BILL NUMBER: S682
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to increasing
the penalties for stopping, standing, or parking in handicapped spaces
without a handicapped permit
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation will amend the vehicle and traffic law to increase the
penalties for stopping, standing or parking in handicapped spaces with-
out a handicapped permit.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Subdivision 2 of section 1203-b of the vehicle and traffic 2
law, as amended by chapter 203 of the laws of 1981, is amended by
setting a penalty for any person stopping, standing or parking a vehicle
in any area designated as a place for handicapped parking of $150-$300
for the first offense and $300-$550 for the second offense if it
occurred within a period of five years within New York State.
Section 2. Subdivision 4 of section 1203-c of the vehicle and traffic
law, as amended by chapter 424 of the laws of 2022 is amended by chang-
ing the penalty of any person who stops, stands or parks in spaces
clearly marked for use by the handicapped from $50-$75 to $150 for the
first offense and from $75-$150 to $300-$550 for the second offense
within five years within New York State.
Section 3. Is the enacting clause.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Persons with disabilities and senior citizens deserve full protection of
their rights, including access to essential amenities such as hand-
icapped parking spaces. Access to handicapped parking spaces is not a
convenience but a fundamental necessity in their daily lives. Unauthor-
ized usage of these spaces not only infringes upon their rights but
hinders their ability to live with security and independence.
By increasing the fines and penalties for violations of handicapped
parking laws, New York will send a strong message that the State is
committed to preserving these spaces for those who depend on them.
Other states such as California, Connecticut and Texas have much higher
penalties for unauthorized parking in handicapped parking spaces. The
intent behind increased fines is to strengthen deterrence by discourag-
ing violations and ensuring compliance with the law which, in turn,
ensures these parking spaces are available for persons with disabilities
and our senior population when they need them most.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.

Statutes affected:
S682: 1203-b vehicle and traffic law, 1203-b(2) vehicle and traffic law, 1203-c vehicle and traffic law, 1203-c(4) vehicle and traffic law