DMV crackdown on use of disabled permits
The Department of Motor Vehicles is cracking down on the misuse of disabled permits.
People who abuse the system can face paying a hefty fine.
News 11’s nico payne spoke to locals on what they think of the misuse and how much violators may have to pay.
Some people may think it’s not a big deal to take the closer handicap spot, but for others, closer parking can make all the difference.
“I just get upset if they don’t put their plack on where you could see it. Then when they come out you know they are disabled,” explained Karla Bell of El Centro
A spokesman from the California Department of Motor Vehicles explains what investigators are looking for and how they did so recently in the los angeles area.
“Twenty-nine DMV investigators carried out the day long enforcement operation. What they were doing is just monitoring the motorist who parked in designated handicap spots in the parking structure,” said Jaime Garza, Spokesperson for California DMV.
DMV employees have been known to go undercover to catch people misusing the disabled permits which could cost you up to $1,000.
“The placard must be issued to either to the driver or someone who is physically inside the vehicle,” added Garza.
We asked one driver what he thought of people mistreating the system.
“That’s a no no, I mean people that need it, there is a reason to get it, expressed Luis Santana of Holtville.
Two men who did not want to be on camera, were using a disabled permit and admitted it wasn’t theirs, saying it was their moms and they had to run a quick errand.
“Now offenders must appear in court, they face fines ranging from $250 to $1000 and that doesn’t include court fees. That offense is placed on the driver record, the disabled person parking placard is also confiscated and since this is not a moving violation, there are no driver points that placed on your record,” said Garza.
If you suspect that someone is misusing their disabled permit you are asked to contact your local dmv investigations division and submit a report.
