Disability parking space abuse focus of crackdown by authorities
<p class="p1">Illinois Secretary of State Police planned to conduct statewide parking stings targeting people illegally parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities at shopping malls beginning on Black Friday, Nov. 28.</p><p class="p1">Secretary of State Police planned to start enforcing the provisions of the parking program for persons with disabilities at shopping areas throughout the state.</p><p class="p1">Black Friday was the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and also was the busiest shopping day of the year. </p><p class="p1">Other enforcements will take place during the holiday season throughout Illinois.</p><p class="p1">“Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them,” Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said. </p><p class="p1">“Parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a possible driver’s license suspension and a hefty fine which could otherwise be used on gifts. Remember, if you don’t belong there, don’t park there.”</p><p class="p1">Last year, more than 90 citations were issued to those violating the parking program for persons with disabilities. </p><p class="p1">Drivers caught misusing a placard face a six-month driver’s license suspension and $600 fine. </p><p class="p1">Repeat violators will face a one-year driver’s license suspension and $1,000 fine for a second offense.</p><p class="p1">For the third or subsequent offenses they face a $1,000 fine plus a one-year driver’s license revocation. </p><p class="p1">The fine for parking in an accessible parking space without a disability placard or license plates is up to $350. </p><p class="p1">Using a deceased person’s placard or a fraudulent placard can result in a $2,500 fine and one-year revocation of the driver’s license.</p><p class="p1">There are 691,858 disability placards and 76,046 disability license plates in Illinois.</p><p class="p1">White urged people to report abuse of parking spaces for people with disabilities by calling 217-785-0309. </p><p class="p1">Callers should be prepared to report placard and license plate numbers as well as locations of vehicles. </p><p class="p1">People can also report abuse by visiting the Illinois Secretary of State’s website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com and completing the parking program for persons with disabilities abuse complaint form.</p><p class="p2"> </p>