SACRAMENTO – On November 2, 2017, California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) investigators conducted a Disabled Person Parking Placard (DPPP) enforcement operation in Sacramento. During the operation on Florin Road, investigators contacted 93 individuals who were utilizing a disabled person parking placard and found 11 of those 93 were fraudulently using the placard. Those 11 individuals were issued citations.
“This widespread problem of people fraudulently using disabled person parking placards must be combatted with education, enforcement and serious penalty,” said Association of Motor Vehicle Investigators of California (AMVIC) President Kenny Ehrman. “These reserved parking spots for the disabled are meant for folks with mobility or other health problems. You can’t use Aunt Susie’s placard to get a convenient parking space unless Aunt Susie is in the car with you. “
Offenders receive a misdemeanor citation and 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 are assessed because it is not a moving violation.
The DMV carries out numerous enforcement operations every month throughout the state in an effort to reduce the impact that disabled person parking placard fraud has on those with disabilities.
The department has also launched a statewide campaign designed to educate Californians about the need for compliance and the consequences that come with violating the law.
Most violations involve people using disabled parking placards issued to family or friends to avoid parking fees, and obtaining convenient and/or unrestricted parking. California law prohibits anyone from lending their assigned placard, knowingly permitting the use of it or allowing anyone else to use it while they are not present. Individuals cannot display a disabled person parking placard that has been cancelled, revoked or not issued to them.
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. Submissions are confidential.
