This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to strengthen regulations regarding designated accessible parking for individuals with mobility impairments. It raises penalties for violations, increasing fines for illegally parking in accessible spaces from $500 to $750, and for fabricating or using unofficial placards or identification cards from $700 to $1,000. The legislation also establishes a public awareness program aimed at educating the community about accessible parking laws and penalties. Additionally, it outlines the qualifications and application requirements for obtaining special registration plates and removable windshield placards, emphasizing compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new enforcement provisions for accessible parking regulations, requiring law enforcement agencies that implement volunteer enforcement programs to provide workers' compensation and liability coverage for volunteers. Volunteers will document violations by photographing illegally parked vehicles and submitting evidence for citation issuance. Local authorities adopting these provisions will retain fines and late fees to fund the program or contribute to the local General Revenue Fund. The bill also mandates public education on the consequences of parking violations and clarifies that individuals with valid special registration plates or placards are exempt from parking fees under certain conditions, reinforcing the importance of compliance and proper documentation for mobility impairment claims.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-13-6
Engrossed Version: 17C-13-6