This bill amends existing laws regarding parking for individuals with walking disabilities by introducing stricter regulations and penalties. It mandates that walking disability placards must include specific driver's license information and establishes fines for disabled drivers who park in restricted spaces without displaying their placard. The minimum fine for such violations is increased from $250 to $500, with a portion of the fine (50%) payable to the local municipality. Additionally, the bill raises fines for parking in designated spaces without a placard, with first offenses now incurring a $100 fine and subsequent offenses $200.

Furthermore, the bill criminalizes the display of counterfeit or fraudulent walking disability placards, categorizing it as a violation for first offenses with a fine of at least $1,000, and a misdemeanor for second or subsequent offenses with a minimum fine of $1,500. The legislation also clarifies that free parking privileges for vehicles displaying the appropriate placards are contingent upon the presence of the qualifying individual in the vehicle. 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