Parking Violations
Sgt. Eaton has a sure fire way to land on the naughty list this holiday season in his #TrafficTipTuesday!
“Hello and welcome to yet another fun filled edition of #TrafficTipTuesday. Wow, it feels like just a short time ago I was buying Valentine’s Day gifts for my traffic wife and then BOOM it’s the holiday season, and this year is almost over. This week I want to talk about a problem which tends to pick up during the holidays as more people venture out to buy presents. Let’s get to it!
Picture this, your month-long shopping spree is winding down and you only have great-grandmother left on your list. You pull into the music store to pick up the latest “Slayer” album only to find that the only available parking space is designated for persons with disabilities. What should you do? Well, I’ll tell you what you should NOT do. You should NOT occupy that space unless you have a legal right to do so.
Not only it is incredibly insensitive and selfish to occupy a space intended for those with special needs, but it is also against the law. The Maryland Transportation Article forbids “parking motor vehicle in space for use of individual with disabilities without special reg. plate, windshield placard, or temporary windshield placard and authorization to use privileges.” In addition to landing yourself right on the naughty list, you will also face a fine of $140.
“But Traffic Sergeant Eaton, great-grandmother’s car has a disabled persons placard, and I am borrowing her vehicle to pick up her gift.” Whether you like it or not, this is just as bad. Article 13 616.i h2 forbids use of a disabled person parking placard if not disabled or accompanied by the disabled person.” This means that the person to whom the placard is issued MUST be in the vehicle with you when you park in the restricted space. In this instance, not only will you get a hefty fine (also $140) but you will also have the placard confiscated. Now, poor great-grandmother will have to put off listening to her hard-core speed metal because she has to wait in line at the MVA so she can apply for a new placard.
As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram