALMARTS and once at SHOPRITE, I had to ask a passer by to get in my van back it up so i can let the ramp down.

Please pass this on to everyone, disabled or not. The public has to be aware as more and more disabled people getting more freedom with motorized scooters and wheel chairs. THANK YOU

Eddie, posted this comment on Feb 18th, 2010

I have called the Police, But they don’t show up or are to busy with other calls. By then the vehicle has left. I have seen people use the Placards of there family members while going shopping and the handicap person was even there. What else can we do. ???

William R.Reinhart, Disabled American Veteran, posted this comment on Feb 19th, 2010

There ought to more police officers checking out Disabled Parking; and the people/person is not disabled.

I have a Wounded in Combat L.p. for Tennessee, and would you believe seversl ladies beat me to the D.P spot, and walked out of their car into the restrurant smiling.

I am going to personally confrount the next wiseguts/girls,(tactfully), and ask how are you injured, or if you are injured??!!!

Mark L. Cole, posted this comment on Jun 4th, 2010

In my opinion, if someone is parked in a clearly marked handicapped spot without the plate or sticker in the window as stated by law then that person not only should they be sent to jail and their drivers license revoked they should be made as a stipulation to getting their vehicle and license back they should be made to live the life of someone who is disabled and see what we as disabled people go through and deal with on a DAILY basis. I’m a paraplegic and double amputee and I use a wheelchair to get around

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