S1810

Senator Ellen Karcher

13 Sep: Karcher Bill To Protect Handicapped Drivers Signed Into Law

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which will ensure adequate parking for handicapped drivers by clarifying that penalties for illegally parking in handicapped parking spots are still in place, whether penalties are posted or not, was signed by Governor Corzine on Monday.

“Handicapped parking is a matter of convenience and safety for disabled individuals who need to perform day-to-day chores, like grocery shopping and doctor’s visits,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “I think in today’s culture, the handicapped parking sign is almost universally understood, and, whether penalties are posted or not, drivers should understand that they cannot abuse handicapped parking. This new law clarifies that penalties will be imposed whenever a driver illegally uses handicapped parking.”

22 Jan: Karcher Bill Clarifying Handicapped Parking Penalties Advances In Assembly

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would clarify that the penalties for illegally parking in a handicapped parking spot are active even when those penalties are not posted on a handicapped parking sign was unanimously approved today by the Assembly Transportation Committee.

“In today’s world, nearly every driver can easily identify a handicapped parking sign, whether the penalties are posted or not,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “We make those parking spots available as a matter of convenience and safety to our disabled drivers. To ignore the law, simply because penalties are not posted, is a mockery of the spirit of handicapped parking.”

19 Jun: Karcher Bill Clarifying Handicapped Parking Laws Be Followed Approved

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would clarify that the penalties for illegally parking in a handicapped parking spot are active even when those penalties are not posted on a handicapped parking sign was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 36 – 0.

“In this day and age, almost every driver can identify a handicapped parking sign as off limits to anyone without disability, even if some choose to ignore it,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “However, some drivers have been able to skirt the law when it comes to handicapped parking, and are not ticketed because of a loophole that requires penalties to be posted on the sign. Through this bill, we are clarifying that semantics is not a valid excuse when it comes to violating the handicapped parking laws in New Jersey.”

15 May: Karcher Bill Clarifying Handicapped Parking Laws Be Followed Advances

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would clarify that the penalties for illegally parking in a handicapped parking spot are active even when those penalties are not posted on a handicapped parking sign was unanimously approved by the Senate Transportation Committee today.

“Whether it spells it out on the sign or not, we all know that taking a handicapped parking spot from someone in need is illegal,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “In instances where handicapped parking is clearly labeled, but might not have the entire penalty scheme posted on the sign, the excuse that drivers are not properly notified when they are in violation of the law is ludicrous. These parking spots are designated for people living with disabilities, not because it’s a convenience, but because it’s law, and drivers should honor that or pay the fine.”