Abusers of disability parking placards should expect increased fines next year.

Taking national lead, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has initiated new legislation to increase fines for repeat offenders who misuse disability license plates and placards in reserved disability spaces.

In accordance to the new law PA 95-0430, second-time offenders should expect to pay $750 for their violation. Third-time offenders and all following offenses will each earn a fine of $1,000.

While the fines show a great increase, it is for good reason.

“I think Mr. White said it best when he stated that it’s unfair for people to abuse this program,” said Dave Druker, Jesse White’s press secretary.

In addition to the fines, violators may find their driving and disability parking privileges revoked.

“The increased fines and suspensions will send a message that if you continue to violate the program you will pay the price financially as well as personally,” stated White in a recent press release issued by Illinois Secretary of State.

Drivers should take note of the new clarifications stating placards are not transferable to multiple vehicles. The authorized placard holder must be present, whether entering or exiting the vehicle at the time of parking privilege use.

“The goal is to stop people who are abusing the placard,” Druker said.

The new legislation states that 50 percent of each fine collected will be distributed to the law enforcement agency or agencies that issued the citation or made the arrest.

This includes the Secretary of State Department of Police, where 50 percent of the fine will go into the Secretary of State Police Services Fund, according to the press release.

Fine increases in accordance to the new law will be effective Jan. 1, 2008.