Republican Senator Ed Charbonneau of Valparaiso has introduced legislation that would increase the minimum penalty for parking in a handicapped parking space from $50 to $200.
The bill passed the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law committee on a vote of 5-4.
Charbonneau said tickets are usually written when citizens complain about a possible violation. He hopes that a steeper fine will keep motorists from taking parking spots specifically designated for disabled residents.
Some legislators have said that the $200 minimum is a little steep, but Charbonneau insists that it’s reasonable.
The current law places a fine on the violator between $50 and $500. Charbonneau’s proposed law would mean a fine between $200 and $500.
