Disabled parking fines are most commonly given to drivers who park in disabled spaces without holding a valid permit. All disabled drivers know how frustrating it is when non-permit holders illegally park in disabled spaces. It is an infraction that is rightly frowned upon by society at large, but some people still attempt to get away with it.
When a non-permit holder parks in a disabled space, they receive a fine, which can range from $100 to over $1,000. But it is not only non-disabled parking permit holders who can be given fines. There is a long list of rules that, if violated, will result in a fine for a disabled parking permit-holder as well.
As a disabled driver, there are lots of regulations that you need to adhere to. There are rules around safe driving practices, correct parking, and vehicle upkeep, and if you break these rules, you will be fined.
A ticket is the most common way a disabled driver will be issued a fine. A ticket can be given to you by a member of the police or a traffic warden, or in some jurisdictions, it can be issued by a citizen volunteer. A ticket can also be sent in the post.
What Kind Of Fines Can Disabled Drivers Get?
Disabled drivers can be fined for many different types of infractions. The most common reasons that disabled drivers are fined include:
- Illegal parking. Disabled drivers are entitled to park in designated disabled spaces, but they are not entitled to park in areas designated “No Parking” for other reasons, such as loading bays or ambulance bays.
- Illegal on-street parking. In some jurisdictions, disabled drivers are entitled to park in metered, on-street spaces for free and for any length of time. But in a jurisdiction were this is not allowed, a disabled driver will be fined for doing so.
- Parking in a disabled space when they do not have their disabled permit with them.
- Driving above the speed limit.
- Using a toll road without paying.
- Not wearing a seatbelt.
- Using a mobile phone while driving.
- Driving with their disabled placard hanging from the rearview mirror.
- Lending their disabled placard to somebody else.
- Having a technical issue with the vehicle they are driving, such as a broken light or faulty indicator.
- Reckless driving.
- Driving with an expired license.
Do Disabled Drivers Get The Same Amount Of Points As Other Drivers?
Yes, disabled drivers get the same amount of points for a particular infraction as a all other drivers. The only difference between disabled permit holders and other drivers is that permit holders can park in disabled spaces and some metered on-street spaces. All of the other rules of driving and vehicle upkeep are the same for permit holders and everybody else.
Reaching a certain amount of points means that your driving license will be either suspended (usually for 10–11 points) or revoked (usually 12+ points).
What Happens If A Disabled Driver Doesn’t Pay Their Ticket?
Not paying your ticket is a bad idea. The problem will not go away of you bury your head in the sand!
If a disabled driver doesn’t pay their ticket:
- The fine will automatically increase as time and deadlines tick by.
- Your vehicle could be towed and impounded.
- The state could seize your vehicle.
- You could be summoned to appear in court.
- Debt collection agencies could get involved.
- The fine and additional fees could be taken from your state tax refund.
- Your application to renew your vehicle registration could be refused.
- You could be given a prison sentence.
Can Disabled Drivers Have Their Licenses Revoked?
Yes, disabled drivers can have their licenses revoked. This can happen if they accumulate a certain number of points through several smaller misdemeanors, or all in one go for a larger offense.
Disabled drivers can have their license revoked straight away if they:
- Flee a police officer
- Aggravated reckless driving
- Leave the scene of a collision in which a person was injured
- Are convicted of an assault or homicide committed with an automobile
- Operate a vehicle under the influence of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs
- Operate a vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol if they are under 21 years old
- Operate a vehicle after their driver’s license has been suspended or revoked
- Use the driver’s license of another person
- Commit a felony crime involving the use of a motor vehicle
- Make a false affidavit or statement under any law relating to motor vehicles
- Commit any violation while operating a vehicle without the permission of the owner
Can I Appeal A Disabled Parking Fine?
Yes, you can appeal a ticket. Your chances of success depend on how strong your case is, and on the seriousness of the offense you are accused of.
How Can I Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?
If you have not yet got your own disabled parking permit, the best way to do so is to arrange an online consultation through Disabled Parking.
Disabled Parking will set up a telemedicine consultation between you and a local licensed physician, who will decide if you qualify for a disabled parking permit. It is a quick, easy, and very worthwhile process.
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