# Handicap Drivers -- a scam? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [August 3, 2004, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056 "2004-08-03T01:02:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![AuGratin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e95f7d/32.png) [@AuGratin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuGratin)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2004, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/41 "2004-08-05T21:37:14Z")
As was so well pointed out by **CrazyCatLady** , permission to park in no way equals permission to drive . . . Y’know, it was my dread of confronting Self-Appointed Parking Enforcers that made me so hesitant to park in a handicapped space even when my husband, the fully-qualified reason for our placard, was in the car. I used to joke with him, kiddingly asking him to limp a little, because when he first got it he didn’t appear to need it, at least not with a quick glance. I’ve gotten over my worries about SAPEs, but the sad and terrible thing about that is that’s it’s due in part to his worsening condition (curse you MD!), which has forced him on oxygen 24/7 and to use a walker. I regret every moment I spent worried about the reactions of strangers that wasn’t spent worried about him. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to call and tell him that I love him. ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2004, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/42 "2004-08-05T22:46:02Z")
> [@Eva Luna](#): > > Years ago, I had a co-worker with a paraplegic husband. As much as I felt sorry for her and her husband, and their predicament, she was not driving him anywhere – he was at home with full-time nursing care while she went to work every day. And parked smack in the middle of the Loop with her husband’s decal. Drove me frickin’ bonkers. She had no right to do that, and considering that we worked in a Federal government building which also housed the Veterans Administration, she was quite possibly depriving a disabled veteran of a legitimate handicapped space on a daily basis. I used to work with a woman just like this - her husband was disabled (he’d had both legs amputated at the knee due to complications from diabetes) and was at home all day. They only had one car, which had handicapped plates, of course, and she’d come to work and park in the handicapped spot. A fellow co-worker pointed it out to the office manager, who tried politely to tell her she was not allowed to park there. She stubbornly insisted she was allowed to, saying as long as she had the plates, she was allowed to park wherever she pleased. It didn’t matter if her husband was with her or not, to her way of thinking. It caused quite a bit of contention around the office for several weeks. It ended up with the office mananger and the boss getting the building manager involved, who told her under no circumstances was she to park there anymore, and if she did, he’d have her car towed. She ended up quitting, threatening a lawsuit, but it never materialized. ---
**Author:** ![furnishesq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/977dab/32.png) [@furnishesq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furnishesq)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2004, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/43 "2004-08-06T14:27:55Z")
> [@CrazyCatLady](#): > > **furnishesq** , I don’t think you’re quite understanding what a handicap parking placard _is_. It has nothing whatsoever to do with whether or not you can drive. IT IS NOT A DRIVER’S LICENSE. It simply says that you or the person transporting you is allowed to park in a handicap space. Parking != driving. > > My grandmother’s drivers license expired almost 20 years ago, and she’s never gone to get it renewed. When she became unable to get around without a walker and had to have a hip replacement eight years ago, she was given a temporary handicap sticker. That sticker did not give her permission to drive. It in no way, shape or form said that she was fit to drive. It simply gave my grandfather or whoever else was driving her permission to park in a handicap space. > > And in case you’re interested, in some states the medical conditions that are likely to get you deemed unsafe to drive aren’t the ones that will get you a handicap sticker. Epilepsy will get your license pulled, but it won’t get you handicap sticker. Congestive heart failure might get you a handicap sticker, but it won’t get your license pulled, at least not in Kentucky. That’s because walking and driving are two very different things, with very different physical requirements. Of course I know it is not a license. Of course I know it is a parking permit. Once again, I will try to make my point. I admit it is subtle – but I believe valid. Vast majority of those with handicapp plates are legitimate. However, I firmly believe that some are not capable of driving any longer. I believe that giving those people permits may ENABLE them to continue driving when they should give up the car keys. Am I advocating to end the handicap parking system? NO WAY. I simply believe there should be stricter controls on how it is used and issued. ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2004, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/44 "2004-08-06T18:14:08Z")
I am so freaking happy that I do not need to use a handicapped spot, that I do not care who does use them. Hell, I’ll park in the lot next door and walk over and I’ll be fine. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2004, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/45 "2004-08-06T21:50:34Z")
> [@furnishesq](#): > > However, I firmly believe that some are not capable of driving any longer. I believe that giving those people permits may ENABLE them to continue driving when they should give up the car keys. Color me confused. How does having a closer parking space affect whether you drive or not? And are you talking about people who are physcially incapable of driving, or people who shouldn’t be driving? If someone is physically incapable of driving, well, they’re not going to drive for obvious reasons. If you’re talking about someone who really shouldn’t be driving any longer but still does, well, they’re going to keep driving no matter where you make them park. I think perhaps what you really want is stricter controls over licensing people with health conditions, which has nothing whatsoever to do with handicap parking. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/46 "2004-08-07T01:07:55Z")
