Serious Question About Handicap Parking Permit

[Blessed2BNTV]

Tonight at Brownwood, card pulled up in front of Scooples into Handicap space. The driver pulled the placard from visor.

I watched as 4 able bodied women got out of car. They were in their early to mid sixties.

It was 8:50 pm and plenty of (other) parking spaces as others were leaving square.

I am sensitive to those who use the system to their advantage as I grew up with my best friend’s brother who was in a wheelchair for most of his life and knew the importance of handicap parking.

I ask this question with sincerity, why would someone use a parking spot designed for those who were handicapped?

I ask this to those who need a handicap spot, but look or appear to be physical fit.

This post is not to call out those that abuse the handicap parking system.

[Fredster]

Tonight at Brownwood, card pulled up in front of Scooples into Handicap space. The driver pulled the placard from visor.

I watched as 4 able bodied women got out of car. They were in their early to mid sixties.

It was 8:50 pm and plenty of (other) parking spaces as others were leaving square.

I am sensitive to those who use the system to their advantage as I grew up with my best friend’s brother who was in a wheelchair for most of his life and knew the importance of handicap parking.

I ask this question with sincerity, why would someone use a parking spot designed for those who were handicapped?

I ask this to those who need a handicap spot, but look or appear to be physical fit.

This post is not to call out those that abuse the handicap parking system.

The driver appeared to you to be physically fit, but appearances aren’t always what they seem.
And you don’t know what medical condition their doctor filled out on the application for the placard.
I have a friend that has a placard, and a medical condition that warants it, but he doesn’t limp
or walk with great difficulty for short distances, so he might appear physically fit to some.

[Ooper]

I agree with you about those who abuse the system. They should be ashamed of themselves and heavily fined if caught. But you mention yourself that just because they "appear" to be physically fit, they may have problems that aren't readily apparent. Just because they aren't walking with a walker or use a wheel chair doesn't mean they are not disabled in some way.

[joldnol]

One cannot tell by appearances

[justjim]

It’s very easy to get a handicap parking placard for real or just a fake....

[Nucky]

I am shocked that you would post this. I know that there has to be something to it because you never cry wolf. I’ve been challenged about my handicap status by two different people in The Villages. I asked them both for their badge number. Stopped them in their tracks. How dare they even think about my physical status. None of anyone’s business.

When I am able I leave the handicap spot for someone else. No big deal.

[Challenger]

Character is what one does when no one else is looking! except maybe your God

[ColdNoMore]

While I'm sure most of us have 'judged' someone getting out of their car while parked in a handicapped spot...there's also a flip side to that judgement.

Invisible Disabilities (http://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/4866/handicap-parking-permits-can-use/)

Handicap parking permits aren’t just for people in wheelchairs or on crutches.

While there are certainly people who misuse handicap parking permits, it does not mean a person is committing fraud just because they don’t look disabled (whatever that means anyway). There are plenty of reasons someone might qualify for a handicap tag, and they often face harassment for their invisible disability. These might include:

Brain injuries and tumors
Heart and lung conditions
Back injuries
Chronic pain
Seizure disorders
Organ transplants
Hidden prosthetics
Recent surgery
Cancer treatment
Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia
Short-term memory loss

[Cobh521]

It amazes me that you would question what a handicapped person is supposed to look like. The placards are given to people who have a disability and meet the requirements as outlined by the DMV and are signed by a physician. My husband has one because has PAD (peripheral artery disease). He cannot walk very far without experiencing pain in his legs. He had quadruple bypass 3 years ago and also had colon cancer 2 years ago. If you saw him you would never know that he went through all of this. He looks great! But just because he looks great does not give you the privilege of passing judgment on people

[EPutnam1863]

While I'm sure most of us have 'judged' someone getting out of their car while parked in a handicapped spot...there's also a flip side to that judgement.

