Deterring Illegal Handicap Parking: Prevention Over Increased Fines

Angered at illegal handicap parking, disabled drivers take to the streets – issuing friendly reminders to able-bodied drivers to respect the law (Courtesy of IdahoStatesMan). 

July 30, 2012 — In the ongoing war against illegal handicap parking, Illinois legislators have signed into law two new bills to further discourage the unethical practice. The bills addressed one of the biggest issues in the debate–handicap permit abuse, namely, using a deceased person’s permit.   Violators found with such permits can be slapped with a whopping $2.500 and a mandatory license revocation.

Furthermore, other fraudulent permit use can be met with a $600 fine – up from $500 – but state Secretary Jesse White wants to increase it to $2,500 to equate it with deceased permit use. The bills also effectively end the policy of allowing free parking to disabled drivers: a major loss to the truly handicap, but a necessary evil due to all the able-bodied violators. Lastly, a subcommittee was established to investigate illegal handicap parking, to be led by former US Secretary of Transportation, Sam Skinner.

Holographic parking permits prevent fraudulent use (MyParkingPermit).

Steeper fines and harsher punishments are nothing new on the enforcement side of the battle: most municipalities already charge violators with hundreds of dollars in fines and license suspension or revocation.  Despite these attempts, motorists remain undeterred and continue to park in handicap spaces out of sheer laziness.

Realizing the ineffectiveness of enforcement, others have taken to the streets to encourage drivers be mindful and respectful of the disabled. In one case, two friends, one of whom is disabled, patrol parking lots for violators and issue them paper fliers stating “Lazy is not a handicap. Park elsewhere.”  The two hope that the courteous reminders will appeal to drivers’ consciences, not just their wallets.

Handicap parking signs can deter would-be-violators with warnings of a fine or towing (MyParkingSign.com).

Similarly, holographic parking permits can be used to prove authenticity and ward against counterfeits by featuring no-copy backgrounds, unique numberings, and holograms.  Also, disabled parking signs can prevent would-be violators if they clearly warn of a fine or tow.  Together, these preventative measures politely influence drivers to obey the law, instead of punishing them financially.

– N. Gilliat