Under Oregon law, there are now certain handicapped parking spaces designated for wheelchair users only, such as the one pictured here at the Newport Walmart store. The Newport Police Department is currently issuing warnings to violators, but beginning April 1, they will be fined. (Photo by Steve Card)

Starting April 1, violators could get costly citations



Effective on Jan. 1, 2008, changes were made with regard to standards for disabled parking permits, separating wheelchair users from other disabled parking permit holders.

The Newport Police Department is advising those who have disabled parking permits to be aware of the differences. Those violating the new law are currently being given a warning, but violations of the law will soon result in citations being issued.

A new style of disabled parking permit is now available for persons who use wheelchairs, or low-powered motorized or mechanically propelled vehicles. This permit is issued for parking in the new “wheelchair user only” disabled parking areas. These permits have a light blue background and display the words “wheelchair user” on the lower portion of the permit.

Not all parking spaces are created equal. Oregon law requires businesses to provide standard handicap parking spaces as well as “van accessible” or “wheelchair user only” spaces, with an adjacent aisle that is two feet wider than the standard space. These extra two feet provide the room necessary for those using wheelchairs to enter and exit their vehicle. Because these spaces are larger and usually placed closest to building entrances, they are routinely the first to be taken, often leaving those in wheelchairs either cramped for space in the smaller handicap aisles, or with nowhere to park at all.

Oregon’s new law states that a specified number of van accessible and wheelchair parking spaces shall be made available. This specified number is determined by the total number of parking spaces provided by the business. In addition to the familiar handicap parking signage, these spaces must also be marked, “van accessible” and/or “wheelchair user only.” Any person parking in a space marked “wheelchair user only” must display the new DMV permit. Those parking in these designated spaces without a wheelchair permit, even if they are displaying any other disabled permit, are in violation and may be subject to a fine.

For the past several weeks, Newport police officers and volunteers have been issuing warnings to those violating the wheelchair parking law. However, beginning April 1,warnings will be replaced by citations carrying a maximum fine of $472.











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