In Florida the hang tags have the drivers license (or ID number if the handicapped person has no drivers license) of the person the tag is assigned to printed right on the tags. Handicapped plated vehicles can be looked up by an officer of the law.

 

I do not know the law in Kentucky, but here, if there is not a person in the vehicle with a drivers license or ID matching the plate or hang tag, the driver can be arrested and fined a minimum of $2500 and a night in jail. I know they enforce this one, too. One time, when attending a USF football game, we had Mom's hang tag in the car instead of Mrs. S's. There were sheriff's deputies checking as we entered the lot and I almost got my butt thrown in the clink. I got off with a warning and had to vacate the handicapped lot immediately.

 

As I mentioned, Mrs. S has a hang tag. While Mrs. S walks with a cane, she cannot walk long distances. That's why she has the tag. I do not use it if she is not in the vehicle or if she is not getting out of the vehicle. In fact, when alone, I try to park as far from the entrance of any business I'm going to as I can. I need the steps.

Good point.

 

 

Over half of the people I see with the placards never appear to have any physical limitations requiring them to need the placard. Doesn't mean the placard isn't needed for someone they transport.

 

I agree with you PP92. However, the placard that you hang in the window is associated with the PERSON, not the vehicle. So, if the particular handicap person is not in the car, technically the person using the vehicle has no claim to be using said placard. I would also bet, though I can't say that I know this as fact, but if you dug into the regulations on handicap stickers deep enough, that technically what this person did (asuming she isn't handicaped and was the only one in the car) is probably against the law.

Yes. I can't understand how anyone would think that it was right to do otherwise.

 

To be completely honest it never struck me as wrong when I used it. My thought process was, "I have a placard and I can park here." Did I know I didn't need to? Absolutely. Did I feel guilty? No. Because I felt I wasn't impeding anyone who truly needed handicapped parking from parking there. There were easily over 10 free handicapped spots when I entered and left both stores. Both of those chain stores in Danville have more than adequate handicapped parking. Had it been a situation where there wasn't enough parking I wouldn't have parked there. I don't care to walk. I had the placard. I knew I wouldn't have it long. I'll likely never have it or one again. I wanted to try it out. No harm no foul no biggie to me.

I agree with you PP92. However, the placard that you hang in the window is associated with the PERSON, not the vehicle. So, if the particular handicap person is not in the car, technically the person using the vehicle has no claim to be using said placard. I would also bet, though I can't say that I know this as fact, but if you dug into the regulations on handicap stickers deep enough, that technically what this person did (asuming she isn't handicaped and was the only one in the car) is probably against the law.

 

Against the law never crossed my mind. It was a moral issue for me and I admittedly have a low moral compass on a lot of issues. Had I known for sure what I was doing was against the law I wouldn't have done it. The only law I knowingly break is speeding. As for the woman in the picture without knowing her reasoning for being at the gym it is hard to tell if she is breaking the law and has a low moral compass like I do from time to time or if she is legally parking there.

If you don't abuse it, you will lose it.

To be completely honest it never struck me as wrong when I used it.

 

Really? You're not handicapped. You don't have the person with you. All of a sudden you have a great parking spot because of the misfortune of someone you know and you don't think when they're not with you that it should be no problem you parking there? Chief, you are part of the epidemic.

Really? You're not handicapped. You don't have the person with you. All of a sudden you have a great parking spot because of the misfortune of someone you know and you don't think when they're not with you that it should be no problem you parking there? Chief, you are part of the epidemic.

 

Relax, officer. I had the placard for a week and like I explained I had no idea it was against the law to still use it when that person wasn't with me. Had I known it was against the law I wouldn't have done it. I'll ask again though....who was hurt by me using the placard?

If you don't abuse it, you will lose it.

 

Well, that explains a lot.

In KY, placards can not hang on the mirror while the car is in motion. Guru's original posting says that the person made a conscious decision to hang the placard when exiting the vehicle. So, this was not an "oops" situation where they accidently left the placard up. There was intent to use the placard and to park in that spot. If she is truly exploiting the law, I would hope she gets caught someday.

Relax, officer. I had the placard for a week and like I explained I had no idea it was against the law to still use it when that person wasn't with me. Had I known it was against the law I wouldn't have done it. I'll ask again though....who was hurt by me using the placard?

 

I guess the same can be said if you park up next to the curb in the fire lane. I mean, as long as the store doesn't catch fire, there's no need for firetrucks. All that pavement is just going to waste!

I have a friend who has a handicapped placard and she legitimately needs it as she needs hip replacement and knee replacement and cannot walk without pain. Her car broke down and I was giving her rides to work in the meanwhile and using her placard when I parked at work. I had the placard for about a week and still used it even when I wasn't transporting her to work. I used it at Lowes twice and Walmart once and I'd do it again also. Why? Because I don't care.:wtf:

I HOPE you are kidding! :meh:

In the spirit of this conversation but somewhat not....Have you seen the number of Handicap spots outside of Target? Always empty and folks without a card have to walk from the back of the parking lot. All of the good spots are taken........I need a card for rainy days.....

Honestly, that's pretty pathetic. If you were one of those people who HONESTLY need those spots, you would gladly switch places with people who have to walk a few extra steps to get to the store. Btw, the number of spots in front of the store is federally mandated...thank God.

Good point.

 

 

Over half of the people I see with the placards never appear to have any physical limitations requiring them to need the placard. Doesn't mean the placard isn't needed for someone they transport.

But they are never to be used unless the disabled person is in the car at that time.

I explained I had no idea it was against the law to still use it when that person wasn't with me.

 

That's not the point. Why would you use it when you are not in fact handicapped? Your internal compass didn't even alert you. That is what I find troubling.

Just here at work we have at least 5 people with handicapped placards but are here at work. The irony in that sentence alone makes me laugh.

I don't understand what you mean by "irony." I must be missing something. :down: