Mercer County Executive Reminds About Handicapped Parking Access During Winter Weather

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes and the Office for the Disabled remind businesses or those who own or control a parking area accessible by the public, that they are responsible for assuring access to handicapped parking spaces during winter weather.

This includes ensuring that curb cuts or other improvements designed to provide accessibility for people with disabilities are not obstructed, officials said on Friday.

“With the winter season already upon us, it is especially important that we do everything possible to accommodate those people in our community who have physical disabilities,” Hughes said.

Title 39 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations states: “If snow or ice is obstructing the special parking spaces, curb cuts or other improvement designed for accessibility for the disabled, it shall be removed within 48 hours following the weather condition that caused it ceases.” A person who violates this act shall be liable for a penalty of $200 to $500.

Office for the Disabled Director Thomas E. Shaw-Gardner added that the fine for people parking in a designated accessible (handicapped) parking space without a proper vehicle identification placard is $250 for the first offense; for subsequent offenses, violators may face an additional $250 fine and up to 90 days’ community service.