Disabled parking spaces and ignorant people.

[Twinpanther]

A huge pet peeve of mine as well as most disabled people are idiots that park in handicap spots without proper tags. Of course there is NOTHING I can personally do about it when I see it so that just makes it worse.

So, I'm getting gas yesterday and I look over and see this:

Ya, that about sums up the priority of giving tickets to those parking in these spaces.

Later that night my wife and I get home after an evening out and what do I find in my designated handicap spot in front of my apartment? A neighbor decides that because there are no other regular spots he gets to take my handicap one. No, he has no disabled tag but what does he have? A "Purple Heart" specialty license plate which says "Wounded Combat Veteran" at the bottom. Hmmm.... I decide to give him a chance and leave a note on his window.

Next morning the car is still there. We had to go out for a family picnic thing so I decided to give him till we got back. Yup, still there but a new neighbor comes out to see if I need any help carrying things in from the car. He had noticed the car in my spot and called the police. Well, they arrived and after seeing his plate decided my handicap sign and space wasn't in compliance and would do nothing about it. Weather this is true or not is open to interpretation according to Florida Statutes.

OK, if this guy is that inconsiderate it's time to contact the property owners. They give me a story of we need to give him 24 hours notice to move his vehicle. I said OK. In the mean time what happens if I take a fall getting to my vehicle? 30 seconds of silence then "Let me call you back". OK. 10 minutes later, I get a phone call saying a tow truck is on the way at their expense to move it to another parking spot. Will that be sufficient? Absolutely, I say. Thank you.

There, my rant is over. I feel better. I'm so tired of people getting away with this crap. I would love a job that did nothing all day but ticketed these people. Just think of the revenue that could be brought in.

[3bayjunkie]

What is your disability? That would help the story i think. Maybe the purple heart guy who was wounded in combat is dissabled too, but just didn't have a sign to hang in his window?

[Twinpanther]

Originally Posted by 3bayjunkie

What is your disability? That would help the story i think. Maybe the purple heart guy who was wounded in combat is dissabled too, but just didn't have a sign to hang in his window?

Sure, here is a little info.

I have Muscular Dystrophy. Diagnosed 6 years ago and have just been approved for a Rehab Power Wheelchair. I can go about 30 feet before I risk weakness and falling.

I have seen this vehicle in the parking lot for months but never seen the driver. I appreciate his sacrifice which was why I waited 24 hours before making any phone calls. I hadn't mentioned this either but my wife knocked on every door in our building as well as the building next to us looking for the owner with no luck. If he has a disability then he should get a tag or plate. There is a Florida Disabled Veteran plate that he can get free of charge with proper documentation. If this were true he then could have a spot designated for himself in front of his apartment. However, I don't believe this to be the case.

I have to say that having that plate did make this a tough decision. However, thinking it through, if his car wasn't moved it would open a whole can of worms with others thinking that it isn't a big deal. If there are no other spots then what the heck, take the handicap one. Nothing will happen anyway.

[Ambrosia76]

Not sure about the state you are in but here the purple heart and disabled vet tags are considered handicap tags. I completely understand your frustration but you may want to chech because he may rightfully be parking in that spot.

[3bayjunkie]

Originally Posted by Ambrosia76

Not sure about the state you are in but here the purple heart and disabled vet tags are considered handicap tags. I completely understand your frustration but you may want to chech because he may rightfully be parking in that spot.

He mentioned he was in Florida. I have a friend with MS, he is confined to a bed now. I understand your frustration. And if it is YOUR designated parking spot, then It is fair to have his car moved. He may not realize he needs a different tag to park in handicap. Hope you can find out who it is!

[Twinpanther]

Originally Posted by Ambrosia76

Not sure about the state you are in but here the purple heart and disabled vet tags are considered handicap tags. I completely understand your frustration but you may want to chech because he may rightfully be parking in that spot.

Thank you Ambrosia. The Purple Heart tag is simply for recipients of the Purple Heart. It does not mean they have been disabled.

Please don't get me wrong. I take nothing away from this individual for being wounded in conflict be it from present day or Vietnam or WWII.

I guess I'm just surprised this thread turned in the direction it has. Just like the State Trooper parked in a Handicap spot. He defends us so it's ok for him to break the law.

3bay, I'll be more specific on the spot. It was added for my convenience. However, any person with a legal tag/placard is allowed to park there and I would have NO problem with that.

I am happy with the way it turned out. His car was moved, he didn't get a ticket or fine and the complex paid for the tow. I promise if I come across him I will say "hello" and explain my circumstances and see if he needs a spot of his own as well. I mean that sincerely.

[Gulf Coast Girl]

Originally Posted by Twinpanther

I said OK. In the mean time what happens if I take a fall getting to my vehicle?

Just out of curiosity.... what if the person in the spot had legitimate handicap plates and you fell getting into your vehicle which you had to park elsewhere, then who are you going to blame?

My step-brother's wife has MS and uses a wheelchair so I understand the importance of the handicap space. My point is, perhaps you should ask the apartment complex to designate more handicap spots so this doesn't happen again.


IMO, if a veteran who was wounded in combat feels they need the use of a handicap parking spot, tags or not, then I say let them use it!

[Twinpanther]

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Girl

Just out of curiosity.... what if the person in the spot had legitimate handicap plates and you fell getting into your vehicle which you had to park elsewhere, then who are you going to blame?

That was simply my way of getting a lazy individual off her butt to do her job. Like I said, I would have no problem with someone with a legitimate right to use the spot. However, I would encourage that individual to get another spot for themselves.

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Girl

My step-brother's wife has MS and uses a wheelchair so I understand the importance of the handicap space. My point is, perhaps you should ask the apartment complex to designate more handicap spots so this doesn't happen again.

You may see the importance but I don't think you see the need. No, they are not the same. Next time you see your step-brothers wife, if you happen to see a wounded combat veteran tell her to get her butt out of her chair. The Vet wants to use it. You can stay home. I bet she'll love ya for that. As for the complex providing more spaces. All anyone here needs to do is ask for one. If he/she has the need they will get it. If not, they won't.

Originally Posted by Gulf Coast Girl

IMO, if a veteran who was wounded in combat feels they need the use of a handicap parking spot, tags or not, then I say let them use it!

I guess I don't understand this mentality. I'm a veteran myself but I hope I would never personally undermine the freedoms I fought to uphold.

[rokclmb]

Originally Posted by Twinpanther

... decided my handicap sign and space wasn't in compliance and would do nothing about it. Weather this is true or not is open to interpretation according to Florida Statutes ...

Could you post a picture of your handicap parking space and sign? That would be helpful in determining whether or not it is in compliance and what you would need to do to make it be in compliance if it isn't.

[rokclmb]

According to Florida State Statute (F.S.)553.5041

"Each such parking space must be prominently outlined with blue paint, and must be repainted when necessary, to be clearly distinguishable as a parking space designated for persons who have disabilities and must be posted with a permanent above-grade sign of a color and design approved by the Department of Transportation, which is placed on or at a distance of 84 inches above the ground to the bottom of the sign and which bears the international symbol of accessibility meeting the requirements of ADAAG s. 4.30.7 and the caption “PARKING BY DISABLED PERMIT ONLY.” Such a sign erected after October 1, 1996, must indicate the penalty for illegal use of the space."

I know I've seen many designated parking spaces that don't include the "penalty for illegal use of the space" sign which means that there is no enforceable penalty for parking there. It just makes you a rotten person.