Austin is cracking down on drivers who illegally park in a disabled spot.
Beginning Feb. 1, if someone in Austin parks a car illegally in a disabled spot, falsely uses a disabled placard, or blocks a spot, they will pay a higher price. Fines, including court costs, will jump from $255 to $511. Also, it is not just a civil citation anymore; it is criminal.
If you are caught illegally parking in a spot more than once, your fine will continue to increase, and you could end up doing community service. It also applies to someone illegally using a disabled placard or blocking a disabled spot.
“I have mixed feelings about it,” Amy Leftwich said. “It seems like a big leap in the consequences, but obviously there’s a problem. So something needs to change.”
Leftwich’s brother was disabled in a car accident.
“I think because I have a personal connection, I’m often looking, and I see people who, just out of convenience factor, they pull in, jump out of the car for a second, and they kind of justify it in that they’re just going to be there for a moment,” Leftwich said.
She wonders how effective the new law will be, since the old laws do not seem to be enforced.
“I definitely see it, and I have yet to see anyone get a ticket for parking in a handicapped spot,” she said.
