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 Indiana, the misuse of handicap parking placards and the obstruction of handicap accessible parking spaces are addressed under Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles), specifically in sections dealing with traffic regulations and vehicle equipment. It is illegal to park in a handicap space without a valid disability plate or placard, and the law applies regardless of whether the driver or a passenger has a disability. It is also an offense to use an expired placard or one that was issued to someone else who is not present in the vehicle. Lending a placard to someone without a disability who then uses it to park in a handicap space is prohibited. Additionally, creating, stealing, or using a counterfeit placard or license plate designated for individuals with disabilities is a criminal act. Blocking access to a handicap parking space, access aisle, ramp, curb cut, or any architectural feature designed for disability access is also against the law. Violations can result in fines, and in some cases, may lead to more severe penalties or criminal charges.