Invisible Disabilities (http://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/4866/handicap-parking-permits-can-use/)

One more disability...arthritis

[My Daily Run]

I agree that you do not know what the physical abilities are but I go to Brownwood regularly and I know a woman who works in one of the stores who parks in the handicap spot on the square...walks into the store and works a 6 to 8 hour shift on her feet. If you can work a 6 to 8 hour shift you can park in the back of the store as others do and walk a few more feet and give this spot to someone who truly needs it. I know her car as I saw her do it once and I do shop there so I see her. I spoke to a manager about it and she said that this woman was spoken to and she said she has that privilege and she is going to use it. Very selfish and it may be hurting the businesses as someone truly handicap cannot park on the square. Terrible in my opinion.

[graciegirl]

Tonight at Brownwood, card pulled up in front of Scooples into Handicap space. The driver pulled the placard from visor.

I watched as 4 able bodied women got out of car. They were in their early to mid sixties.

It was 8:50 pm and plenty of (other) parking spaces as others were leaving square.

I am sensitive to those who use the system to their advantage as I grew up with my best friend’s brother who was in a wheelchair for most of his life and knew the importance of handicap parking.

I ask this question with sincerity, why would someone use a parking spot designed for those who were handicapped?

I ask this to those who need a handicap spot, but look or appear to be physical fit.

This post is not to call out those that abuse the handicap parking system.

I know this poster and know she is kind and non judgmental. I think we all wonder sometimes if someone is scamming the system and it does happen I am sure.

[B-flat]

I wasn’t there and would not make a judgement even if I was. What I will say the following, it’s not my quote but I heard it on the radio years back by a local DJ known as Salty Brine:

“Ignorance is a handicap, but that’s no excuse to park in a handicap space.”

[retiredguy123]

To me, it is obvious that doctors cannot be trusted to issue handicap permits to those who need it, and to deny it to those who don't. Many doctors tell their patients that walking is good for them, and then issue permits. If you really want a fair handicap parking system, you need to change the way permits are issued. Or, just use the honor system.

[PennBF]

I have a handicap placard and have difficult walking and have some pretty tough pain. BUT there are others that are not fortunate enough to walk without serious problems. If I am parking and there is only one handicap space I always leave it and walk with the pain as the next person may be worse off. As the saying goes I saw the man with no shoes until I saw the man with no feet. I am not judgemental as I don't know the other persons handicap and leave that to their conscience. :shrug:

[bargee]

" Judge not lest ye be Judged"

[Chi33]

There are 7 types of disabilities that are approved by the State of Florida and two types of permits. The temp permit is issued for up to 6 months, and that is for temp walking or sight impaired. The 7 types are inability to walk with use or assistance from a brace, etc or another person. The 2nd is perm use of a wheelchair. The 3rd is for lung disease which can be unseen and it is measured by a spirometry (lung disease could be for a heavy smoker). 4th is if needed use of portable oxygen. 5th is another unseen one and it is a cardiac condition that limits someone functions based on Class 3 or 4 according to the American heart Association, 6h is severe limitation due to arthritic, neurological or ortho condition. 7th is for the legally blind certified by an Optometrist.

(edited: too much personal information)

This doesn't mean I can't drive and doesn't mean I have to go around looking like I am disabled just to prove a point to others who judge me.

So, maybe she had lung cancer and she met the requirements. She has to eat so maybe its the only job she could get. We do what we have to do.

If you really want to know, just look and see if the tags are expired. They do expire.

(edited: too much personal information)

[billethkid]

The real issue is the all too abundant abuse of the handicap parking permitting approval/recommendation.

Just like the "accommodation" pass for golfers. While valid for many there are as many who abuse it with their doctor's consent.

No judgement of those in need. Just a reality commentary.

[NotGolfer]

I didn't bother to read the other responses...but had to chime in. Appearances aren't always what they appear. I have mobility issues and "look" fine. I don't (yet) use a walker or cane but may soon. I've had a placard for a number of years because of my issues. JUST because someone doesn't use a mobility cart, a wheelchair or a walker or other aides doesn't mean they don't need to park in the handicapped spots. I'm sure there are "some" who abuse this BUT please people have some empathy as some day this may be you who is being judged!!

