If your town doesnt have a hotline and youre not comfortable calling the police, you also have the option of calling your states Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. And just in case youre wondering, I am in a wheelchair. Those with a temporary or permanent disability are eligible for the windshield placard. Who Can Park in a Handicap Parking Spot? Know the Requirements! - Way Normally the parking lot is empty except for a dozen or so parents (like me) dropping their kids off. No one answered after two phone calls, and I couldnt leave a voicemail. An application for a license plate requires a slightly different procedure. The current owner must be the person with the disability. The Ohio Revised Code requires that every parking lot have at least one accessible parking space for every three total accessible parking spaces. But now we have no legal recourse for people who park in marked accessible spots because the business or property owner didnt know or care to bring the signage and other markings into compliance. Trying to reprimand or accuse an individual can often lead to aggressive or hostile encounters. I saw a sign that allowed new and expectant mothers to park in a handicapped space and because I know the local codes official in that area I sent him a photo and the location and he got that addressed. Any peace officer or any authorized employee of the bureau of motor vehicles who, in the performance of duties authorized by law, becomes aware of a person whose placard or parking card has been revoked pursuant to this section, may confiscate that placard or parking card and return it to the registrar. These revised rules affect state and local governments (Title II of the ADA), as well as public accommodations and commercial facilities (Title III). What government agency is responsible for ensuring businesses have the correct legal signage? I just need the dang space to easily get in and out of my van. In addition, they may tow your car or add points to your driver's license. How to Fight a Handicapped Parking Ticket | Legal Beagle Why Police Aren't Ticketing Violators in Handicap Accessible Parking Misuse of a handicap, or disability, placard such as letting someone other than the legitimate owner or using a deceased person's placard will result in first-time fine of $500 and a. (C)(1) A person with a disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for a removable windshield placard by completing and signing an application provided by the registrar. Handicap Parking Rules and Etiquette These types of disability license plates are available only to those with one of the qualifying disabilities who owns or leases their own vehicle. Leave the ticket unpaid and follow the next steps. (7) "Physician assistant" means a person who is licensed as a physician assistant under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code. This written document should include: Permanent parking permits expire on the date suggested by the health care provider, but a renewal application will be mailed 60 days before the permit expires. What Happens if You Park in a Handicap Spot Without a Permit? All disabled persons do not necessarily have trouble walking, but mobility limitations are definitely a part of some types of physical or mental conditions. Fines for parking in handicapped spots without a permit are high dollar in most jurisdictions, typically in the $250 to $450 range, and you'll also get points on your license. Stay observant, get the vehicle information, and then let the proper authorities officially take care of the problem. (I understand that the church gets a pass, but businesses and other public accommodations.). I showed him the law. Then he said we cant afford to roam the parking lots Most Department of Motor Vehicles or government bodies that issue parking tickets have channels you Most Department of Motor Vehicles or government bodies that issue parking tickets have channels you can go through to begin the process of a disabled parking fine appeal. (b) Any active-duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the reserve components of the armed forces and the national guard, who has an illness or injury that limits or impairs the ability to walk may apply to the registrar or a deputy registrar for a temporary removable windshield placard. It's possible to fight a handicap ticket based on where the space is located. I lived in North Dakota when I first got injured and while I was in college, the local disabled community had worked with the city to have certain people do citizen enforcement of the handicapped parking. Enter a plea of not guilty if you didn't see the signage, then take pictures of the situation so you can argue your case in front of a judge. Both Ohio disability placards and disability plates can be used only by the individual who applied for the placard.