SACRAMENTO – During the month of February 2018, California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) investigators conducted 20 enforcement operations throughout the state, targeting the fraudulent use of Disabled Person Parking Placards (DPPP).   Investigators contacted 1,582 drivers who parked in disabled parking spots to verify their placards were indeed theirs and found 153 drivers who were using a placard that was not.

Investigators issued misdemeanor citations to offenders which carry possible fines of up to $1,000 and require an appearance in court.

“DMV investigators have publicized their enforcement efforts to educate the public about the proper use and the misuse of these placards,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “There is no excuse for taking up a few and far between disabled parking space when people with mobility problems or health issues so desperately need them.  Thankfully, DMV investigators are working to find those who are breaking the law.”

The enforcement operations were conducted in both Northern and Southern California. The highest number of citations during the operations was at California State University, Northridge in which DMV investigators contacted 165 drivers and issued 23 citations.  They also cited 13 of the 96 drivers they contacted in Foster City, 15 of the 38 drivers they contacted at the Kern County Health Department, and 15 of the 64 drivers they contacted in Oxnard.

Anyone who suspects a person might be misusing a disabled person placard is urged to report it using an online complaint form or by contacting their local DMV Investigations office.  Submissions are confidential.