Investigators with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued citations to 31 people during a July 23 enforcement operation targeting the illegal use of Disabled Person Parking Placards (DPPP) at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The DMV teamed up with the Pasadena Police Department during a sporting event for this crackdown. The DMV collaborates with local police departments to make sure drivers who are parking in blue disabled spots are doing so legally,” said DMV Investigations Chief Frank Alvarez. It is important to point out that not all disabilities are visible and allegations of misuse of a Disabled Person Parking Placard may be unfounded. The Pasadena Police Department has teamed up with the Department of Motor Vehicles in an effort to minimize the use of fraudulent handicap placards at special events,” said Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip L. Sanchez. While the misdemeanor offense will appear on an offender’s driver record, no points will be assessed because it is not a moving violation. During the months of April to June of this year, DMV investigators issued 747 misdemeanor citations during enforcement efforts held throughout the state. The DMV proactively carries out these types of enforcement operations throughout the year in an effort to reduce the impact DPPP fraud has on the mobility of those with disabilities. The DMV also uses these enforcement efforts as a way to raise general awareness and educate Californians about the need for compliance and the consequences that come with violating the law. The level of reported or observed misuse of DPPP varies from area to area. Most violations involve people using disabled parking placards issued to family or friends to avoid paying parking fees, as well as obtaining convenient and/or unrestricted parking. In addition, a person shall not display a disabled person placard that was not issued to him or her or that has been canceled or revoked.
Some states allow for an individual to apply on the applicant’s behalf. Renewal and expiration dates, processes, and costs vary by state. Some permits may renew automatically. Some permits need resubmittal of applications. Others may require recertification by a medical professional. The costs associated with accessibility parking permits and placards depend on the state. Many states provide free parking to individuals with disabilities by waiving costs of metered parking — sometimes even in state-owned parking garages. It is important to note that many states require metered or parking garage waivers for free parking. You can obtain these waivers through an application and registration process with the state or local DMV. These state- and local-issued waivers are applicable only in certain areas. Private parking facilities and garages may be exempt from free parking, even with a waiver. Some cities and states will provide you with an accessible spot in a residential area, if needed and applied for. Provided by the local disability commission or DMV, the accessibility parking spot may be open to use for anyone with a permit, while others can be reserved for use by a specific individual.
There are multiple types of accessibility permits, placards, and even permanent license plates. Placards and permits may also come in a variety of colors designating specific parking conditions available to permit-holders. Red placards are for people with temporary disabilities, and temporary permits. These are typically issued with a temporary time frame — typically six months — but may be renewed if needed. Dark blue placards are for those with permanent disabilities. Though these permits indicate a permanent disability, they may still be subject to renewal periods. The renewal period varies by state. Light blue placards are for “wheelchair users only” specific parking spaces. The renewal period varies by state. Who Can Use My Handicap Placard? An accessibility permit or placard is issued to you and may be used in any vehicle you are employing for transit. This means that you, the permit-holder, may use it as a driver or a passenger.
As long as you are a passenger in the car, it does not matter who is actively driving, or who owns the vehicle. It is important to note that you must be present when the placard is displayed. Letting others “borrow” a placard, even if it is for a service such as running an errand on your behalf, is a misuse of the placard. Misuse of a placard can lead to cancellation of a permit, fines for both yourself and the one “borrowing” or using it, community service, as well as other potential penalties. Can I Park Anywhere With a Handicap Placard? Accessibility permits allow for parking in designated spaces that have been identified with specifically colored striping and signage. Some parking may be available in public spaces, such as metered parking or garage parking, but these opportunities may be limited by the facility. Many cities and states offer free parking to accessibility permit- holders with a DMV-issued waiver.
The accessibility permit does not allow for parking in any zone which state law or ordinance has set aside or reserved for specific types of vehicles, such as emergency or business operation vehicles, including street vending vehicles. Spaces that prohibit stopping or parking any or all vehicles are also not available to accessible parking permit holders. Parking in the loading and unloading area of an accessible parking space that is already occupied by a vehicle is also prohibited; this area is designated by yellow crosshatch striping. What Do I Do About a Handicap Permit When I Travel? Many states offer reciprocity for accessibility permits, but some do not. It is important to check with the local DMV that provided the permit. In many cases, traveling with an accessibility license plate across state borders is acceptable, as the plate is permanently attached to the vehicle and is a part of the vehicle’s registration. Traveling across state borders with an accessibility placard is generally acceptable, but some states do require an additional traveler’s permit. It is important to check with the local DMV of the intended destination.
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