Handicap rights...

[millitsky]

My father is handicapped and many times people that are not constantly park in the places reserved for handicaps. We live in Madrid Spain and the police tells us there is nothing they can do. I know that in other countries there is severe punishment for this kind of felonies but not here. How is it in the US? It is really frustrating to see that people are blocking and difficulting my father's access to places and the police will not do a thing.

Thank you

[Hightower]

For your information, parking in a handicapped stall without a permit is NOT a felony. It is not even considered a "crime". It is simply a parking violation with a higher than normal fine amount.

[Toeknee112]

$280 in Chico

[mcsap]

If the parking space is only marked with the universal handicap symbol, the fine is $50 plus costs. If there is a sign indicating that the fine is $50-$200, than the fine will be in that range.

NO parking charge is a felony.

Some states allow handicap persons to issue tickets.

[greenlead]

Some states allow handicap persons to issue tickets.

Wow! That sounds pretty interesting.

Any word on effectiveness? :confused:

[mcsap]

I am not familiar with anyone in my county that can do it ( it has to allowed by the DA) but I understand that some other areas do it. It is authorized under our state law. I would estimate that about 10% of the tickets I issue are for people who are handicapped and don't display their permit. They are not permanently disabled or they would have a license plate instead.

I will not withdraw the ticket. But I do look all over the dash and visor in case they have it laying there but not on the mirror. If I can't find it, ticket time. If they complain, I ask them , " do you want the parking enforced or not ?" The exception under state law is when a vehicle DISPLAYS a placard. I don't have the time to wait and ask them , " where is your permit ?"

We don't need permission on private property to enforce. Anywhere it is posted is fair game.

[Lfpdlieu302]

not a felony here.....and unless we have permission from the property owner, we dont enforce it on private property. public is a different story.

[chrispix]

From what I understand in Texas. Unless there is a plackard infront of the spot, its not a handcap spot. So it could be painted, but without the plackard its not a reserved handcap spot.

[Stump]

From what I understand in Texas. Unless there is a plackard infront of the spot, its not a handcap spot. So it could be painted, but without the plackard its not a reserved handcap spot.

That's what I have been told about NY as well, chris.

[Lawson]

I dont know about that here in WA, I think it would be the same, on account that Sometimes business owners choose to not have handicap parking so they pull the plackard away, and some places paint the pic of it to show "prefered for handicap" but if it is 4:00am and I am looking for some doughnuts at the local 7-11, I dont need a parking ticket from a bored cop cause I wanted to park close to the door.