[dewilson58]

The real issue is the all too abundant abuse of the handicap parking permitting approval/recommendation.

Just like the "accommodation" pass for golfers. While valid for many there are as many who abuse it with their doctor's consent.

No judgement of those in need. Just a reality commentary.

:thumbup:

[Fredster]

To me, it is obvious that doctors cannot be trusted to issue handicap permits to those who need it, and to deny it to those who don't. Many doctors tell their patients that walking is good for them, and then issue permits. If you really want a fair handicap parking system, you need to change the way permits are issued. Or, just use the honor system.

If you believe doctors can’t issue handicap permits effectively!
Just who would you suggest that could do it better?

[retiredguy123]

If you believe doctors can’t issue handicap permits effectively!
Just who would you suggest that could do it better?
I think the current system allows any doctor to issue a handicap permit, with no accountability whatsoever. We spend an enormous amount of money to provide handicap parking spaces in almost every parking lot in the country. It just seems like a flawed system, with too many people abusing the privilage. In downtown Washington, DC, there were construction workers who parked in metered spaces using a handicap sticker because they could park all day without feeding the meter while they work.

[Fredster]

I think the current system allows any doctor to issue a handicap permit, with no accountability whatsoever. We spend an enormous amount of money to provide handicap parking spaces in almost every parking lot in the country. It just seems like a flawed system, with too many people abusing the privilage. In downtown Washington, DC, there were construction workers who parked in metered spaces using a handicap sticker because they could park all day without feeding the meter while they work.

My question was...Who do you think could do it better?

[retiredguy123]

My question was...Who do you think could do it better?
It should be done by doctors, but not every doctor. And, there should be some oversight to ensure that the permits are only being issued to people who need them. Like others have said on this thread, the system is being abused. The police can issue a ticket for parking in a handicap space, but no one can question the validity of the permit itself.

[rjm1cc]

Tonight at Brownwood, card pulled up in front of Scooples into Handicap space. The driver pulled the placard from visor.

I watched as 4 able bodied women got out of car. They were in their early to mid sixties.

It was 8:50 pm and plenty of (other) parking spaces as others were leaving square.

I am sensitive to those who use the system to their advantage as I grew up with my best friend’s brother who was in a wheelchair for most of his life and knew the importance of handicap parking.

I ask this question with sincerity, why would someone use a parking spot designed for those who were handicapped?

I ask this to those who need a handicap spot, but look or appear to be physical fit.

This post is not to call out those that abuse the handicap parking system.
I agree with you. There are a lot of people who are not considerate. But you do not know what the handicap is and not all are observable so I would not object without knowing the person.

[Fredster]

It should be done by doctors, but not every doctor. And, there should be some oversight to ensure that the permits are only being issued to people who need them. Like others have said on this thread, the system is being abused. The police can issue a ticket for parking in a handicap space, but no one can question the validity of the permit itself.

Police can question the validity of the handicap permit.
They can check that it is not expired, and that it has been legally issued to the driver of the vehicle.
Why don’t you check out the Florida DMV site, all the handicap placard information is available there.
I’m puzzled as to who would do your suggested oversight!

[Barefoot]

IMHO, the Universe will make sure you learn a lesson if you park in handicapped without needing it.
So I leave it up to the Universe to equalize things.

[CFrance]

IMHO, the Universe will make sure you learn a lesson if you park in handicapped without needing it.
So I leave it up to the Universe to equalize things.

Yes, good point. And the Universe probably doesn't carry concealed.

[thelegges]

In Michigan I can park in a handicap space with my card due to cardiac issues. If I have a passenger with me a ticket can be issued due to the passenger should drop me off and park in a regular space.

In TV i had a Leo ask for my DL compared the birthdate on my license and the date on the placard. His reason is in TV he finds that adult children living with parents use the permit for themselves, or owner has passed and family members use it. If DL does not match placard, it’s a ticket.

