![Jesse White](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2017/08/18060008/JesseWhite630.jpg)
By Neil Doyle
BLOOMINGTON – Secretary of State Jesse White announced Tuesday that Secretary of State Police will conduct statewide parking stings targeting individuals illegally parking in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities at shopping malls.
Secretary of State Police will enforce the provisions of the Parking Program for Persons with Disabilities at shopping centers in Bloomington, Aurora, Carbondale, Chicago, Fairview Heights, Oak Brook, Orland Park, Peoria, Rockford, Schaumburg and Springfield on Black Friday, Nov. 29.
“Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them,” White said in a news release. “Parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a possible driver’s license suspension and a hefty fine, money which could otherwise be used on gifts. Remember, if you don’t belong there, don’t park there.”
Drivers caught misusing a placard face a six-month driver’s license suspension and a $600 fine. Repeat violators will face a one-year driver’s license suspension and a $750 fine for a second offense; for third or subsequent offenses, violators will face a $1,000 fine plus a one-year driver’s license revocation. The fine for parking in an accessible parking space without a disability placard or disability license plates can be up to $350. Using a deceased person’s placard or a fraudulent placard can result in a $2,500 fine and one-year revocation of a driver’s license.
Secretary of State Police will be at Eastland Mall in Bloomington on Friday to enforce the disability parking program.
Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]