I also get really ticked with people who abuse the sticker.
In the long term care ward where I used to volunteer, relatively frequently people (both disabled and not) would debate: what if the only parking spot (or, for that matter, washroom stall) left is a disabled one? Does it then become ok for an able bodied person to use it? If not, why?
Well, I guess I spoke (wrote) too soon, anyway, here is an application for one & the laws about using it for California:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg195.pdf
And remember people, all we’re talking about are parking spaces that happen to be closer to the store (though I’ve seen lots that have non-handicapped parking even closer). It’s just a parking space, I think it’s a small enough concession that no one should get bent out of shape over who does or does not have the right to park in them.
Handy, do you read the threads or just post? This issue has been covered in MANY threads on the SDMB. If you’re transporting a handicapped person with a hang-tag you can park in the handicapped space even if you are able-bodied - but ONLY if the handicapped person is with you.
I had a hang tag after I shattered my heel in a fall. (All together now OUCH!)
Anyway for the first two months I was on crutches, then a cane for about another 6 months or so. I can tell you an extra 100 yards can be a deal breaker with an injury like mine.
I used to take 2 vicoden before I would go to the store and if there was no electric cart, be driping sweat from the pain by the time I was done.
Now that I am better I will never even think of snaking a HC parking space.
Broomstick, I corrected my post, see above link to a PDF.
Thanks to all the responses.
My feeling now is that it comes down to this:
For the handicapped, so much extra effort goes into everyday things I tend to take for granted that yes, that extra 100 yards really does make a difference.
It really has never been an issue to me if someone who didn’t appear handicapped was parked there or not, but at least now I understand a little more.
My FIL is in a wheelchair, so the HC spots with the van access is preferred.
My MIL has a HC plate, though,really, I don’t think she needs one, as she is a one woman working machine and does not stop all day.
My Mother and brother have one ( old age and disabling disease, respectively) both have to use them as they cannot walk far. They both use scooters once inside.
Me, I am *so very goddamn happy * to have a perfectly functioning body, that I don’t mind walking from BFE Outer Perimeter of the parking lot to get into the store. Even with Kids, which is a hassle, but that is what carts are for.
I think all stores should have pregnant mommy spots. When I was pregnant, walking a distance exhausted me, my feet hurt all the time and my bladder was always full.
My mom has what should be a temporary hang tag (we hope, though she may have to get it renewed) and I need to apply for one of my own when I register my car in this state. One nice thing that Louisiana does is that they give you both the tag and an ID-type card to go with it. I don’t know if that helps cut down on abuse of them, but if some cop demanded to see WHOSE tag it was when it’s somebody’s grandmother’s but they’re only using it this one time…well, if I needed that space, I’d be happy they got caught.
And having had a friend who was recently pregnant, I agree that the pregnant spaces are a great idea. When you’re eight months along you have a lot of extra weight to schlepp around with you.
As someone who has multiple sclerosis (MS), I use a 4-wheel walker and do have handicapped license plates. Because of my worsening vision, I do not drive anymore. When my husband drives me, we do park in the handicapped parking spots. I guess I would be seen as someone who is qualified to use those spots.
The point about the wheelchair struck home with me because I have heard so many people say that they could not get their wheelchair on or off a van because the car in the next space was parked too close. Those painted diagonal lines are there for a reaon. They let people lower lifts into them and get wheelchairs on and off. IMHO, it would help if those spots were included in the handicapped parking spot or had their own sign.