He was polite, thanked me for my service, and then went to the next car.

[ColdNoMore]

In Michigan I can park in a handicap space with my card due to cardiac issues. If I have a passenger with me a ticket can be issued due to the passenger should drop me off and park in a regular space.

In TV i had a Leo ask for my DL compared the birthdate on my license and the date on the placard. His reason is in TV he finds that adult children living with parents use the permit for themselves, or owner has passed and family members use it. If DL does not match placard, it’s a ticket.

He was polite, thanked me for my service, and then went to the next car.

Wait a minute.

Are you saying that under Michigan law, you're required to stop, get out...and then let your passenger drive YOUR car to go park?

That doesn't sound right. :confused:



Did you mean if you're the passenger in someone else's vehicle...but using your handicap card?

[thelegges]

Wait a minute.

Are you saying that under Michigan law, you're required to stop, get out...and then let your passenger drive YOUR car to go park?

That doesn't sound right. :confused:



Did you mean if you're the passenger in someone else's vehicle...but using your handicap card?

Nope if you have a passenger and park in handicap you can get a ticket, if the passenger is able body and does not have their own placard. I have watched the ticket written, I also have seen the officer just make them move the car.
Happened with my parents who my mom parked in handicap with my father, officer asked her who was the permit for. She smiles and says this is my placard and his is on the dash. He apologized.

[crash]

It amazes me that you would question what a handicapped person is supposed to look like. The placards are given to people who have a disability and meet the requirements as outlined by the DMV and are signed by a physician. My husband has one because has PAD (peripheral artery disease). He cannot walk very far without experiencing pain in his legs. He had quadruple bypass 3 years ago and also had colon cancer 2 years ago. If you saw him you would never know that he went through all of this. He looks great! But just because he looks great does not give you the privilege of passing judgment on people

If the person who the placard was issued to is not in the car that car should not be using the handicap spot. The placard is issued to the person with the handicap and not the car.

[ColdNoMore]

Nope if you have a passenger and park in handicap you can get a ticket, if the passenger is able body and does not have their own placard. I have watched the ticket written, I also have seen the officer just make them move the car.
Happened with my parents who my mom parked in handicap with my father, officer asked her who was the permit for. She smiles and says this is my placard and his is on the dash. He apologized.

With all due respect...I'm not buying it.

I think you may be confused...on why the ticket was written.

I can see requiring a non-handicapped eligible driver dropping a handicapped person at the front door, but I can't imagine legally requiring someone else...go park your own car. :shrug:

For that matter, what would stop the handicapped driver dropping off the non-handicapped at the front door...then parking in a handicapped spot?

The other, makes absolutely no sense to me.

[Fredster]

Nope if you have a passenger and park in handicap you can get a ticket, if the passenger is able body and does not have their own placard. I have watched the ticket written, I also have seen the officer just make them move the car.
Happened with my parents who my mom parked in handicap with my father, officer asked her who was the permit for. She smiles and says this is my placard and his is on the dash. He apologized.

This is straight from the Michigan DMV site...
“Disabled persons can acquire a disability placard or disability license plates.
These entitle you to special parking privileges in areas designated for disabled persons,
whenever you are the driver or a passenger of the vehicle. “

[dalecrenshaw]

I believe that means that if the driver, who is not handicapped, has a passenger, that is handicapped, then you are allowed to park in a handicap spot. That is the way it is in California. My husband is older and can't walked very well due to multiple issues (arthritis, heart), so I am allowed to park in a handicap spot when I am transporting him in the car. (I also have a handicap card, but don't need it if he has his)

[thelegges]

With all due respect...I'm not buying it.

I think you may be confused...on why the ticket was written.

I can see requiring a non-handicapped eligible driver dropping a handicapped person at the front door, but I can't imagine legally requiring someone else...go park your own car. :shrug:

For that matter, what would stop the handicapped driver dropping off the non-handicapped at the front door...then parking in a handicapped spot?

