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Bill Combats Misuse
of Disabled Parking Spaces

(JUNEAU) - Sen. Dave Donley (R-Anchorage) introduced legislation today to ensure access to disabled parking spaces for people who truly need them.

"Our state's current disabled parting system is being abused," said Donley. "Some people illegally park in disabled parking spaces and misuse disabled parking permits. Clearer rules, tougher penalties and better enforcement are needed to ensure the availability of priority parking spaces for the disabled."

Senate Bill 206 is the result of over two years of effort, including consultation with organizations that represent the disabled community in Alaska as well as the Department of Motor Vehicles. Donley and his staff also researched disabled parking laws around the country. The bill incorporates the recommendations of the advocacy groups, the Division of Motor Vehicles and the statutes that have been successful in other states.

SB 206 makes the following changes to the current disabled parking statutes;

• Increases the fine for parking in a disabled space without a permit or license plate from $100 to $125, and adds two points to the offender's driver's license
• Creates a new provision specifying that in order to use a disabled parking space, the permitee must be occupying or operating the vehicle, or the person operating the vehicle is transporting a disabled person
• Establishes penalties for the misuse of a permit or license plate, including a fine of $250, four points on the offender's driver's license, and eight hours of community service
• Requires people who hold a disabled parking permit or license plate to obtain a photo identification card from DMV in order to use disabled parking spaces
• Allows local governments to establish private sector enforcement of disabled parking laws

"By requiring the people who hold permits to also carry a photo ID, law enforcement officers will be able to easily identify who is eligible for using a disabled parking space, and who is misusing this accommodation," said Donley. "SB 206 improves the issuing process for disabled parking permits and raises the penalties for those caught illegally parking or misusing permits."

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