If there is one thing that frost my rear end it is people using a handicap tag to park when it is obvious that the person using the handicap parking spot are not the one for which it was issued.

It is pretty damn easy to observe when some twenty or thirty year old comes dancing out of the vehicle moving at warp speed that this person sure is not handicap physically; mentally is another issue altogether.

This situation and its consequences are demonstrated in the following experience I had last week.

I was at the store picking up some odds and ends and had checked out and was at my car unloading my cart when I observed something that shocked me, a women was coming down the parking lot from the store using a walker and dragging a cart along with her. I walked toward her and asked if I could please help her with the cart, she answered that it would be greatly appreciated.

I observed that she had a stump on her right leg above the knee and was resting it on the seat of her walker and hopping along on her good leg. I unloaded her groceries into the trunk of her car and then helped her into her car; I folded up her walker and placed it into the back seat.

She asked me to come over to the car and she gave me a nice hug and told me how kind I was, it made me sad to think that a simple act of kindness should elicit that kind of response.

I returned the cart and walked into the store and searched out the manager who I know very well, I chewed on him a little about his box people not helping out someone and assisting their customer to their car. He was upset about what I had observed and told me it will not happen again.

And of course when walking back to my car I see a young women rush by me and stop her cart at the closest handicap spot and begins to unload her bags, I commented to her that it would be real nice if she reserved those spots for people that really need them, she told me it was none of my business, I told her I just helped a women with one leg struggle across half the parking lot who could have really used that spot.

I told her she ought to be ashamed of herself and that her self-centered attitude and lack of concern for her fellow man is despicable and part of what is wrong with this country.

I realize that nothing I said will have any effect on this young woman however; it made me feel better to let her know what a lowlife someone thinks she is.

We have 4 volunteers here in our town that are authorized by the Police to write tickets for this very thing.
They had them on the news a few months back an as it turns out I know two of them that write the tickets.
The fine for violation of the handicap parking here is about $250.00 if they catch them.
Good for them.

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James

I understand the sentiment completely, but do take care. There are some people who have those slots who might not appear like they need them, but do. Some people have no symptoms one day, but do on another day. It's just hard to know by simply looking.

Another thing, I've been with my Mom (she has a placard and needs it for a few genuine reasons) when out. I've ran out to get the car and drive it up so she can get in at the door instead of walking the extra (short) distance to the handicapped spot. If somebody were to be watching, they'd see me, an obviously able bodied man, apparently using the spot improperly, but that wouldn't be true.

Yes, those spots are seriously abused by jerks, but be sure before you accuse.

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"... shall not be infringed."

It has been my experience that if you observe for a small period of time you can detect if someone is struggling to move about. Individuals with serious heart and asthma issues are not bounding around like a gazelle in lion country.

The young woman that I observed was moving fast and was unloading several large cases of water into her SUV like they weighed two pounds; she was obviously fit from her appearance. In this case if it looks like a duck and quakes like a duck it is a duck.

I can tell you that part of my job on my light duty is to watch the cameras and see who comes in for the weekend visitations at the jail and nearly every single weekend some troll parks in the first slot which is clearly marked handicapped. We spot them and tell them to move their car. Now keep in mind this is in the parking lot of a sheriff's department. If they don't care about doing it there, then how many of them are willing to do it at Walmart or somewhere's else? I have no use for someone who thinks so little of those spots and the people who need them and can't take the time to walk a little farther.

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Vaya con Dios

$400 fine in Ohio for parking in a reserved space without a placard.
They have started giving placards out to fat people. I have a hard time agreeing with that.

Rock 77, I agree. Good job IMO.

That was one of my favorite tickets to write.

Well , due to a severely injured and reconstructed left leg , I have a handicap tag. Somedays , I can barely walk on it and use a cane , somedays I have very little effect other than a noticable limp. I try not to use the handicap spots when I'm walking OK.
And yes , it does tick me off when I see someone park in a handicap spot and sprint away. I've even asked a few, "Is your handicap mental?"

Ironically , I once got a ticket for using a handicap spot. Didn't have the tag yet , but I did have a full leg cast and was on crutches. Female cop saw me , but said since I didn't have the tag , I was getting a ticket. Judge tossed it though.

I was at Best Buy and saw the manager come out and tell a mope in the handicapped spot to get out of there and never come back. He got applause from a whole parking lot full of people who then went in and spent a little more [I was one of them].

