City Seizes Misused Handicap Placards

PALMDALE, CA — In a targeted enforcement effort, the City of Palmdale’s Public Safety department, in conjunction with Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, recently confiscated approximately 157 handicap placards from motorists who were found to have misused the placards illegally and were in violation of the California Vehicle Code. These apprehensions are the most recent developments in Palmdale's “tough on crime” stance.

“Our commitment to combating crime remains steadfast,” said Mayor Richard J. Loa. “It is especially important that individuals who require a handicap placard can trust their City to uphold its pledge, ensuring that only those who are truly eligible receive this essential benefit.”

Most of the violations involved motorists illegally using a handicap placard not registered to them. The registered owner of a handicap placard must be present when displaying the placard in a marked handicap space. In California, using someone else’s handicap placard is illegal and comes with a hefty fine of approximately $522.00.

“There are people who need access to handicap locations and resources,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laura Bettencourt. “We will not tolerate criminals exploiting people for their own benefit.”

We encourage all motorists in the City to think twice before illegally using someone else’s handicap placard. Our Code Enforcement officers and Palmdale Sheriff’s Department deputies strictly enforce this violation.

If you know someone using a handicap placard illegally and would like to report it, please call the Palmdale Public Safety department at 661/267-5234.