It's not "convenient" to be disabled.
People tend to forget that fact when they are in a hurry to run into the grocery store and carelessly park their car in an open disabled spot.
But now Texas cracked down on healthy people who don't think they will get caught. In fact, the state is making it a heftier crime to break the rule.
Parking in a disabled spot just seems like bad karma. While it's tempting to park in a "handicapped" spot at a busy outlet mall, just think about how blessed you are to be able to walk a little further to the door.
A new law took affect that not only imposes a higher fine, but the charge will be criminal. Those who park their cars illegally in a disabled spot will have to pay a $500 fine. That's nearly double the current fine of $255 to $300. As a criminal offense, the fines and court costs will begin at $511 for the first offense.
Even borrowing someone's place-card will break your wallet. Violations include parking in a disabled space without a place-card and illegally using a place-card if you are not disabled.
If you are disabled and you loan out your place-card? You too could face a $500 fine.
The new fines took effect Feb. 1.