DiGirolamo Shares Handicap-Parking Law Update

BENSALEM, PA — Illegally blocking a handicap parking space will bring an even heftier fine in Pennsylvania in the coming year, a state lawmaker was reminding constituents on Thursday.

On Facebook, state Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, R-Bensalem, noted the General Assembly's 2018 passage of Act 144, which was aimed at modernizing Pennsylvania's handicap parking laws.

"As each of us travel to various medical, professional or business facilities and seek parking, we readily see spaces that are reserved for those with disabilities. Sadly, we also note that some people who are not properly authorized to use these spaces do use them," DiGirolamo wrote. "Such misuse shows neither proper respect for those who do have disabilities, nor for the law."

The new law, which goes into effect in 2019, specifically cracks down on people who block handicap parking spaces, the ramps near them that are used by people in wheelchairs or other personal mobility devices, and the access lanes next to them.

The access lanes often are marked with diagonal lines. Violators will face a fine of $100-300 under the law.

According to commonwealth parking lot standards, about 4 percent of lots are supposed to be allocated for parking for people with disabilities.

"Given the limited availability of disabled parking spaces, individuals who legally hold a disabled parking placard or plate need these spaces to be protected and properly enforced," DiGirolamo said.

The new law also permits municipalities and local authorities to designate a particular space on a public street for a particular person or vehicle.

For more information on obtaining a person-with-disabilities placard for parking, click here. Anyone needing additional help may contact DiGirolamo's office, he wrote, at 215-750-1017.

DiGirolamo's 18th House District is based in Bensalem, starting at the Delaware River in the south and stretching north to just north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Photo courtesy office of state Rep. Gene DiGirolamo.