The other, makes absolutely no sense to me.

This is straight from the Michigan DMV site...
“Disabled persons can acquire a disability placard or disability license plates.
These entitle you to special parking privileges in areas designated for disabled persons,
whenever you are the driver or a passenger of the vehicle. “

We also have townships that have 2 to 3 officers total, they will write a ticket to their own mother. Its like that small town in the south, but without the southern accent . If you want to challenge it you get to go to their courthouse next to the coney, and tell them they were wrong. You do not challenge them on the law, while they write a ticket, you just go see the clerk and get a court date.
I am not confused my good friend was given a ticket because he had a passenger was with him, parked in a handicap spot, in a grocery. Sometime you just have to deal with egos in the small towns. It’s up to you to prove them wrong. Just think of how many just pay the ticket and don’t bother fighting it. But then again I am the one who lived there for 50 plus years, my memory is excellent.

[dnobles]

Please tell me what someone with a bad heart looks like? Please tell me what someone with MS looks like. How can you tell by looking at someone? Many years ago I broke my back I wasn’t suppose to be taking stairs I took the elevator one flight and some ass said to me “You can’t walk one flight of stairs.” No sir I’m recovering from a broken back. I’m lucky I can walk at all let alone do stairs. My brother looked health but was very ill and died at 63

[Nucky]

Some people just suck. They should pay attention to the rules that they could probably follow better themselves instead of using the time to think or question the validity of someone’s handicapped status.

If it that egregious try wasting an officers time on the case because in my opinion see something, say something doesn’t apply here.

I wonder what more really happened because the OP is a high quality poster and had a valid reason for bringing this up. Peace Out!

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I think the current system allows any doctor to issue a handicap permit, with no accountability whatsoever. We spend an enormous amount of money to provide handicap parking spaces in almost every parking lot in the country. It just seems like a flawed system, with too many people abusing the privilage. In downtown Washington, DC, there were construction workers who parked in metered spaces using a handicap sticker because they could park all day without feeding the meter while they work.

Doctors do not issue handicap permits unless they are moonlighting at the DMV.

[billethkid]

Doctors do not issue handicap permits unless they are moonlighting at the DMV.

However they do sign the form that results in getting the handicap permit.
Typically they do not even look at the form or the nurse stamps it for him.

[spring_chicken]

You want to see some real abuse of the system, go to one of the softball complexes and watch as the handicapped spaces are filled with people who get out of their cart/car, grab their gear and go play softball.
Sorry, if you're capable of playing softball, you're capable of walking an extra 50 feet.

[Topspinmo]

You want to see some real abuse of the system, go to one of the softball complexes and watch as the handicapped spaces are filled with people who get out of their cart/car, grab their gear and go play softball.
Sorry, if you're capable of playing softball, you're capable of walking an extra 50 feet.

Hit the Nail on the head! :BigApplause:

Most are gaming the system.

[Challenger]

AYou want to see some real abuse of the system, go to one of the softball complexes and watch as the handicapped spaces are filled with people who get out of their cart/car, grab their gear and go play softball.
Sorry, if you're capable of playing softball, you're capable of walking an extra 50 feet.

And guess what. Those that are abusers don't give a d--n what others think.

"Character is what we do when no one is looking"

[retiredguy123]

However they do sign the form that results in getting the handicap permit.
Typically they do not even look at the form or the nurse stamps it for him.
Also, the form can be prepared and signed by a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. No doctor required under Florida law.

[Fredster]

Also, the form can be prepared and signed by a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. No doctor required under Florida law.

This is from the Florida application form, and it spells out just who can sign.

“Certification or License No. (Required) _____________________________ of a Physician, Osteopathic or Podiatric Physician, Chiropractor, Optometrist, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner under the protocol of a licensed physician or a Physician Assistant licensed under Chapter 458 or 459.”

