Sec. of State to enforce handicap parking for holidays

SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Police will be conducting parking stings at shopping malls statewide throughout the holiday season, according to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

Officers will be ticketing individuals who illegally park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.

"Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them," said White. "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.