House Republican Press Release

May 1, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Greene: Bill Strengthening Handicapped Parking Law Passes House

Bill would Increase Fines for Violators; Require State to Remit Fines to Towns Where Violations Occur 

A measure that would increase fines for people who violate Connecticut’s handicapped parking law was approved today by the state House of Representatives, said state Representative Len Greene, who cosponsored the bill.

“On any given day, you can drive through a shopping center parking lot and see at least one or two cars without handicapped parking permits illegally using spots reserved for the disabled,” said Representative Greene, R-105^th District. “When people who need walkers or wheelchairs can’t find a handicapped space because cars without permits are using them, it usually means they have to park some distance away from the stores they hope to patronize. For those who are severely disabled, getting from their cars to the store can push them to the limits of their endurance.”

“The major reason the law is frequently violated is that the fines are too low, which encourages people to risk being ticketed to shave a minute or two off of the time they spend shopping,” Representative Greene said. “This legislation will significantly increase the fines and be a more effective deterrent to those who would break the law.” 

Currently, violations of the handicapped parking law are infractions with a fine of not less than $85. The bill eliminates the designation as an infraction and increases the fine to $150 for a first violation and $250 for a subsequent violation.

The bill (House Bill 6370) now goes to the state Senate for final legislative approval.