The campaign runs through Nov. 19 as officers strategically focus on handicapped parking violations.
The campaign will be two-fold: First, it will involve education. Local property owners will be educated on the proper marking of handicapped spaces. In addition, the public will be educated on handicapped parking and the use of a validly issued handicapped placard. Second, the campaign will involve enforcement of handicapped parking violations throughout the town of Wilton.
The law specifies that a state resident with a disability is not allowed to park in an area reserved for handicapped parking if he or she does not display the special plate or placard on or in their vehicle.
Also, handicapped placards and vehicles bearing a special license plate may not use a handicapped parking space unless the vehicle is being driven by or carrying a passenger to whom the placard or plate was issued.
People who have been issued a handicapped placard must display it as follows:
- The placard must be hung from the front windshield rearview mirror when using a handicapped parking space.
- If there is no rearview mirror, the placard must be placed in clear view on the dashboard.
Connecticut General Statute, which is enforceable on public and private property, says:
- Any person who parks a motor vehicle in a designated parking spot reserved for exclusive use by blind persons or persons with disabilities AND does not display either a “special license plate, a license plate displaying the international symbol of access, a “removable windshield placard,” or a placard that is the same as a removable windshield placard except that the international symbol of access appears on a red background is guilty of an infraction.
The amounts of the fines will be:
- $150 for a first offense
- $250 for a subsequent offense
- For a third or subsequent offense, a vehicle may be towed and impounded until payment of any fines are received.
The use of a handicapped placard or a special license plate issued to a person who is deceased is punishable by a $500 fine.
In addition, all handicapped parking permits expire and require a renewal fee — even lifetime permits.
If you see a handicapped parking violation, contact the Wilton Police Department at 203-834-6260.
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