Black Friday shoppers who park illegally in handicap spaces may be in for a surprise.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is launching its annual sting operation targeting those misusing or forging disability placards. Secretary of State Jesse White says he has little sympathy for anyone receiving a ticket. “I just think it’s a violation of all laws of human decency for you to be able-bodied, but yet you want to take advantage of a program that’s been set aside for those individuals that are truly in need,” White said.
Police will be conducting the stings at malls in Champaign, Marion, Moline, Rockford, Springfield, Peoria, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, and Chicago. Last year, around 90 citations were handed out to violators, down from 160 in 2012.
First-time offenders will have their driver’s license suspended for six months and have to pay a $600 fine. Repeat offenders face a $1,000 fine and a one-year suspension.
The penalty is more severe for using a fake placard or one that belongs to a deceased person. Those offenders can face a fine of up to $2,500 and have their license revoked for one year.