On Monday, August 20, 2001, the District Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin enforcing DC LAW 13-279 (Individuals With Disabilities Parking Reform Amendment Act Of 2000). The law sets stricter limits on the amount of free parking available to cars bearing handicap license plates or placards. Similar in scope to laws passed in other cities, the new parking law is intended to ensure that residential streets and short-term metered spaces are available to all and not monopolized for all-day parking. Additionally, it is anticipated that the law will curb fraudulent use of handicap plates and placards by non-disabled drivers.

District residents holding handicap license plates or a hanging placard - as well as disabled commuters and visitors to the city - should note the following changes:

• Everyone must now adhere to the two-hour parking limit in designated residential neighborhoods. Beginning August 20, 2001, disabled residents must display a residential parking sticker in addition to their handicap plates or hanging placard.
• Persons with DC-issued handicap tags or placards may park free in any other space for double the amount of time permitted by the sign or meter. Following the free period, posted time limits and/or meter fees apply. Motorists may not feed the meter past the posted time limits.
• Disabled drivers from other states must obtain a DC-issued placard from the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take advantage of free, on-street parking. Otherwise, posted time limits and/or meter fees apply.

During the 30-day warning period preceding enforcement, DPW and DMV mounted a public education campaign, aimed primarily at the disabled and aging communities, as well as the general public. DMV sent a mass mailing to all District residents holding handicap permits. DPW parking officers issued thousands of pink "Warning Tickets" to vehicles bearing a handicap designation. The warning tickets were printed with the new parking rules, as well as details for requesting a DC handicap placard. Information has also been available at all DC Department of Motor Vehicles satellite offices, as well as on agency Web sites. Additionally, business organizations, city agencies, community groups, elected officials, hospitality and travel associations have been notified by mail and asked to inform their members and constituents.

The law was passed by Congress earlier this year, following approval by the Council of the District of Columbia and Mayor Anthony A. Williams. For more information about the new law, or to obtain a DC handicap placard, call DMV at (202) 727-5000.