Blocking handicap spaces is an illegal and inconsiderate move

DO THIS- At left, a disabled person exits his van easily onto the 8foot handicap parking access aisle. No cars are blocking his way.

If you've ever wondered about the purpose of those blue, diagonally striped areas adjacent to, or in-between handicap parking spaces, the aisles are required as part of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act so that drivers and passengers with disabilities can enter and exit their vehicles. Two handicap parking spaces can share a common access aisle. But there must be at least one aisle for every eight spaces. Many of the aisles are at least 8 feet wide so that disabled drivers who use vans or minivans equipped with sideloading lifts and ramps will have enough space to enter and exit their vehicles safely.

A blocked access aisle can make it unsafe for users of wheelchairs or scooters, or anyone whose mobility is impaired to transfer to and from their vehicle. Block the access aisle illegally with your vehicle and you actually are preventing drivers with disabilities from living life to the fullest. It is just as inconsiderate as parking in the handicap space itself.

DON'T DO THIS- But if the side aisle is occupied by an unauthorized vehicle, such as the white car in the photo at right, the van's door will be blocked. When you park, try to be considerate.

By the way, the fine for parking in the blue areas without a DMV placard is $430. Don't even think about it. You will get caught.