Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §521, sub-§9-A, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 673, §2, is amended to read:

9-A. Enforcement of handicapped parking restrictions. Local or county law enforcement agencies may enforce handicapped parking restrictions on private off-street parking areas. The State Police shall enforce handicapped parking restrictions at service facilities established on the Maine Turnpike and on the interstate highway system in the State.

A.__Notwithstanding Title 30-A, sections 471 and 472, any person may issue a citation for a vehicle or motorcycle that does not bear a disability registration plate or placard and is parked in a parking space clearly marked as handicapped parking.__The person issuing the citation shall then report the violation to the appropriate law enforcement agency, which shall enforce the citation.

B.__Local law enforcement agencies shall make available citation forms that may be used by any person issuing a citation under paragraph A.

SUMMARY

This bill augments the county and municipal volunteer parking enforcement programs established under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 30-A, sections 471 and 472 by amending the law concerning motor vehicle disability registration plates to authorize any person to issue a citation for a violation of the handicapped parking laws.