[retiredguy123]

I agree that you do not know what the physical abilities are but I go to Brownwood regularly and I know a woman who works in one of the stores who parks in the handicap spot on the square...walks into the store and works a 6 to 8 hour shift on her feet. If you can work a 6 to 8 hour shift you can park in the back of the store as others do and walk a few more feet and give this spot to someone who truly needs it. I know her car as I saw her do it once and I do shop there so I see her. I spoke to a manager about it and she said that this woman was spoken to and she said she has that privilege and she is going to use it. Very selfish and it may be hurting the businesses as someone truly handicap cannot park on the square. Terrible in my opinion.
You can fill out a complaint form and send it to the Florida DMV.

Parking Permit Abuse (https://services.flhsmv.gov/parkingpermitabuse/)

[MACH7SS]

You want to see some real abuse of the system, go to one of the softball complexes and watch as the handicapped spaces are filled with people who get out of their cart/car, grab their gear and go play softball.
Sorry, if you're capable of playing softball, you're capable of walking an extra 50 feet.

I started writing a response to this thread several times over the past few days and deleted them all. But now I have decided to respond and post. I take total offense to your post and several other posters on this subject. I had a stroke in 2013. I have difficulty walking STRAIGHT and BALANCED over extended distances. The instability of my gait aggravated two mildly herniated discs in my lumbar spine making matters even worse. However, my dedication to athletic challenges over the past 5 years has helped me dramatically. I use the gym 4 to 5 times per week. I could play softball if I enjoyed that sport. Fortunately, I dislike baseball. Too slow. Too boring for me. Yet the bottom line is this: If you saw me park in a handicap parking spot, you might think I'm faking or abusing the system. And you would be sadly incorrect. I have the same tingling on the left side of my body. My left hand has stopped me from playing my guitar after over 50 years of performing. My left foot is so numb I cannot feel anything in it. And I owe all my improvements to being a devoted athlete who "plays thru the pain and discomfort." The state of Florida says I am entitled to the Handicap Parking Placard and I use it with pride.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I started writing a response to this thread several times over the past few days and deleted them all. But now I have decided to respond and post. I take total offense to your post and several other posters on this subject. I had a stroke in 2013. I have difficulty walking STRAIGHT and BALANCED over extended distances. The instability of my gait aggravated two mildly herniated discs in my lumbar spine making matters even worse. However, my dedication to athletic challenges over the past 5 years has helped me dramatically. I use the gym 4 to 5 times per week. I could play softball if I enjoyed that sport. Fortunately, I dislike baseball. Too slow. Too boring for me. Yet the bottom line is this: If you saw me park in a handicap parking spot, you might think I'm faking or abusing the system. And you would be sadly incorrect. I have the same tingling on the left side of my body. My left hand has stopped me from playing my guitar after over 50 years of performing. My left foot is so numb I cannot feel anything in it. And I owe all my improvements to being a devoted athlete who "plays thru the pain and discomfort." The state of Florida says I am entitled to the Handicap Parking Placard and I use it with pride. You, on the other hand, are just a jealous, busy body with nothing better to do than judge others. Perhaps you might join me in the gym and get something better to do!

That was a nice, measured response until you ruined it by getting snarky at the end.

[MACH7SS]

That was a nice, measured response until you ruined it by getting snarky at the end.

You are correct. I apologize but I am sensitive to this subject. Please allow me to revise my last sentence by saying this: I will gladly trade my Handicap Parking Placard with anyone on this thread for their non-stroke damage brain and nervous system. Again, I am sorry for my last sentence.

[Rapscallion St Croix]

You are correct. I apologize but I am sensitive to this subject. Please allow me to revise my last sentence by saying this: I will gladly trade my Handicap Parking Placard with anyone on this thread for their non-stroke damage brain and nervous system. Again, I am sorry for my last sentence.

:thumbup:

[dnobles]

Machs77 well said !

