The mad dash of holiday shoppers will soon hit stores across the Chicago area, but if you’re planning to drive to the malls on Black Friday and beyond, the state is warning drivers to think twice before misusing a disabled parking placard.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced Secretary of State Police and other law enforcement agencies will conduct statewide parking stings targeting people illegally parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities at shopping malls beginning Friday.
“Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them,” White said.
People caught misusing a placard face a six month driver’s license suspension and a $600 fine. Repeat violators face a one year driver’s license suspension and a $750 fine for a second offense, and for the third or subsequent offenses they face a $1,000 fine plus a one year driver’s license revocation.
The state is also warning placard holders to avoid loaning placards to friends and family members. State law requires the authorized holder be present when parking.
There are currently 635,955 disability placards and 65,954 disability license plates in Illinois, according to the Secretary of State.
The parking enforcement lasts through the holiday shopping season and in to the New Year.
