State Looks To Crackdown On Handicap Parking Violators
By: Alex de Leon
Updated: July 23, 2012
Chicago - The state cracks down on drivers abusing the state's handicap parking program.
Gov. Pat Quinn (D) and Sec. of State Jesse White say too many people who are able-bodied are illegally using handicap parking placards, that's why Quinn signed two new laws today to make sure it doesn't happen.
One of them raises the initial fine to $600. If you're caught using somebody else's placard and you'll be fined $1,000.
The second law tackles those using a deceased person's placard, that is now a misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $2,500 and your license will be revoked. Do it twice and you'll be fined $1,000 and lose your driving privileges. "I want to make it clear that abuse of a parking program for persons with a disability is something that I take personally" White said during a press conference earlier today. "I have a simple message for individuals who want to abuse this program, 'if you don't belong there, don't park there'".
The new laws go into effect next year.
Gov. Pat Quinn (D) and Sec. of State Jesse White say too many people who are able-bodied are illegally using handicap parking placards, that's why Quinn signed two new laws today to make sure it doesn't happen.
One of them raises the initial fine to $600. If you're caught using somebody else's placard and you'll be fined $1,000.
The second law tackles those using a deceased person's placard, that is now a misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $2,500 and your license will be revoked. Do it twice and you'll be fined $1,000 and lose your driving privileges. "I want to make it clear that abuse of a parking program for persons with a disability is something that I take personally" White said during a press conference earlier today. "I have a simple message for individuals who want to abuse this program, 'if you don't belong there, don't park there'".
The new laws go into effect next year.
