Respect the Space on Black Friday

However tempting it may be to take that handicapped parking space, remember that you are taking it away from someone with a disability.

Montgomery County's "Respect the Space" campaign reminds people not to abuse handicapped parking spots.

Several reminders of the rules surrounding handicapped, or accessible, parking:

1. Those who need an accessible space must apply for and receive a certified placard or plates from the Motor Vehicle Association. Without the placard or plate, it is illegal to park in a reserved space, despite one’s disability.

2. Vehicles with accessible plates can only use reserved spaces when transporting the person with the certified disability.

3. For those with accessible placards and plates, always have the medical certification card available as law enforcement officers and their inspectors have the right to ask to see it.

4. Accessible tags and placards must be renewed, even for those with a permanent disability.

5. If the need for accessible parking has ended, the placard or plates must immediately be turned in to the MVA.

6. Temporary placards are available for periods of three weeks to six months.

The Respect the Space initiative is a cooperative effort involving the Montgomery County Police Department, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Permitting Services, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and the County’s Commission on People with Disabilities.

If you see a car parked without the right placard or license plate, you can report it by calling the non-emergency police number 301-279-8000.