In order to fight the abuse of disabled placards and tags—the signs that disabled individuals display in their vehicles to take proper advantage of handicapped parking spaces—the State of South Carolina announced a new law at the end of 2009.

In December of last year, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles announced that disabled placards will now feature a photograph of the individual to whom it was issued.

Disabled tags themselves will also be redesigned in order to look more like regular, state-issued plates, and both placards and tags will now include certificates that verify their eligibility and authenticity.

Why the change?

Sadly, because it is necessary.  Illegal handicapped parking is a major problem in the state of South Carolina.  Some perfectly able-bodied individuals illegally use handicapped parking placards and tags issued to disabled friends or relatives, and some people who are no longer considered disabled keep their placards and tags long after they are no longer medically eligible to use them.

Drivers who currently own valid disabled placards can keep them until they expire or until the end of 2012, whichever comes first.  At that point, those placards and tags must be recertified with a physician before a photo placard may be issued to them at a cost of one dollar.

Penalties

The state imposes a $500 fine for violating this law.  Some people do not think this fine is enough to sufficiently deter the abuse of handicapped placards and tags, so do not be surprised if this issue is debated further in the state legislature.

Many lawmakers may also argue that the real issue is the lack of enforcement surrounding those who abuse state-issued handicapped placards, so also look for more patrol cars policing handicapped parking spaces and the eligibility of those using them.

Lastly, look for increased scrutiny of doctors who validate handicapped placard eligibility.  Most doctors are ethical in this regard, but some hand out such documentation freely and without regard for state rules.