This bill amends existing laws regarding parking privileges for individuals with walking disabilities. It mandates that walking disability placards include specific driver's license information and establishes penalties for disabled drivers who park in restricted spaces without displaying their placard. The fines for such violations are increased, with a minimum fine of $500 plus a penalty assessment for parking in designated spaces without a valid placard, up from the previous $250. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that makes it a violation or misdemeanor to display a counterfeit or unofficial walking disability placard while parked in a designated space, with fines starting at $1,000 for a first offense and escalating to $1,500 for subsequent offenses.

The bill also clarifies that free parking is allowed for vehicles carrying special plates or placards for individuals with walking disabilities, provided that the qualifying individual is being transported in the vehicle. It allows cities and towns to set their own time periods for free parking, guided by recommendations from the governor's commission on disability. The legislation aims to enhance enforcement against misuse of disability parking privileges and ensure that designated spaces are used appropriately by those who genuinely need them. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:69, 265:69-a, 265:74, 261:88
As Amended by the Senate: 265:69, 265:69-a, 265:74
As Amended by the House: 265:69, 265:69-a, 265:74
Version adopted by both bodies: 265:69, 265:69-a, 265:74
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 265:69, 265:69-a, 265:74
SB151 text: 265:69, 265:69-a, 265:74, 261:88