Secretary of State Police will be conducting stings this holiday season to target people illegally parking in spaces reserved for people with disabilities. Secretary of State Jesse White announced that Secretary of State Police will be enforcing the provisions of the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities across the state starting on Black Friday and continuing throughout the holiday shopping season. This marks the 15th year that these stings are being conducted across the state of Illinois. Secretary White says that the “mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them.”

Drivers caught misusing a disability 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. All subsequent offenses will result in a $1000 fine plus the violator’s driver’s license being revoked for one year. 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 $2500 fine and the violator’s driver’s license being revoked for one year.

Individuals who wish to report abuse of parking spaces for people with disabilities can do so by calling 217-785-0309 or by going on to ilsos.gov and completing the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities Abuse Complaint Form.