House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

May 31, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Rep. Greene: Governor Rell Signs Bill Strengthening Handicapped Parking Law

 

New Law Cosponsored by Rep. Greene Increases Fines for Violators

 

A measure that would increase fines for people who violate Connecticut’s handicapped parking law has been signed into law by Governor M. Jodi Rell, state Representative Len Greene, a cosponsor of the legislation, said today.

“Governor Rell did the right thing by signing this bill into law,” said Representative Greene, R-105th District. “Over the last few years, I have seen a significant increase in the number of cars that do not have handicapped parking permits using spaces reserved for disabled persons. People who park illegally in handicapped spaces often say they will take ‘just a minute’ while doing a quick errand.”

“Unfortunately for people with disabilities, who really need the spaces, the ‘minute’ scofflaws say they will take often drags on for a half an hour or more. Under the new law, the fine for a first offense goes from $85 to $150, which will make people think twice before violating the law,” Representative Greene said.

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 new law (Public Act 07-52), takes effect October 1, 2007. 

Violations of the handicapped parking law that are subject to the higher fines include:

·         Parking in a space designated for a handicapped person.

·         The unauthorized display of a special license plate or placard issued to a disabled person.

·         Failure to return a temporary handicapped parking plate or placard to the state Department of Motor Vehicles when the permit expires.

·         Failure to provide designated spaces for handicapped persons as required by state law.

State law requires that fines assessed for violations of the handicapped parking law be remitted by the state to the municipalities in which the violations took place.