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 Iowa, the misuse of handicap parking placards and the obstruction of handicap accessible parking spaces are addressed under Iowa Code Section 321L. The law prohibits individuals from parking in a designated accessible parking space without displaying the appropriate permit, which includes both placards and license plates. It is illegal for someone to use a handicap parking placard or plate if they are not the person to whom it was issued, or if the person with the disability is not present. It is also a violation to use an expired placard or plate, or to lend it to someone without a disability. Additionally, creating, stealing, or using a counterfeit placard or plate is against the law. Blocking access to an accessible parking space, access aisle, or any architectural feature that facilitates access for people with disabilities is also prohibited. Violations of these regulations can result in fines and other penalties. It is important for individuals to respect these laws to ensure that those with disabilities have the access they need.