Fayetteville, Georgia – August 28, 2023 – Fayetteville Police Chief Scott Gray has issued a reminder to residents and other motorists driving in the City to become familiar with Georgia’s Handicap Parking Space laws and to honor them. He noted that penalties for violations can be serious.
Following is the primary portion of Georgia Code 40-6-226 relating to Handicap Parking Spaces:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to stop, stand, or park any vehicle in a parking place for persons with disabilities unless there is displayed on the driver's side of the dashboard or hung from the rearview mirror of the parked vehicle a valid unexpired parking permit for persons with disabilities or unless there is attached to the vehicle a specially designated license plate for disabled veterans or other disabled persons authorized under Code Section 40-2-74 or 40-2-74.1 and unless such person is the person to whom such permit or license plate was issued; the person to whom such permit or license plate was issued is a passenger in the vehicle; or such vehicle is being used for the transportation of disabled passengers on behalf of the institution to which such permit was issued.”
The law further states, “No person shall park a vehicle so as to block any entrance or exit ramp used by persons with disabilities on public or private property.”
“We do receive complaints on this topic, and we address them as they come along,” said Chief Gray. “Parking in a handicap spot is a misdemeanor and can be punished by a fine up to $1,000.”
Chief Gray said his officers are keen to enforce Handicap Parking Space laws, but he noted that drivers authorized to park in these spaced need to be diligent in displaying their Handicap Parking permits as well.
“Please keep in mind, these spots are for people with disabilities,” said Chief Gray. “We ask, if you need the spaces, then display your placard accordingly, or apply for a Handicap Tag, which can be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. This helps us identify who should be parked in these spaces.”
For more information on Georgia’s Handicap Parking Space permit requirements, visit https://dor.georgia.gov/disabled-persons-license-plates-and-parking-permits.
-- FVPD –
Media Contact: PIO Danny Harrison, [email protected]