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Always bet on stupidity.

Yeah , there's supposed to be a fine for fraudulant use. PA does issue an ID card along with the tag and only the person to whom it's issued is supposed to be able to use handicapped parking.

I am a 100% disabled vet and in our area it is not just the young people but it seems like everyone does it and law enforcement doesnt do anything. I get so mad, but even when I say something alot of the time the just ignore me or dont speak english..Keep On Ranting!!!

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Grover Oathkeeper

I'm with the OP on this one. My brother was a parapalegic and he needed these spots as he was in a wheelchair. It never ceased to
amaze me when i went with him somewhere in his car "Hand controls"
and he would struggle to find a spot to park. Always had to stuggle to find a place to park due to lazy idiots with no Handicap tags parking in these spots. More than once i wanted to "key" a lincoln or lexus with no tag in these spots. I always managed to control my temper thanks to my brothers good nature. He would calm "me" down and patiently circle the lot until he could park. There is a lady who i work with who also uses these spots at our facility. She has no handicap whatsoever and drives a truck with Handicap plates because her husband is disabled. I've refrained from scolding her about the practise because i know what my brother would have told me. "Don't worry about it, i'll find one here in a little bit". RIP Donnie...Love you and miss you bud.

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They hold no Quarter

You can't SEE all legitimate handicaps. I have a sister-in-law that has a ruined back and a bad leg from a compound fracture, both due to a stop sign runner while she were on a motorcycle. She needs it, is young, and doesn't look like she needs it. Most days a re "good" days.

Don't judge by looks. And, yes, it's not your business. Sorry.

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War Eagle! '10 BCS & '13 SEC

I had to use a handicapped tag for about 6 months after my knee replacement, and I started paying attention to the low class jerks that do this. Police in our area have jurisdiction in parking lots. A cell phone call to the non-emergency number usually gets a quick response and ticket for the self-important idiot that violates this law.

People with legitimate handicaps can get handicap tags and plates. People that don't have them don't belong in the reserved spots. I think that abuse of the spaces punishes people with real handicaps, and I will make it my business to intervene, no matter who doesn't like it.

Buck

i have had a handicapped tag for many years and need it. i always thought if you have a hcp. tag,you should be able to write a $500 ticket to those who choose to ignore the blue and white sign.

I believe some of the increased pressure on handicapped violators was initiated in Chicago. From what I understand handicapped can park in metered spaces for free. A lot of revenue is lost downtown due to phonied up handicapped window tags. 1st violations get you fined, second get you towed.
I've got peripheral neuropathy and it's affecting the way I walk. I used to park way out in no man's land in the parking lots when I go shopping just to exercise my legs. I had to give in and get handicapped plates about a year ago. I go shopping when necessary before 8am. If I go any later not only are the lots full but all the handicapped spots are full. I can't believe the amount of young people screwing up their lives by being morbidly obese.

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SOS USA

An acquaintance of many years who was a carpenter by trade was injured on the job and lost the use of his right hand ( he is right handed ) and is disabled under Ohio workmans compensation, has a disability placard and takes advantage of the handicapped spaces.

Anyone care to explain to me how on earth his right handed disability can qualify him for legal handicap parking?

terry

What I dislike are the motorcycle riders that have a permanent Handicap Tag on their bikes and take up a full van spot and charge off their bikes to buy a case of beer at the local grocery store. My wife is disabled and I use our placquard if she is going into the store, but never if it is just me!

medxam

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Doc Garrett
Dead Man's Doctor

My bad knees and overweight (could they be related?) would probably get me a handicap sticker if I wanted one, but I don't. I figure the walk will do me good, even on the days when every step hurts.

I have shed a few pounds recently, and bought some shoes with decent support, so the knees aren't bothering me as much. The places I park, I walk past a lot of empty handicap spaces, and some days they look pretty appealing, but as I said, the walk does me good.

Since I don't use the spaces, I don't pay much attention to who is using them, but it has never struck me that a lot of people use them who shouldn't.

My Father lost the lower half of his right leg in WW II. He had Disabled Veteran plates which gave him access to the handicapped spots. Yet he rarely used those spaces. I asked him once why he didn't and he replied "Hell Son, there are people who need those."

