Provides that vehicles with permits for handicapped parking issued anywhere in the state may use all spaces for handicapped parking in the city of New York

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the New York city charter, in relation to permitted use of handicapped spaces in the city of New York

Purpose

This bill provides that vehicles with permits for handicapped parking issued anywhere in the state may use all spaces for handicapped parking in the city of New York. The bill also provides that handicapped parking permits issued by the City of New York will be valid outside of the City.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. The opening paragraph of subdivision 1 of section 1203-a of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 298 of the laws of 2007 is amended to entitle individuals who have parking permits which allow them to park in any designated parking spot for persons with disabilities, shall also be authorized to park in any authorized parking space for persons with disabilities in the city of New York.

Paragraph 15 of the New York City Charter is amended to allow New York City issued handicapped permits to be valid statewide, not just within the boundaries of New York City.

Justification

Current law does not permit individuals outside of New York City, who have special vehicle identification parking permits issued by the State, which allows them to park in spaces for persons with disabilities anywhere in the State, to also park in designated handicapped parking spaces in New York City.

Individuals who live and work in New York City are issued a special handicapped parking permit from New York City and affords them the ability to park in additional designated handicapped spaces. This can create a real burden for handicapped individuals who do not live or work in New York City, but travel to and visit New York City frequently. Handicapped individuals from outside of New York City should be afforded the opportunity to park in the same designated handicapped parking spaces as those handicapped individuals who live and work in New York City. Likewise, permits issued by the City of New York should be honored Statewide. This legislation accomplishes both goals.

Legislative history

S.5901--Passed Senate of 2004, S.676--Passed Senate 2005, 2006, S.3192-Passed 2007-2008

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.