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Disabled parking abuse ‘is a concern’ in California
Handicap parking placards in California are intended to make life more accessible for individuals with disabilities, but misuse throughout California diverts resources from those who truly need them.
Ronald Ongtoaboc, a spokesman for the California Department of Motor Vehicles, stated that there are currently over 2.3 million active disabled placardsacross the state. This follows a recent crackdown on fraudulent activities under a new renewal law introduced this summer. The department confirmed that nearly 350,000 placards were not renewed.
Disabled license plates and placards offer certain parking privileges to individuals with disabilities, veterans, and organizations that transport those individuals.
Both license plates and placards provide the same benefits; however, placards have the added flexibility of being transferable between vehicles.
"Abuse of disabled parking has significant consequences," said DMV spokesperson Anita Gore in a statement. "It not only infringes upon the rights of individuals with disabilities, but also creates considerable obstacles for those who genuinely need these parking spaces. This limits access to services and facilities, impedes mobility, and diminishes the quality of life for people with disabilities."
Ongtoaboc explained that the California DMV's Investigations Division conducts enforcement operations across the state to address placard abuse. The department has not publicized any operations since 2019 and did not provide details on when the last operation was conducted or the current extent of misuse.
The 2019 enforcement operation identified 109 fraudulent users across 15 cities, including Fresno, Stockton, and Los Angeles, according to the statement.
"The abuse of disabled person parking placards in California is a concern for the California DMV," Gore reiterated.
The California DMV declined to participate in an interview.
What is the penalty for misusing a disabled placard?
Fake disabled placards are available for purchase online for as little as $60 and are designed to "look and feel like the real thing," according to Fakeidscard, a manufacturer of counterfeit IDs.
Buying a fake placard, illegally parking in a designated space, or engaging in any of the following actions can lead to penalties, according to the California DMV:
- Allowing someone to use your placard
- Borrowing another person’s placard
- Forging a medical professional’s signature to obtain a placard
- Providing false information to acquire a placard
- Altering a placard
California Vehicle Code 4461 stipulates that violations are punishable by a civil fine ranging from $250 to $1,000. A misdemeanor charge could carry a similar fine and up to six months in jail.
Additionally, California Vehicle Code 22511.56 gives local enforcement the authority to impose the state's disabled placard laws.
New placard law aimed at curbing fraudulent use
For the first time this year, Senate Bill 611 requires placard holders to submit a renewal form (at no cost) to the California DMV every six years.
Individuals who received their original permanent disabled parking placard before January 2019 were included in the first renewal cycle. Previously, placards were automatically renewed every two years at the end of June, with no limit on the number of temporary placards issued if one was lost or stolen.
Annually, the California DMV cross-referenced its records with the California Department of Public Health’s vital statistics to withhold renewed placards if the individual was deceased.
Now, the DMV compares its placard records with the Social Security Administration’s master file of social security numbers to verify the holders. The new law does not require re-certification or proof of the applicant’s full name.
Individuals are limited to four replacement placards within a two-year renewal period.
Those requiring additional placards must reapply and submit a new certificate verifying their disability.
Who qualifies for a California disabled placard?
Individuals who are unable to use one or more limbs or both hands, have a diagnosed condition affecting mobility, require a mobility device, or have vision impairments may qualify for a disabled placard.
To become a placard holder, a certificate of disability from a licensed physician or another qualified medical professional must be submitted.
Report disabled placard misuse
If you suspect someone is misusing a disabled placard, an online confidential complaint form is available. You can also contact your local DMV investigations office to report the misuse.
Sacramento residents have the additional option of calling the City of Sacramento Disabled Placard Abuse Hotline at 916-808-5566 or submitting an online placard abuse form.
The California DMV reminds individuals that disabilities may not always be visible, as noted on their website.