[personal anecdote]: I’m on the receiving end of this. My mother is 93 and legally blind, and needs a walker to walk. She certainly doesn’t drive – she very sensibly gave up driving when she hit 70 – but I drive her to doctor’s appointments, shopping, etc. She got a handicapped placard, so that when I drive her, I can park as close as possible. Sometimes, I leave the car parked at the door, take her into the doctor’s office waiting room, and then go back and park the car in a handicapped spot… because when she comes OUT of the doctor’s office, I want her to have as short a walk as possible, and not have to stand on the curb while I go to the other end of the lot to drive the car around. I’m sure that people like the OP see me park in a handicap spot and come away thinking that I’m an abuser of the right. Don’t jump to conclusions. ---
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/47 "2004-08-07T09:56:53Z")
> [@C K Dexter Haven](#): > > Don’t jump to conclusions. I have a similar antecdote as well. C K Dexter Haven. My sister has one leg, walks unsteadily with a cane and is legally blind. She can’t drive. Sometimes I’ll drop her off in front of the lobby of wherever (i.e., a doctor’s office) and then park the car in a handicapped space. This gives her more time to walk to the office and not be late. I’m sure people have jumped to conclusions with us as well when they see me park. If you aren’t paying attention, my sister _looks_ able-bodied enough. She can walk on both legs. One leg is crooked and has problems, and the other one—well, it isn’t there, but she’s got a prosthetic so no one can tell that. She often says that if anyone gives her a hard time about using a handicapped parking space, she’ll pull off her leg and show them why she’s qualified. (And she would, too. ;)) ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2004, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/48 "2004-08-07T19:30:46Z")
> [@furnishesq](#): > > Of course I know it is not a license. Of course I know it is a parking permit. Once again, I will try to make my point. I admit it is subtle – but I believe valid. Then give us some specific evidence that your suble point is valid. I am hopeful that with such evidence I will then be able to grasp this point. ---
**Author:** ![furnishesq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/977dab/32.png) [@furnishesq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furnishesq)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2004, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/49 "2004-08-08T19:42:16Z")
> [@Qadgop the Mercotan](#): > > Then give us some specific evidence that your suble point is valid. I am hopeful that with such evidence I will then be able to grasp this point. My hunch is you can’t see my point due to your experience as a doctor. Doctors can do no wrong. Before you get too offended – I admit I am this way with trial lawyers – as I one myself! My back gets up everytime I hear a “tort reform” argument. 😉 Your point is valid – I will post stats shortly. I have read them – I should have done this sooner. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2004, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/50 "2004-08-08T21:35:37Z")
> [@furnishesq](#): > > My hunch is you can’t see my point due to your experience as a doctor. Doctors can do no wrong. And what is your hunch about why other contributors to this thread also cannot seem to see your point? ---
**Author:** ![filmyak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/94ad74/32.png) [@filmyak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmyak)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2004, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/51 "2004-08-09T22:02:44Z")
> [@norinew](#): > > In some places here in Maryland, especially places like Babies R Us where pregnant women are likely to “congregate” we have what’s called “Stork Parking”. It’s like handicapped parking for pregnant women. I saw a single guy park in one of those once. Was gonna confront him, but I figured some pregnancies aren’t visible to the naked eye. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![furnishesq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/977dab/32.png) [@furnishesq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furnishesq)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2004, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/52 "2004-08-15T17:08:38Z")
> [@Qadgop the Mercotan](#): > > And what is your hunch about why other contributors to this thread also cannot seem to see your point? It seems 50-50 to me Qadgop. And some have said my OP is very reasonable. You are being a bit disingenious, no? If everyone agreed with me (which I never thought they would) this post wouldn’t be in the debate column. I have been away for a week, I will post stats soon. An apple a day keeps Qadgop away. . . ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2004, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/53 "2004-08-16T21:22:04Z")
> [@](#): > > cops could check the ID of the person using the decal against a master list of decal holders, enforcement would be much easier. The darn decals have serial numbers on them; how difficult could it be? I know other things have been the focus here but I felt I sould address this. Believe me that is done. HC parking is a pet peeve of a lot of officers. As a practical matter it can’t be done very often. If I drive by and see someone not obviously handicapped I will ask for thier ID. Those with legit reasons are more than happy to comply because they are glad to see someone enforcing the law. Other than that it is difficult. Do you think that cops should stake out parking lots just in case someone comes out who is not limping? Like I said its not very practical. ---
**Author:** ![clayton\_e](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c57346/32.png) [@clayton\_e](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clayton_e)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2004, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056/54 "2004-08-18T14:39:53Z")
A friend of mine (19 years old, totally healthy) had his aunt’s old car or something and he was paying her insurance and other expenses just so that he could park in the handicap parking. That was abusing the system but no authority ever said a thing about it to him. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicap-drivers-a-scam/258056.md?page=2)