Bergen County Reminds Businesses To Follow Handicapped Parking Rules

Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney reminds business owners that they are responsible for making sure that the public always has access to handicapped parking spaces in an establishment’s parking lot. Curb cuts or other improvements designed to provide accessibility to persons with disabilities need to be clear and unobstructed from snow or ice during this season.
 “With the snow and severe weather we have been experiencing, it is especially important that we do everything possible to accommodate those individuals in our community who have physical disabilities,” said McNerney.

According to title 39 of the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations, snow or ice obstructing special parking spaces, curb cuts, or other improvements designed to provide accessibility to the disabled, needs to be removed within 48 hours after severe weather conditions have ceased. Any individual who violates this act shall be liable for a penalty of $200 to $500.

Residents should be aware that the fine for parking in a designated handicapped parking space without a proper vehicle identification placard is now $250 for the first offence with an additional $250 fine and up to 90 days community service for subsequent offences.