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Explore the Disabled American’s Guide to Handicap Parking Rules
When looking for parking space in a full parking lot, some of the drivers would usually think of slipping to park in a handicapped spot for a few minutes. The common question when seeking this space is, does the law allow slipping into the empty handicapped parking for a few minutes if the parking lot is full? Yes, it’s against the law to park in a handicapped spot if you lack any disability or permit.
Medical content reviewed by Dr Eric Jackson-Scott MD, Chief Medical Officer
The law reserves this parking spot for the 14% of the United States citizens living with different disabilities. Therefore, it's essential for the general population and those with disabilities to understand all the handicapped parking rules. Let's look at the necessary information about handicapped parking spaces and the parking rules.
Types of handicap parking spaces
When looking at most public parking lots, every disabled driver has a designated handicap parking spot. It’s important to understand that there are two different types of handicapped parking spots in most public parking lots, having different paintings for differentiating purposes. They include:
â—Ź Standard parking spaces
The differentiating feature is the white wheelchair that the designer paints on a blue background. Alternatively, you can see a metal piece on these spaces bearing the same logo in some parking lots.
â—Ź Van-accessible parking spots
The authorities designate these parking lots for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Due to the side and rear ramps, this space is vital for accommodating the ramps. Most experts refer to it as handicap parking with no lines, as the painting is on white diagonal lines, the designers paint on both sides of the space.
Handicap parking laws and rules
When having the handicap permit, sticker and placard, there are various handicap parking rules you’ll need to follow. More so, for the other drivers, it’s important to respect each other’s needs by understanding who can park in handicapped spots and who the laws bar from parking there.
â—Ź If you have a handicapped parking permit
If you have the permit, the handicap parking laws allow you to park on handicap spots despite the means of transport you’re using (public or private). After receiving your handicap sticker, the handicap sticker laws prohibit loaning or lending out the sticker or placard to anyone. If you do, it attracts a hefty fine or even cancellation of the sticker or permit.
When parking your vehicles in these spots, it’s essential to consider the locations or states as the handicapped parking laws vary with locations. Lastly, after parking, ensure that you display your sticker or permit in a location visible and in line with the handicap parking location laws.
â—Ź If you lack a handicapped parking permit
There are various restrictions on handicapped parking; thus, it’s essential to avoid parking in these spaces if you or your passengers lack the permit. In addition, the disable parking laws prohibit parking adjacent to the handicapped space, as you might obstruct the striped aisles.
The disabled parking rules ensure the impaired movement can use both the side-entry and exit to parking. It’ll be essential to observe the disabled parking bay rules, even if those who use this space seem able. Not all disabilities are physical; some have vision issues and respiratory and lung issues, impeding mobility.
Wrapping up
Mutual respect is one of the best values that ensure that everyone is satisfied and happy. Especially in car-centric cultures of different cities in the US, it’ll be essential to understand and observe all the handicap parking rules. Despite having a handicapped parking permit or not, observing the rules will promote efficiency and ease of parking for those with mobility issues.
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