It is a criminal offense in every state to misuse a handicap parking placard—or to otherwise block access to a handicap accessible parking space, aisle, ramp, curb cut, or architectural improvement designed to provide access for people with disabilities. Misuse may take many forms, and laws vary from state to state, but it is generally a crime:

• to park a vehicle in a handicap accessible parking space without displaying the appropriate plate or placard—even if a driver or a passenger of the vehicle has a disability;

• to park a vehicle in an accessible space when neither the driver or any passenger has a disability, even if the vehicle displays the appropriate plate or placard;

• to park a vehicle with a placard or plate that is expired;

• to park a vehicle with a placard or plate that belongs to someone who is not a driver or a passenger in the vehicle;

• to lend a parking placard to an individual without a disability who uses that placard to violate state law;

• to steal or counterfeit a parking placard or license plate;

• to park a car in such a way that it blocks access to an accessible parking space, an access aisle, or any architectural improvement that provides access for people with disabilities, such as a ramp or a curb cut.

Laws prohibiting the misuse of handicap parking placards are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the vehicle code, transportation code, or penal or criminal code.

In New Jersey, the misuse of handicap parking placards and the obstruction of handicap accessible parking spaces are serious offenses. Under New Jersey law, it is illegal to park in a designated handicap parking space without displaying the proper placard or license plate, even if someone in the vehicle has a disability. It is also against the law to use a handicap parking space if neither the driver nor any passengers have a disability, regardless of whether the vehicle has the appropriate placard or plate. Using an expired placard or plate, or using one that was issued to someone else who is not present in the vehicle, is prohibited. Lending a placard to someone without a disability, or using a stolen or counterfeit placard or plate, is also a criminal offense. Additionally, it is illegal to park in a way that blocks access to a handicap parking space, access aisle, ramp, curb cut, or any other architectural feature designed to provide access for people with disabilities. These regulations are typically found in the state's vehicle or transportation code, and violations can result in fines, penalties, and in some cases, the revocation of driving privileges.