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 Utah, the misuse of handicap parking placards and the obstruction of handicap accessible parking spaces are addressed under the state's Motor Vehicle Code, specifically in Utah Code Ann. § 41-1a-414. It is illegal to park in a designated accessible parking space without a valid disability placard or license plate. This includes using an expired placard or one issued to another person who is not present. It is also a violation to lend a placard to someone without a disability for them to use inappropriately. Additionally, it is against the law to counterfeit, steal, or otherwise unlawfully obtain a disability placard or plate. Blocking access to an accessible parking space, access aisle, ramp, curb cut, or any architectural feature designed for individuals with disabilities is also prohibited. Violations of these regulations can result in fines and other penalties. An attorney can provide specific guidance on the consequences of such offenses and any defenses that may be available to individuals accused of these violations.