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For those who are thinking about using a fraudulent permit to park in spots reserved for disabled persons, the state is saying, ‘Think again.’ Secretary of State Jesse White announced as of June 1, fines will be larger for second and third offenders. (STEVE JAHNKE / THE SOUTHERN)
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New law to punish disabled parking offenders
By Laura Chapman, The Southern
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 10:28 PM CDT
CARBONDALE - A new law created by the Illinois secretary of state would increase fines for people who fraudulently use placards or license plates to park in spots designated for people with disabilities.

The law - which started on June 1 - would give violators a $750 fine on their second offense and $1,000 on their third or subsequent offenses, according to a news release. Violators could also have their driver's license and placard suspended or revoked.

In the past, violators received a $500 fine regardless of the number of offenses.

"The increased fines and suspensions will send a message that if you continue to violate the program you will pay the price financially as well as personally," Secretary of State Jesse White said in a news release.

Suzanne Gorrell, president of the Partnership for Disability Issues in Carbondale, said making penalties harder for violators might help teach people to follow the law. The people who wrongfully use the permits to park are trying to fool the system, she said.

"The only way people are going to understand is if they feel it in the pocketbook," Gorrell said.

The new law also states that the person to whom the placard is registered must be entering or exiting the vehicle while it is being used, according to the news release.

"It is unbelievable that people without disabilities would time and time again abuse this important program and take parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities," White said in the news release.

Sgt. Ken Sneed of Southern Illinois University Carbondale Police said on campus more citations are issued for people who use parking spots for people with disabilities who have no placard or license plate than for people using the permits fraudulently.

The reason for this, he said, is likely because it is easier to see if someone does not have a permit than if they are using one that doesn't belong to them.

The new law is intended to target repeat offenders, Sneed said, something he has not seen on the SIUC campus.

Sneed said he thinks the parking spots designated for people with disabilities seem to be one of the most abused privileges in the state. Although people might use the spots because they are closer, "It creates a disadvantage for the people who really need to use it."

laura.chapman@thesouthern.com

351-5816

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legalese wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:28 PM:

" I agree with m3rodg. You need to worry about your own disability....ignorance (however blissful it may seem).
As for Petey1, I agree that the truly disabled should be able to use the spots available and the "fakers" should be punished, but how can you say that the disabled should be punished for using parking spots that are not designated for handicapped? There are not near enough handicapped spots so, that is not a fair evaluation.
Staged68 - I think you are probably one of those people who use to be obese, but you have had gastric bypass or some other type of procedure in order to help you gain control of your size and now you are over-critical of everyone who is even the slightest amount over weight. I'll bet your knees, ankles back, and especially heart and lungs were wishing you could park in one of those spots at one time....
My point in this.....people, is let's not judge everyone, ok? Be thankful that you have the ability to leave that handicapped spot open for someone else to utilize and if you see someone getting out of a vehicle in one of those spots and they are struggling, stop to help them. Instead of criticizing every other person you see, try thinking about what you may be able to do to make their life easier. You don't know, you may SAVE their life somehow. God Bless you all and take care! "

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Staged68 wrote on Jun 4, 2008 4:47 PM:

" I'm not insensitive- I'm right! No- I don't know the situation in every single case, and there are truly handicapped people who need those places. However, there is no denying that there are some lazy and fat people that get these things. Do you actually deny that I'm correct, or am I hitting too close to home?? Very few people actually NEED a special parking spot. What's next, special booths at Ryans for the fat people so that don't have to walk too far to the all-you-can-eat-food-trough?? Same people that park in the no parking zone at Krogers because they think they're special and don't want to walk very far- Same people that can't walk 20 feet to put their shopping cart back in the cart corral. Lazy, lazy people! "

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m3rodg wrote on Jun 4, 2008 2:45 PM:

" Comment to Staged68, you are a real insensitive individual. I find it highly offensive that you can come on here and voice such a rude opinion. You have no idea who those people are and what their real health issues are. Maybe you should stop caring so much about their obesity and more about your own problems. "

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Petey1 wrote on Jun 4, 2008 1:22 PM:

" People that are truly disabled should be able to use the disabled spots. Those who are phonies and slackards should be punished severly. However, disabled persons should have to use the designated spots - and be ticketed if they park elsewhere. Also, if you are driving or riding in a car with a disabled placard and you aren't disabled - you should get to spend 3-4 nights in jail - if you park in a disabled spot. "

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Staged68 wrote on Jun 4, 2008 1:08 PM:

" Most of the people I've actually seen are not handicapped (broken leg, etc) They are FAT!! Obesity should not qualify you for a permit to park closer. Parking closer probably contributed to their "handicap" They need to do a little more walking, and a little less eating. While were at it, I can't stand these people who drive around Wal-Mart for ten minutes, looking for a spot 2 slots closer, AND THEN GO IN AND WALK AROUND THE STORE FOR 2 HOURS!! Lazy, lazy people! "

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Steve S. wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:49 AM:

" I don't think an ingrown toenail is reason enough to be allowed a handicapped placard. However this seems to be the case in many instances. I have seen too many people walking very well away from their cars with placards hanging from their mirrors at Walmart, Kroger etc.. Disabilities need to be redefined. "

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BagLady wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:14 AM:

" Confiscating the cars of these lazy-a** scumbags seems a more appropriate response. "

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