Increases the penalties for certain handicapped parking violations

4 Co-sponsors

• John A. DeFrancisco
• Andrew J. Lanza
• Diane J. Savino
• Catharine Young

BILL NUMBER:S1062

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to penalties for certain handicapped parking violations

Purpose

To raise the fine and increase the punishment for parking in a hand- icapped spot.

Summary of provisions

Subdivision 2 of section 1203-b of the vehicle and traffic law as amended by chapter 203 of the laws of 1981, is amended to increase the fine for parking in a handicapped parking space to $50-$100 for the first offense and $100$150 and 2 points on the violator's record for the second offense occurring within a period of two years within the same municipality.

Subdivision 4 of section 1203-c of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by 613 of the laws of 2003, is amended to raise the minimum fine for illegally parking in a handicapped parking space from $50-$75 to $50-$100 for the first offense, and raise the minimum fine from $75-$150 to $100-150 for the second offense occur- ring within a period of two years within the same municipality.

Justification

All too often, able-bodied people are found parking in one of the precious few parking spaces allotted for the handicapped at public buildings, shopping malls and entertainment venues. Since the current fine is a minuscule $25-50, there is no real deterrent for those indi- viduals who knowingly violate the law. This bill would increase the fine for illegally parking in a handicapped parking space by $25.

Legislative history

S.274A/A.138B of 2011/2012; Referred to Transportation S.2149/A.1770 of 2009/2010; Referred to Transportation S.949/A.231 of 2007/2008; Referred to Senate Transportation Committee S.25/A.719 of 2005/2006; Referred to Senate Transportation Committee S.5856/A.488A of 2003/2004; Advanced to Third Reading A.4113 of 2001/2002 A.3815 of 1999/00

Fiscal implications

Increased revenue for the State.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation neces- sary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.