BOSTON (AP) — Drivers who abuse access to handicapped parking spots could face steep fines under a bill approved by the Massachusetts House.
The bill — which has already been approved by the state Senate — would slap a fine of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second offense for anyone who “intentionally makes a false statement in an application” for a handicapped license plate or placard.
Drivers who make it hard to see a placard number or expiration date through their car windshield would face a $50 fine.
The House approved the bill by a unanimous vote on Wednesday.
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A 2016 state inspector general report found rampant abuse, including placards used to park for free all day at spaces near the driver’s workplace and placards belonging to dead people.