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

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