Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Lawrence Berezin
People abusing accessible parking spots is an ongoing problem in New York City.
For folks with disabilities, parking permits are essential for accessible parking, whether they’re running errands or attending medical appointments. Unfortunately, however, people without disabilities can often feel entitled to use disabled parking spots, taking them away from those who really need them. As such, parking violations are rife across NYC — a staggering 15.5 million parking tickets (and camera violations) were issued in 2022, with a total of $843,599,246 in fines collected, the latest data from the NYC Department of Finance reveals.
By making an effort to stay within the law, report illegal parking, and understand not all disabilities are visible, we can create a fairer NYC that remains accessible to folks with disabilities.
Maintain accessible parking by staying within the law
The NYC Department of Transportation may issue a City permit If you have a permanent disability that affects your ability to walk. This permit (a rectangular dashboard permit) allows people with severe disabilities to park on most curbsides on NYC streets. Keep in mind, “reserved parking spaces are only available off-street, in parking lots for shopping centers/malls, office/apartment buildings, and college campuses”, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles explains.
The permit isn’t valid for use outside NYC. If you do see someone abusing a disabled parking spot, you can report it on NYC’s official website, NYC311. Be sure to include the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number in your report.
Does the Evil Empire fine people for taking up reserved spaces?
In short: yes. The Evil Empire will fine people between $50-$75 for a first offense for abusing disabled parking spots and between $75-$150 for a second offense. Likewise, the police may tow anyone caught parking illegally in these spots. As the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles explains, it’s illegal to park in a space reserved for people with disabilities if you don’t have the correct parking permit or vehicle plates.
Why do people abuse disabled parking spots?
So, why do drivers park in spaces meant for folks with disabilities? It all comes down to a fundamental lack of respect for the law and other people’s needs. People typically have a certain idea of what someone with a disability should look like in their heads — often someone in a wheelchair or an older person. So, i they see someone using a disabled parking space who doesn’t look like they have a disability — maybe they can walk, albeit only short distances — these drivers get annoyed, consider the situation unfair, and start using the spaces themselves. Reflection of a wider problem: a lack of care
Moreover, this lack of respect is usually part of a bigger problem:
A general failure to look after public spaces. Garbage and mold, in particular, are some of the most common problems that arise as a result of not keeping the city safe and clean. Notably, mold complaints by NYC renters increased to 27,164 in 2022, up from 23,056 in 2017, the New York Times reports. The Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, in particular, recorded the most mold complaints. The mold removal process needs to be extensive in order to effectively restore space and make it safe to use. Ultimately, with garbage and mold problems in NYC on the rise, along with the problem of people misusing accessible parking spots, the pressing need to properly respect public spaces is becoming ever more apparent.
Creating a fairer future for people with disabilities
In order to stop people from abusing disabled parking spots, it’s important to adopt a more accurate understanding of what counts as a disability. Some folks have non-visible disabilities, which means they need to use disabled parking spots, even though this may not be immediately visibly obvious to others. People, therefore, need to stop judging disabilities based on looks, as well as stop confronting people with disabilities based on assumptions or momentary anger. “If you have to think about and plan around some physical or mental condition you have, pretty much every day, then you’re disabled,” –Forbes notes.
Trust in the existing system that grants parking permits also needs to be restored.
People need to provide proof of disability granted by a licensed doctor in order to qualify. In 2022, 8,286 disability permits were issued in NYC, with over half of applicants rejected as their supporting documentation failed to meet the eligibility criteria, the Department of Health reveals. The free Parking Mobility app also makes it easier for people to report disability parking violations. If you spot someone parking illegally, simply open up the app and snap three photos of the car.
Parking Mobility (the non-profit behind the app) will then submit the data to the local authorities. Disabled parking spots are essential to make life easier for people with disabilities. By remaining respectful of the needs of others and understanding not all disabilities are visible, we can ensure
disabled parking is reserved for those who truly need it.
Nina Garry
Freelance Writer
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