Increases the fine for handicap parking violations and allows motorists so cited to provide proof of possession of such permit to reduce such fine

BILL NUMBER:S6134

Title of bill

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

Purpose

This legislation amends the vehicle and traffic law to raise the maximum fine for illegally parking in a handicapped parking space from $75 to $150 for the first offense. For the second offense occurring within a period of two years within the same municipality, this legislation would raise the minimum fine from $75 to $150 and the maximum fine from $150 to $250.

This legislation adds a provision that if a motorist being issued a summons pursuant to this section provides proof of possessing a special vehicle identification parking permit or a special municipal parking permit to the municipality whom the summons was issued within ten (10) days, they shall be subject to a fine of no less than $50 and no more than $75.

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 $50, there is no real deterrent for those individuals who knowingly violate the law. Further, the current law does not distinguish between able-bodied people knowingly violating the law, and those who are handicapped, but do not present their permit as required by the current law when parking in spaces allotted to special permit holders. This bill would distinguish the two different types of offenders, and increase the fine for illegally parking in a handicapped parking space accordingly.

Fiscal implications

increased revenue for the State.

Prior legislative history

A.5572 of 2011-2012 Referred to Transportation

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall become a law.