OXNARD - Investigators with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued citations to 43 people during two recent enforcement operations targeting the illegal use of Disabled Person Parking Placards (DPPP).   During one operation which took place in and near a shopping center in Oxnard on July 19,2017, investigators caught 12 offenders fraudulently using DPPP, one of whom was driving without a valid driver license.  The second operation, held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena during a sporting event on July 23rd resulted in 31 citations issued.

“These are people who are using someone else’s placard to obtain parking that is closer to a business’ entrance, and or free parking,” said Kenny Ehrman, president of the Association of Motor Vehicle Investigators of California (AMVIC).   “We as investigators can continue with this enforcement effort to help curb the abuse, but another key to reducing DPPP abuse needs to start with the issuance. Also, violations are processed differently depending on the county they occurred in. The district attorneys and judges need to recognize the problem, as well, if we are going to see real change.”

DPPP Offenders must appear in court to face possible fines that range from $250 to $1,000. While the misdemeanor offense will appear on an offender’s driver record, no points will be assessed because it is not a moving violation.

California Vehicle Code Section 4461(b) (c) prohibits anyone from lending their placard, knowingly permitting the use of their placard or allowing anyone else to use it while they are not present.  In addition, a person shall not display a disabled person placard that was not issued to him or her or that has been canceled or revoked.

Anyone who suspects a person may be misusing a Disabled Person Parking Placard is urged to report it using an online complaint form or by contacting their local DMV Investigations office.