It is a criminal offense in every state to misuse a handicap parking placard—or to otherwise block access to a handicap accessible parking space, aisle, ramp, curb cut, or architectural improvement designed to provide access for people with disabilities. Misuse may take many forms, and laws vary from state to state, but it is generally a crime:

• to park a vehicle in a handicap accessible parking space without displaying the appropriate plate or placard—even if a driver or a passenger of the vehicle has a disability;

• to park a vehicle in an accessible space when neither the driver or any passenger has a disability, even if the vehicle displays the appropriate plate or placard;

• to park a vehicle with a placard or plate that is expired;

• to park a vehicle with a placard or plate that belongs to someone who is not a driver or a passenger in the vehicle;

• to lend a parking placard to an individual without a disability who uses that placard to violate state law;

• to steal or counterfeit a parking placard or license plate;

• to park a car in such a way that it blocks access to an accessible parking space, an access aisle, or any architectural improvement that provides access for people with disabilities, such as a ramp or a curb cut.

Laws prohibiting the misuse of handicap parking placards are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the vehicle code, transportation code, or penal or criminal code.

In Alabama, the misuse of handicap parking placards and the obstruction of handicap accessible parking spaces are addressed under state statutes, specifically within the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 32-6-233. It is illegal to park in a designated handicap parking space without displaying the appropriate plate or placard, regardless of whether a driver or passenger has a disability. It is also unlawful to use a handicap placard or plate if the person to whom it was issued is not present in the vehicle. Additionally, using an expired placard or plate, lending a placard to someone without a disability, or using a stolen or counterfeit placard or plate are all criminal offenses. Violators may face fines and other penalties. Blocking access to an accessible parking space, access aisle, or any architectural feature designed to provide access for people with disabilities is also prohibited. Enforcement of these laws is intended to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to parking spaces designed to accommodate their needs.