Handicap parking spaces: Often too few or occupied by non-permits

My dad was handicapped his entire life, not only was he not able to park but had to walk around vehicles that blocked sidewalks.
Humans are cruel, its no different from leaving a child or animal locked in a car to run errands, hoping no one is watching. Now I know why so many cars are tinted, not to block the sun, but to keep people from noticing who’s locked in a car.
Handicapped placards are terrible, people use them even when they don’t need it.
The faster the world revolves, the more careless things humans will do. 🙁

@scottrl Yes, and it has been going on for MANY years. Even keeping in mind that many handicaps are invisible, seeing people with no hanger, sticker or evidence of need makes me angry. Some people just have no shame.
At the local art space where I paint & volunteer, someone even parks on the painted stripes where my friend has to lower the lift to access her van! The director doesn't want to call the police (it is a city facility) because "people will get mad."

I once had an employee who used one of only two designated spots to the detriment of others in the building. Gentle reminders and outright directives had no effect. It finally took a written note that the next time it happened, his car would be towed with no warning.

I have had a handicap placard for a few years. Walking any distance is problematic. True story" Last year we were staying a few days at a hotel. We always used the handicap space when available. One day, we came back to the hotel and forgot to hang the placard on the rear view mirror. When we came back out the next morning, there was a ticket on our windshield. Yup, some alert resident spotted our car without the placard hanging on the mirror. Well, you would not believe the conniptions(?) I had to go through in order to convince the local(Secaucus, NJ) officials that I was actually handicapped. Took a picture of placard and sent it in, etc. Eventually, I had to pay "just" a $33 fine. Suggestion: get the permanent handicap license plate.

Next time, why not just park behind them and call the police?
If people get upset that you’re blocking the thru-way, so much the better. The more attention you attract to the jerk, the less likely they are to repeat the behavior.

@kudzu
Also, if you can take a screenshot of their license plate, rearview mirror and parking place, that may be useful.
I’m not disabled, but I hate people who do this. Also, if I see animals left in a car I really go ballistic.
Yes people may get mad, but remember the saying “if you don’t make waves, you’re not moving”.

I was getting my walker out of my car at Wal-Mart last summer when two able bodies college girls came bounding out of the store. They giggled to each other when they saw me and the driver said to me ,"We were just in there for a little while." To which I responded..."That's between you and your conscience...I'm disabled full time."

@scottrl I can empathize even though I have no mobility issues. This happens all over Canada too; apparently “polite Canadian” stops short at leaving the handicapped parking free for whom those the spots are meant! It infuriates me when I see obviously able bodied people taking those spots! Granted there are people who don’t look able bodied, but even they can be easily identified visually as disabled by their gait. I agree, the worst are those who borrow or use fake handicap tags!

Spend a few dollars for large orange stickers. If you had them imprinted with a handicap icon all the better.
Be creative with where you place them on an offenders vehicle.
Over their license plate would not
block their vision.

@rashida
Please remember, there are all kinds of disabilities- you cannot always tell by looking at someone! But they should have a placard.

Agree so many types of disabilities and difficulty and not being able to park in a regular spot or the walking distance etc. I encouraged spouse to ask his Dr. for a "handicapped sign" Ontario, Canada.. as he can no longer even walk around the block .. he did and it has been so very helpful. However, if he sees an empty spot close to the store or building so he doesnt have to walk far, he parks in that regular spot. The worst place had been the huge parking lot at our hospital and our winters with tons of snow. If I am driving him I do not park in the handicapped designated spot, but drop him off at the door and go park and walk to join him. He still feels a bit bad if he takes up a spot even though difficult for him to walk, if somone needs a spot as has wheelchiar etc..... but his health is getting worse .. at least he is still able to drive which is appreciated. Where we live fines for parking in spot without the sign visible.