House Republican Press Release

October 1, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

LAW TO TOUGHEN PENALTIES FOR ILLEGALLY USING HANDICAPPED PARKING SPACES TAKES EFFECT

Bill supported by State Rep. Scribner

HARTFORD- A new law that toughens penalties for illegally using a handicapped parking space takes effect today. State Rep. David Scribner (R-Brookfield, Bethel), who serves as Ranking Member (House Republican Leader) of the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, was instrumental in moving the legislation through the committee process.

Public Act 07-52 increases the fine for violating laws relating to the provision and use of parking spaces designated for handicapped people. Previously, violations were infractions with a minimum fine of $85. The new law increases the fine to $150 for a first violation and $250 for a subsequent violation.

Under prior law, a violator who mailed in the fine paid a total of $131. This included the base fine of $85 and, because violations were designated as infractions, additional assessments required by law bringing the total amount due to $131. Under PA 07-52, violators are no longer subject to the additional charges since the violation is no longer classified as an infraction. Therefore, for a first violation, the person will pay $150 instead of $131.

In addition, fines collected now will go directly to the municipalities where the violations occur.

“This legislation is designed to help make more of the existing spaces available to people who genuinely need them,” said Rep. Scribner. “Toughening the penalties and allowing towns who enforce the law to keep the fines are excellent measures toward preventing the illegal use of these parking spaces.”