Whereas, current law is ambiguous on the use of access aisles for disability parking by the disabled; and

Whereas, it is necessary that this ambiguity be eliminated as soon as possible; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §521, sub-§9-A, as amended by PL 2005, c. 433, §7 and affected by §28, is further amended to read:

9-A. Enforcement of disability parking restrictions. A law enforcement officer may enforce disability parking restrictions. The State Police shall enforce disability parking restrictions at service facilities established on the Maine Turnpike and on the interstate highway system in the State. A person commits a traffic infraction if that person parks in a parking space or access aisle designated and clearly marked for persons with physical disabilities and has not been issued or is not transporting a person who has been issued a disability registration plate or a removable windshield placard pursuant to this section or section 523 or a disability registration plate or placard issued by another state. A person commits a traffic infraction if that person parks in an access aisle, regardless of whether the person has been issued a disability registration plate or removable placard.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

Current law prohibits persons who do not possess disability registration plates or removable windshield placards from parking in disability parking spaces or access aisles. The law, however, does not prohibit persons with disability plates or placards from parking in access aisles.