Police Seek to Crack Down on Handicap Tag Abusers

Police are cracking down on motorists who abuse handicap placards and other parking violations in a new effort called “Operation HIDE,” (Handicap ID Enforcement).

Targeting their efforts on strategic areas like the Shopping Centers and malls, officers hope to cut down on the abuse of handicap parking spaces and identify individuals who abuse other citizens’ placards and tags.

Fradulently using handicap placards and tags aren't the only problem. At a County Recreation and Parks meeting last month, Anne Arundel County police Corp. Mark Camm, who runs traffic enforcement in the southern district, said that he frequents a local gym, where he often sees fitness customers with no tags simply utilizing handicap parking spaces for convenience.

The desired outcome of the effort is twofold, said police department spokesman Justin Mulcahy.

“[The goal is] enforcing the law and deterring individuals from fraudulently using the placards and plates,” he said. “[The violators] take away from someone with a handicap, who needs the spot.”

Police started the operation last year because of the large number of handicap parking violations in the county, said Mulcahy. 

Illegally parking in a handicap spot carries a fine of up to $500.

In a recent press release, Mulcahy said uniformed officers will partake in a designated “enforcement week” in May, August and November.

“Many motorists use handicap spaces without using a proper tag by using another family member’s placard or using a deceased person’s tag, needlessly taking handicap parking away from people that need it,” said Mulcahy in the release.

Drivers with disabilities should keep a copy of their medical certification in their vehicles when using handicap placards and plates, according to the release.

The initiative is expected to continue through November 2011, according to Anne Arundel County Police.