Traffic Tip of the Week

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October 2007

DISABLED PARKING – LEAVE IT FOR THOSE WHO NEED IT

October is National Disability Awareness Month. So what does that have to do with traffic? Every day someone in our city has the need to park in a designated parking area, usually right on the main curb by the front of a business or store. That need is driven by a disability that impairs the ability to function the way many others are able to. Taking that needed space, for a minute to "run an errand" or other unrealistic excuse, takes something away from the person who truly has the need. It may mean missing an important appointment or not being able to shop when necessary because the space is not available due to another person's disregard of the obvious.

Parking spaces, whether in a parking lot or along a curb, are specifically designated for disabled parking. The vehicle must be clearly marked with a placard (usually hanging from the interior rear view mirror) or on the license plate itself. How often, however, have you seen a vehicle parked in disabled parking that was not marked? Or watched as a driver jumped out and went into a store? Disabled parking violations occur daily, and are egregious because the violation further impairs the mobility of the individual who has both the need legal right to park in the designated space.

A sign and blue curb designate disabled parking areas. In parking lots, the pavement may be painted with the disabled logo in addition to being signed. State law dictates that a vehicle can only utilize a disabled parking space if the individual the placard was issued to either enters or exits the vehicle while it is parked in the space. Stiff fines are levied if someone is caught abusing the use of the disabled placard. The penalties include possible confiscation of the issued disabled placard. However, the larger problem seems to be drivers who do not have placards and disregard the designated parking spaces, taking the space away from someone who may desperately need it. Motorists who do this are also subject to stiff fines.

A first offense for those who choose to illegally park in disabled parking spaces nets a $250.00 fine. The second offense increases to $350.00; a third offense is $500.00. In addition, each occurrence could result in impoundment of the vehicle.

Officers will pay special attention to violations of disability parking this month. The few extra minutes it takes to walk from a legal parking spot will ultimately save you time, money and the embarrassment of a large fine and/or loss of your vehicle. Remember - Leave It For Those Who Need It.

This information is courtesy of the Anchorage Police Department's Traffic Unit.

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