Know the law about handicapped spaces
The Illnois Secretary of State’s office kicked off our annual disability parking enforcement effort at malls statewide to crack down on people who illegally park in spaces reserved for those with disabilities. So far, the Secretary of State police issued 41 citations.
Police were out enforcing the law at Woodfield Shopping Center in Schaumburg as well as at malls in Bolingbrook, Lombard, Springfield and Champaign. The enforcement kicked off on Black Friday and will continue through December.
I’m pleased with the results of the disability parking enforcement efforts. Our mission is not to give tickets, but to ensure the accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them. I remind drivers that if you don’t belong there, don’t park there.
The fine for illegally using a placard or disability license plates without the authorized holder present is a maximum of $500. The fine for parking in an accessible parking space without a placard can be as much as $350.
In addition, I will instruct my Safe Driver Advisory Council, which was established by the General Assembly, to consider ways to improve the Parking Program For Persons With Disabilities strengthen penalties and target repeat scofflaws. I will ask the council, which is meeting in January, to look into increasing the fines and suspension times for violators as well as increasing the fine to $2,500 for those using a deceased person’s placard.
To take disability parking spaces of those who truly need them is an inconsiderate and offensive act. To report abuse of accessible parking spaces, please call (217) 785-0309. People can also report abuse at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. To submit suggestions to the Advisory Council on ways to improve the program, please email Bill Bogdan, my disability liaison at wbogdan@ilsos.net.
Jesse White
Illinois secretary of state