Legal Question in Disability Law in California

In the state of California. There was a street fair that took place in the City of Orange. There are parking spots behind a liquor store that are normally free parking and they have handicap spots. Some group took over this lot to accept donations for some organization charging $10 to park there because it was close to the event. I went to park in the handicapp spot and refused to pay $10 for a handicapp spot. I felt it was against the law to have to pay for a handicap spot. Got into a pretty heated argument. I parked and found a local law enforcement agent and he said he couldnt force me to pay the $10 to park in a handicapp spot. What are the laws governing parking and paying for handicap spots? Did I have to pay to park in the handicapp spot? Can garages charge for handicapp spots? Ive had experiences where some do and some dont. Usually, hospitals dont but private lots do. Can people legally charge for handicapp spots?


Asked on 9/07/10, 5:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

My spouse has a handicapped placard, and I wish I knew the answer to your question as to whether having a placard automatically gives you the right to park in a disabled-person parking space located on private property. This comes up all the time with hotels. Some hotels waive their parking charges and some don't. I did attempt to research your question, and my best educated guess is that any person with a disabled placard or plate may park for free in a designated disabled parking space whether publicly or privately owned. But the law is complicated and not at all clear.

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Answered on 9/12/10, 6:12 pm


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