Countless times, people have been caught misusing a placard or witnessed someone doing so. While some may justify it as needing it but not having qualified for it, this is still illegal.
What is Misuse?
This is the action of using a disability placard that has not been issued to you. You are allowed, however, to use someone’s placard who is in the vehicle with you or whom you are picking up. Misuse can be known or unknown to the placard owner. It is best to keep track of your placard and understand the consequences for the misuser and the owner.
What are the consequences?
Misusing a placard may seem minor, but it can have many consequences for the misuser and the permit holder. Many states have laws regarding how they handle misuse—Florida law subject misusers to fines up to $1000 and/or possibly up to a year in jail. If you receive a ticket/fine, getting a lawyer to help you determine your best steps may be best. Additionally, the owner of the misused placard stands to lose their placard and rights to a placard. This places more importance on keeping track of and not loaning your placard to family/friends.
Reporting
Calling your local authorities is the best option for reporting misuse. If you see the presumed misuser, it is best not to engage and allow authorities to handle the situation instead. This may be challenging, especially if you need the parking spot being taken.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) also has an online complaint form to report someone’s misusing a placard.
