MACON, Ga. — Not being able to find a good parking spot can be annoying, but for people with a disability, it can be even more upsetting when a spot designated for you is taken by someone who shouldn't use it.
During the first August Warner Robins city council meeting, Nina Keen told leaders people aren't respecting the signs or they're parking under a family member's permit.
"I would also like to see the police department become more vigilant, and ticketing the people who park in handicapped," she said.
We set out to VERIFY where and when law enforcement can enforce this.
The Question
Can law enforcement enforce disabled parking on private property?
The Sources
- Georgia law
- Warner Robins Police Department
The Answer
Yes, law enforcement can enforce disabled parking on private property.
What we found
Georgia law, under Motor Vehicles and Traffic code 40-6-226, states that only people with a dashboard display permit or license plate can park in marked disabled parking spaces. The person registered to the permit must be driving or in the vehicle. The law says law enforcement or the property's security agency may tow it away at the owner's expense.
We asked the Warner Robins Police Department if this includes private property like businesses or residential properties.
They say they can only tow or issue citations for spots that meet the state rules. They cite state law under O.C.G.A 40-6-221. It says these state rules mean the parking spot must feature a 12-by-18 inch blue sign at least seven feet from the ground. The blue signage must show the words, "Permit Parking Only" and "Tow-Away Zone".
If all of these factors are included, they can enforce the law on both private and public property.
If you park in a handicapped spot without having a visible permit or you use someone else's permit to park, you can receive a fine between $100 to $500.
Keen told the council she'd like to see an ordinance added that allows people to take pictures of violators and those people will be fined. Currently, the department says if you see an issue you can call police or report it to their non-emergency number at 478-542-2000.