Parking Like a Parker - Pt.3 Reserved Parking for the Disabled

Parking reserved for people with disabilities is not merely a convenience, it is a legal requirement. These special parking spaces for motorists with disabilities ensure safe and equal access to goods and services (access which is taken for granted by most of us). You can help by parking in reserved spaces only if you have a permit or plates for people with disabilities, and only when the person who received the permit or plates is in the vehicle.

It is illegal for any vehicle to park, stop, or stand in a space reserved for the disabled unless it has license plates for the disabled issued by the DMV, a New York State Parking Permit for the Disabled (MV-664) issued by a locality, or a similar plate or permit issued by another state. In addition, the vehicle must actually be in use to transport the disabled person named in the registration or permit. This law applies to spaces reserved and posted by local ordinance on streets and highways, and those set aside by state law in shopping centers that have five or more stores and 20 or more off-street parking spaces available to the public.

It is a misdemeanor to make a false statement or give false information on an application for license plates. Making a false statement or providing misinformation to obtain a parking permit for a person with a disability is punishable by a fine from $250 to $1,000, plus a mandatory surcharge of $30, and potential civil penalties from $250 to $1,000. These penalties apply both to the applicant and to a doctor providing certification.

For more information about reserved parking for the disabled, and how to qualify and apply for a license plate or parking permit, see Parking for People With Disabilities (C-34). This publication is available from the DMV Internet Office, by request from a DMV Call Center, and at any motor vehicle office.

Reserved spaces should be marked with signs such as the one shown, and also may be designated with pavement markings. Also, do not park in the diagonally-striped spaces next to reserved parking areas. These spaces are needed to enable access by those with wheelchairs and specially-equipped vehicles.

The fines for on-street parking violations are set by localities. Unless a locality sets higher penalties, the fine for a shopping center violation is $50 to $75 for a first offense and $75 to $150 for a second offense within two years in the same locality. A mandatory surcharge of $30 will be added to each penalty.
Make sure you can answer these questions before you proceed:

• After you have parallel parked, how close to the curb must your vehicle be?
• May you open a door on the road side of your vehicle if no traffic is coming?
• Before pulling out of a parking space, what should you do?
• What does a NO STOPPING sign mean?
• Can you stop to load or unload passengers at a NO STANDING or NO PARKING sign?
• May you park on a crosswalk in the middle of a block?

Is learning to parallel Park still a challenge? Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.
*Above mentioned fines are subject to change by the DMV at any time*