Can You Get Towed for Parking in a Handicap Spot

You’ve just run into the store for a quick errand and come back to find your car missing. Your heart races as you realize that you parked in a handicap spot without even noticing. What’s worse, you see the telltale sign of a tow truck in the distance.

Getting towed is never a pleasant experience, but getting towed for parking in a handicap spot can be especially frustrating. Maybe you didn’t realize that it was a handicap spot, or perhaps you thought it wouldn’t matter since you were only going to be gone for a few minutes. Regardless of your reasoning, the fact remains: you now have to deal with the consequences.

So what happens if you get towed for parking in a handicap spot? Can it really happen? And if so, what are the penalties? In this article, we’ll explore these questions and more, giving you all the information you need to avoid an expensive and inconvenient headache.

Understanding Handicap Parking Spots and Eligibility for Use

Handicap parking spots are designated parking areas for individuals who have a disability that limits their mobility. These spaces are typically located close to the entrance or exit of buildings, public facilities, or businesses. Handicap parking spots are marked with a symbol of a wheelchair and the color blue. It is important to note that not all disabilities qualify for handicap parking.

Eligibility Criteria for Handicap Parking

To be eligible for handicap parking, an individual must have at least one of the following conditions:

• The inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• The need to use a portable oxygen tank.
• A heart condition that limits their ability to walk.
• A neurological, arthritic, or orthopedic condition.
• A visual impairment that qualifies as legally blind.

Obtaining a Handicap Parking Permit

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for a handicap parking permit through their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The application typically requires documentation from a medical professional verifying the individual’s condition. Once approved, individuals will receive either a temporary or permanent handicap placard or license plate.

Temporary vs. Permanent Placards

Temporary placards are valid for up to six months and are issued to individuals who have temporary disabilities that limit their mobility. Permanent placards are issued to individuals whose disability is expected to last longer than six months.

The Consequences of Illegally Parking in a Handicap Spot

Parking in a handicap spot without proper authorization can result in severe consequences. In most states, it is considered a violation of accessibility laws and can lead to hefty fines and even towing.

Fines for Illegal Parking

The fines for illegally parking in a handicap spot can vary based on the state and locality. In some states, the fines can be as high as $500 for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders may face even more severe penalties.

Towing for Illegal Parking

In addition to fines, illegally parked vehicles in handicap spots may also be towed. The cost of retrieving a vehicle from impound can be expensive and time-consuming. It is essential always to check if it is legal to park in a particular spot before leaving your vehicle.

Exceptions to Towing Policies

Most states have exceptions to their towing policies, such as allowing law enforcement or emergency medical personnel to park in handicap spots temporarily. Still, these exceptions are typically only allowed when responding to an emergency situation.

Towing for Unauthorized Use of Handicap Parking Spots: Is it Possible?

Towing for unauthorized use of handicap parking spots is possible and legal in most states. If you park your vehicle in a handicap parking spot without proper authorization, you risk facing hefty fines and having your car towed.

How Towing Works

When your vehicle is towed from an illegal parking spot, it is taken to an impound lot where you will need to pay a fee to retrieve it. The fees can vary depending on the location and duration of the impoundment.

Contesting Towing Fees

If you believe that your vehicle was towed wrongly or that the fees are too high, you may contest the charges through local authorities or even file a complaint with the DMV.

Exceptions to the Rules: When Can You Park in a Handicap Spot Without Getting Towed?

There are very few exceptions when someone who doesn’t have proper authorization can park in a handicap spot without getting towed. However, some states allow family members or caregivers of individuals with disabilities to park in the handicap spots while they are transporting the individual.

Transporting Someone with a Disability

In most states, if you are transporting someone with a disability and dropping them off at a location, you can use the handicap parking spot temporarily. Still, it is essential to check local laws and regulations before doing so.

Other Exceptions

Some other exceptions may include emergency situations where there is no available parking nearby or if the individual has become ill and needs immediate medical attention. In these cases, it is best to contact local authorities before parking in a handicap spot.

The Cost of Retrieving Your Vehicle from Impound After Being Towed for Illegal Parking

The cost of retrieving your vehicle from impound after being towed for illegal parking can be expensive. The fees charged for impoundment vary depending on the location and duration of the impoundment.

Impound Fees

The fees associated with impoundment typically include towing fees, storage fees, and administrative fees. These charges can add up quickly, costing anywhere from $200-$500 or more.

Reducing Impound Fees

To reduce impound fees, it is essential to retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible. Many impound lots charge daily storage fees that increase over time.

Tips for Avoiding Towing and Resources for Complying with Accessibility Laws

To avoid getting towed for illegal parking in handicap spots, it is essential always to read posted signs carefully and understand local accessibility laws and regulations. Below are some tips that can help:

Tips for Avoiding Towing:

• Park only in designated areas.
• Don’t park in a handicap spot without proper authorization.
• Read posted signs carefully.
• Understand local accessibility laws and regulations.

Resources for Complying with Accessibility Laws:

• Contact your local DMV for information about obtaining a handicap parking permit.
• Check with local authorities for information about accessible parking in your area.
• Visit the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website for more information on accessibility laws and regulations.

It is illegal to park in a handicap spot without proper authorization, and doing so can result in being towed or fined.

Frequently Asked Questions about Can You Get Towed for Parking in a Handicap Spot

What happens if you park in a handicap spot without a permit near Denver CO?
The amount of the fine for a parking violation depends on various factors such as the location of the spot, whether your permit has expired, the duration of the violation and the state you are in. For instance, fines in Denver, Colorado are relatively lower, ranging from $100 to $250 on average.

What is the fine for parking in a handicap spot in Washington state?
Violating disabled parking regulations will result in a civil penalty of $250. An additional assessment of $200 will also be imposed, which will be allocated according to RCW 46.19.050.

What happens if you park in a handicap spot without a permit in Texas?
Although parking in a handicap spot without a permit won’t result in jail time, it can still be very expensive. In Texas, a ticket for parking in a handicap spot without the proper license plate or placard can cost up to $1,250.

What are the rules for disabled parking permit in Wisconsin?
Individuals with a permanent disability, as confirmed by a healthcare professional, can obtain a Disabled Parking Identification (DIS ID) permit. This includes those who are unable to walk more than 200 feet without needing to rest, as defined by law.

How much is a handicap ticket in Colorado?
A $100 fine will be imposed if a disabled parking plate or placard is not present or if it has expired.

Can you park in front of your own driveway Colorado?
In Colorado, it is against parking laws to park within certain distances of specific locations. These locations include five feet of a public or private driveway, 15 feet of a fire hydrant, 20 feet of a crosswalk, and 30 feet of a flashing beacon or signal, as well as a stop or yield sign. This law was established on September 7, 2018.