[Barefoot]

I started writing a response to this thread several times over the past few days and deleted them all. But now I have decided to respond and post. I take total offense to your post and several other posters on this subject. I had a stroke in 2013. I have difficulty walking STRAIGHT and BALANCED over extended distances. The instability of my gait aggravated two mildly herniated discs in my lumbar spine making matters even worse. However, my dedication to athletic challenges over the past 5 years has helped me dramatically. I use the gym 4 to 5 times per week. I could play softball if I enjoyed that sport. Fortunately, I dislike baseball. Too slow. Too boring for me. Yet the bottom line is this: If you saw me park in a handicap parking spot, you might think I'm faking or abusing the system. And you would be sadly incorrect. I have the same tingling on the left side of my body. My left hand has stopped me from playing my guitar after over 50 years of performing. My left foot is so numb I cannot feel anything in it. And I owe all my improvements to being a devoted athlete who "plays thru the pain and discomfort." The state of Florida says I am entitled to the Handicap Parking Placard and I use it with pride.You have a real-life challenge which is not obvious to others, yet you still work out at the gym. :ho:
Excellent comment on this situation. All is not always as it appears.

[retiredguy123]

I started writing a response to this thread several times over the past few days and deleted them all. But now I have decided to respond and post. I take total offense to your post and several other posters on this subject. I had a stroke in 2013. I have difficulty walking STRAIGHT and BALANCED over extended distances. The instability of my gait aggravated two mildly herniated discs in my lumbar spine making matters even worse. However, my dedication to athletic challenges over the past 5 years has helped me dramatically. I use the gym 4 to 5 times per week. I could play softball if I enjoyed that sport. Fortunately, I dislike baseball. Too slow. Too boring for me. Yet the bottom line is this: If you saw me park in a handicap parking spot, you might think I'm faking or abusing the system. And you would be sadly incorrect. I have the same tingling on the left side of my body. My left hand has stopped me from playing my guitar after over 50 years of performing. My left foot is so numb I cannot feel anything in it. And I owe all my improvements to being a devoted athlete who "plays thru the pain and discomfort." The state of Florida says I am entitled to the Handicap Parking Placard and I use it with pride.
I appreciate the personal information and background you have provided about your particular situation. However, there are many other people who use handicap placards fraudulently because they want to be able to park anywhere they want and don't care that they are breaking the law and abusing the system. Many states recognize this widespread abuse and are cracking down on violators. Florida has a DMV office to investigate and prosecute violators. Are you suggesting that citizens should just ignore law breakers and let anyone use handicap placards for any reason with no accountability? Really?

[spring_chicken]

I started writing a response to this thread several times over the past few days and deleted them all. But now I have decided to respond and post. I take total offense to your post and several other posters on this subject. I had a stroke in 2013. I have difficulty walking STRAIGHT and BALANCED over extended distances. The instability of my gait aggravated two mildly herniated discs in my lumbar spine making matters even worse. However, my dedication to athletic challenges over the past 5 years has helped me dramatically. I use the gym 4 to 5 times per week. I could play softball if I enjoyed that sport. Fortunately, I dislike baseball. Too slow. Too boring for me. Yet the bottom line is this: If you saw me park in a handicap parking spot, you might think I'm faking or abusing the system. And you would be sadly incorrect. I have the same tingling on the left side of my body. My left hand has stopped me from playing my guitar after over 50 years of performing. My left foot is so numb I cannot feel anything in it. And I owe all my improvements to being a devoted athlete who "plays thru the pain and discomfort." The state of Florida says I am entitled to the Handicap Parking Placard and I use it with pride.

Your activity level is quite impressive given your circumstances. I can certainly assure you that if you did choose to play softball, you would be evaluated at Division 5, in which you can get a runner from home plate. 4, at best, with a runner from first (you have to run to first on your own).
The players I speak of are NOT in 5 and do not use a substitute runner when they run all of the bases. You can defend that all you want, but it is very clear abuse of the system.

