Secretary of State Police target those who abuse disability parking at malls

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that Secretary of State Police will be conducting parking stings at shopping malls statewide throughout the holiday season and ticketing individuals who illegally park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.

Secretary of State Police planned to enforce the provisions of the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities at shopping centers throughout the state on Black Friday, Nov. 25, which marked the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. 

Secretary of State Police will also be enforcing the program in other areas of the state throughout the holiday season.

“Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them,” White said in a news release. 

“Parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a possible driver’s license suspension and a hefty fine, money which could otherwise be used on gifts. Remember, if you don’t belong there, don’t park there.”

Drivers caught misusing a placard face a six-month driver’s license suspension and a $600 fine. 

Repeat violators will face a one-year driver’s license suspension and a $750 fine for a second offense.

For third or subsequent offenses, violators will face a $1,000 fine plus a one-year driver’s license revocation. 

The fine for parking in an accessible parking space without a disability placard or disability license plates can be up to $350. 

Using a deceased person’s placard or a fraudulent placard can result in a $2,500 fine and one-year revocation of a driver’s license.

Currently, there are 521,038 permanent placards, 26,294 meter-exempt placards, 47,940 disability plates and 6,984 disabled veteran plates registered in Illinois.

White urges individuals to report abuse of parking spaces for people with disabilities by calling 217-785-0309. 

Callers should be prepared to report placard and license plate numbers, as well as the location of vehicles. 

Individuals can also report abuse on the Secretary of State’s website at ilsos.gov and complete the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities Abuse Complaint Form.