Back in '88 or '89, I had a tibial plateau fracture and was in a full leg cast. The Orthopod asked me if I wanted a "handicapped" tag. I told him I was not handicapped, just temporally disadvantaged. Fast Forward four weeks and I am leaving TGI Friday's on crutches and stop on the curb at an empty handicapped slot. Car starts to pull in and the driver sees me standing there. For some reason they backed up and went elsewhere. Car load of folks that looked pretty normal I was parked about 20 yds away.

I do peeve on the handicap parking, especially since I could easily qualify but do not since it isn't a big thing for me.

Another pet peeve I have and I have acted on it several times is parking in the fire zone in front of stores. I have seen them stacked up two and three deep on Friday nights. One time I called the police non-emergency number and described the goings-on and they sent two cars, one to block each end of the line, just so that everyone could get their ticket. It's a slam-dunk as there is no question about it as there may be with a handicapped spot. It made me happy to see all of the lazy, stupid people getting written up. I wonder how many open warrants were found that evening?

Russ

My wife has a tag and doesn't drive, so I'm her chauffer. Always feel kinda weird sitting in the handicapped spot waiting on her.

So if you see me humping groceries or whatnot make sure ya scope out the whole situation.

And no... I never use it when I'm on my own.

I understand your frustration.

I too have a handicap card. What people don't understand is, that, I have severe rheumatoid arthritis, pacemaker, congestive heart failure, lung problems and the list goes on. I'm 46 years old and have had cancer twice. I just went to the hospital and they pulled off 1400 cc of fluid from the left lung only. Now, that's about a liter and a half of fluid.

By just looking at me, you would never know anything is wrong with me.
I can promise you there is.

I believe the ticket here can go up to $500.00. Not enough, they should be towed and have to go to court where they should receive at least 500 hours community service. I would include those that park in the marked off lines as well.

You said it yourself...it's the dominant hand, and that's how the laws are written. typically one is considered fully disabled, as far as benefits, etc, are concerned when it's the dominant hand. It's so that they don't get short shrifted as far as work and compensation disability benefits are concerned. Just so happens in the letter of the law it also gets them the placard. I knew someone with this dominant hand disability years ago, he said he didn't feel right taking the handicapped parking since it wasn't his leg, even though he qualified for it.

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Soli Deo Gloria

I took a little different approach not too long ago. Some young punk decided to park his Honda across three parking spaces at a convenience store one morning. One of them a handicapped space.

It was early and I was grouchy. So I parked in the only place I could get my service truck in and completely blocked him in.

Went in and got some coffee. Deliberately took my time. Youngster came back in and asked who's &*&%$% truck had him blocked in. I looked at him and smiled but didn't say a word. So he rudely explains to me how I must move immediately cause he's late to work. So I said "looks like your going to be late!"

I walked around the store as if I was looking to buy something else for about five more minutes, then ambled up to the front counter and paid.

I hope the rest of the youngsters day was better.

God Bless, I'll send some prayers

This is what I referred to in my earlier post, as much as we get mad when we see someone using those spots that doesn't immediately appear handicapped, we need to understand that some people may have issues that are not immediately apparent or other factors may be in play that we are not aware of.

I recommend that, if anyone sees somebody using a spot that doesn't appear to qualify for the spot, just notify the authorities and allow them to deal with it by the law.

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"... shall not be infringed."

I also have a valid handicap card due to circulation problems in my legs. I can't walk more than 25 or 30 yards until the pain in my legs forces me to find a place to sit down and rest for a little while. You would be surprised how long it takes to get your shopping done at Wallys.
That being said, I very seldom use handicap parking spaces, I figure there are people who need them worse than I. In the winter or it's raining hard I may use the handicap parking.

I often park in handicap sites. My wife is handicapped and has a mirror tag. Her name is on it. If I were to use it and she not be in the car, the fine is $500. She has 28% lung capacity, artificial knee, mechancial metal heart valves and is crippled with arthritis. She requires a motorized scooter to walk more than 100 feet. Both feet have rod and plates in place of bone and now she has an open wound in her leg that is 55 sq inches in size and requires a RN to change the dressing twice a day, 24/7. She also remains independant.

Around here, the Fire Department is the ones that issue tickets for parking in handicapped spots. Very pricey tickets.

Now for my feelings. There are more handicapped spots than can be filled at most stores. There is no excuse for having 10% of the parking reserved for handicap sites.

Look at the vehicles with handicapped license plates. Often they are close to be monster trucks that I would have to be a mountain climber to get in. If one is handcapped, they would not be able to get into such vehicles.

Try getting a handicapped tag. Virtually any doctor will sign for a patient to get one. Got knee pains? No problem. Sweat when you walk a ways, get out of breath, have hip or back pains. No problem. One person I know has to wear very thick glasses. His doctor signed for him to get a mirror tag since his vision made it difficult to locate his car.

As you folks know i am a young man who was born disabled and because of that disability i have to use a wheelchair, to get and it bothers me to no end when some uses a disabled parking place and they are not disabled.

Yes, those are the ones that get me! If someone can climb in and out of something riding on 44" Super Swampers, then they can get around well enough to walk an extra 25 yards through the lot.

My mother has a bad heart. Every now and again, when she'd park in a handicap spot, some genius would yell at her that she wasn't really handicapped, ought be ashamed, etc. One time some genius even keyed her car.

Living on or near military bases I also see quite a few men (and some women) with artificial legs at a young age. The current generation of such works pretty well. So much so that I've seen guys jogging using them and sometimes you can't tell one is there if someone is wearing long pants. But there is a learning curve to them and I'm also told that sometimes some models "act up" or require adjustment.

Then of course there is MS. One day you might be getting along just fine, and able to sprint. The next you might have a flare up and be having to use a walker. Or it might happen even during the course of a day.

I prefer to mind my own business when it comes to such things.

Anyone parking in a handicap spot with either plates or tags, definitely have a reason to park there.

The real scum bags are those without any and take that space.
They are the ones that anger me.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

So Cal, particularly Beverly Hills and West Hollywood is the handicapped spot abuse capital...and most of the placards are perfectly legal...Sleazy doctors, hand them out to friends and family like candy.

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

Florida is a bit different. Used to be, folks without the placards or tags parked in the spots but, maybe 15 years ago, serious enforcement started. I never see a non-handicapped car in one of the spots anymore.

In fact, at my Church, on a weekday, a member parked in one of the spots to unload some heavy stuff for the Church.
No other cars in the entire lot and several open H/C spots available.

He still got a ticket and ended up having to pay.

As to me, I have one. I look healthy enough and tough enough, though old, and no one has ever said anything to me. But, I need it, and, for what it's worth, remember "You can't judge a book by its cover." Just about anyone could take me real easily in a physical confrontation, but I look healthy enough. Hope to keep them fooled for many more years.

Bob

Same here in MA. but how does one know who the legitimate holders are? That is the problem.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

Oldman45, your post caught my attention. My wife has a valid placard that came about as the result of a nine year, 20 surgery battle to save her left leg - we eventually won the battle. During time battle, she went through the "wound" issue you've prescribed. Along with everything else, she did 79 "dives" in the hyperbaric chamber in an effort to heal the wound but nothing worked.

The last "expert" surgeon concluded the only option was to amputate (I'd post a picture of the wound but you'd probably puke). Amputation was a "no go" for us so we kept on searching for a cure. We finally found a wound care doctor that really knew his stuff. He told us there was a relatively new procedure that just "might" work so we gave it a shot (no pun intended).

All that said, you might consider asking her doctor (or a wound care specialist) about the Integra system.

I'll join FordTruckGuy (and many others) - job well done Rock77, job well done!

That's kinda surprising. I wouldn't expect to find much of that entitlement mentality in BH & Hollywood.

I used to be a volunteer in my city and wrote tickets, but gave it up when I was told I wrote "too many" tickets, and also learned the city court clerks were dismissing 90% of the tickets the volunteers wrote. I decided not to waste my time any more. You can report people abusing handicap parking online at Handicapped Parking Fraud - Handicapped Parking Violators - Help Make a Difference They even allow you to post photos. I actually had people I reported log on the site and apologize.

When the signs with the wheel chair and handicapped parking spaces first came out I had just had my knee operated on and was, in fact, in a wheel chair. We went somewhere in Memphis and parked in the handicapped parking space nearest the door. We were also the ONLY car in the entire parking lot.
I got THE ticket.

Eventually it was dismissed but I still had to pay somewhere around $100 in court costs!

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In dog years I'm dead.