[spring_chicken]

I appreciate the personal information and background you have provided about your particular situation. However, there are many other people who use handicap placards fraudulently because they want to be able to park anywhere they want and don't care that they are breaking the law and abusing the system. Many states recognize this widespread abuse and are cracking down on violators. Florida has a DMV office to investigate and prosecute violators. Are you suggesting that citizens should just ignore law breakers and let anyone use handicap placards for any reason with no accountability? Really?

It's sad that some are more outraged about responses in this thread than they are with the lawbreakers abusing the system.

[retiredguy123]

I am outraged with the lawbreakers. I thought that was the point of this thread.

[spring_chicken]

I am outraged with the lawbreakers. I thought that was the point of this thread.

Yeah, I got that. Just don't know why the ones that it affects the most don't get snarky about the violators.

[Topspinmo]

I am outraged with the lawbreakers. I thought that was the point of this thread.

Agreed.


IMO I really don't care who parks in handicapped spots, they are off limits to me. Don't usually give it second thought till I see the guy with the new corvette (I only mentioned vette cause they are low to the ground and like crawling out of go cart) park and pop out and briskly walk into the store. (IMO Probably his wife has the sticker and he thinks he can park there without the handicapped person in the vehicle?) Heck I can't pop out of vette. Those types are the few bad apples that take parking spot from people that have limbs missing or verily able to walk from medical problem. So if the shoe fits don't worry about it, it it don't then do the right thing leave the spot for truely disabled person than needs its.

I agree, if you can run after softball, throw from the out field, swing bat and run to first base IMO i don't think it bother them from walking in parking lot.

[Marathon Man]

I appreciate the personal information and background you have provided about your particular situation. However, there are many other people who use handicap placards fraudulently because they want to be able to park anywhere they want and don't care that they are breaking the law and abusing the system. Many states recognize this widespread abuse and are cracking down on violators. Florida has a DMV office to investigate and prosecute violators. Are you suggesting that citizens should just ignore law breakers and let anyone use handicap placards for any reason with no accountability? Really?

Just not sure what to think here. So I'll just shake me head and move on. Jeez.

[Fredster]

Just not sure what to think here. So I'll just shake me head and move on. Jeez.

Best idea yet! :BigApplause:

[MACH7SS]

I appreciate the personal information and background you have provided about your particular situation. However, there are many other people who use handicap placards fraudulently because they want to be able to park anywhere they want and don't care that they are breaking the law and abusing the system. Many states recognize this widespread abuse and are cracking down on violators. Florida has a DMV office to investigate and prosecute violators. Are you suggesting that citizens should just ignore law breakers and let anyone use handicap placards for any reason with no accountability? Really?

Of course I oppose frauds and cheats. But my point is simple. One cannot just look at a parker and determine their "rights" based on outward appearances. Like I said clearly: If you saw me park and walk away, you might be suspicious. But I also said clearly that I would trade my Florida Handicap Parking Placard with anyone who will give me their brain and nervous system that hasn't been permanently damaged by a stroke. I'd park further away but my life would return to normal again!

[MACH7SS]

Agreed.


IMO I really don't care who parks in handicapped spots, they are off limits to me. Don't usually give it second thought till I see the guy with the new corvette (I only mentioned vette cause they are low to the ground and like crawling out of go cart) park and pop out and briskly walk into the store. (IMO Probably his wife has the sticker and he thinks he can park there without the handicapped person in the vehicle?) Heck I can't pop out of vette. Those types are the few bad apples that take parking spot from people that have limbs missing or verily able to walk from medical problem. So if the shoe fits don't worry about it, it it don't then do the right thing leave the spot for truely disabled person than needs its.

I agree, if you can run after softball, throw from the out field, swing bat and run to first base IMO i don't think it bother them from walking in parking lot.

Oh yeah, I'll add right here that I had to sell my 2002 C5 Electron Blue Corvette. I could no longer get in or get out with the Jaws of Life.

[EPutnam1863]

You can fill out a complaint form and send it to the Florida DMV.

Parking Permit Abuse (https://services.flhsmv.gov/parkingpermitabuse/)

...and send copy to the manager of the store. That always does the trick.