South Carolina Handicap Parking Law

In South Carolina, each local jurisdiction can establish its own citizens handicapped parking enforcement program.

In 2005, the South Carolina General Assembly amended its Code of Laws regarding handicapped parking. New provisions allow local jurisdictions to operate their own citizen enforcement programs, mandate visible signs designating handicapped spaces and allow law enforcement to issue uniform tickets to violators.

Volunteers

The amended provisions stipulate that persons appointed as enforcement volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, undergo a criminal background check and successfully complete handicapped parking enforcement training. Volunteers may only gather information for law enforcement agencies.

Activities

According to state codes, unauthorized persons using handicapped parking spaces, individuals or entities filing false applications for handicapped license plates or placards, and those duplicating or selling such license plates are guilty of a misdemeanor.

Signs

The law mandates that signs designating handicapped parking spaces must be of a "certain height bearing the symbol for a handicapped parking space."

Authorization

Handicapped persons receive special parking authorization only after a medical doctor fills out Form DMVB-16. The physician must indicate the type of disability, its duration and the type of supporting device utilized by the applicant. Non-disabled operators of specially designed vehicles must offer a statement explaining why a special license plate or placard is needed.

References

• South Carolina General Assembly: A Bill: Handicapped Parking Program
• South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles: Disabled Plates and Placards
• South Carolina DMV Online: Disabled Plates and Placards