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Many drivers assume that displaying a disabled parking permit (handicap placard or plate) grants them access to any reserved parking spot. But in the United States, one of the most misunderstood rules involves the so-called “parent and child” spaces found at grocery stores, shopping centers, and big-box retailers.
A common misconception
It is not uncommon to see a vehicle with a disability placard parked in a spot marked for families with young children. The reasoning: “If it’s reserved for someone with a disadvantage, my permit should cover it.” That is wrong. In nearly every state, a disabled parking permit does not override the restrictions of a “families with children” or “customer with child” parking space. Those spaces are set aside for vehicles actively transporting a child under a certain age (often 2–5 years old, depending on the store or state law). Unless the driver also has a qualifying child in the car, parking there using only a disability permit is a violation.
The legal reality
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state motor vehicle codes do not list “parent and child” spaces as being accessible under a disability permit. The ADA requires that a certain percentage of parking spaces be reserved for vehicles with a disability placard or plate, and those spaces are clearly marked with the International Symbol of Access. “Family parking” spaces are a voluntary accommodation by private businesses, not a legal requirement. Therefore, they are not subject to the same rules. A driver who parks in a family space using only a disability permit could be ticketed or towed, and the store may enforce its own policies.
Beyond family spaces: other common mistakes
Expired permits: Many drivers forget to renew their disability placard. In states like California, Texas, and New York, using an expired placard can result in a fine of $100–$500. Check your state’s renewal date—temporary permits typically expire after 6 months, permanent ones every 2–4 years.
Permit holder not present: The disabled person must be in the vehicle or be the one driving. Parking a car with a placard while the permit holder is inside a store is allowed if the driver is the permit holder, but if the permit holder is not with the vehicle, some states consider it misuse. For example, in Florida, if the permit holder is not in the car, the driver must have a specific reason to be using the space.
Using a permit for convenience: A disability permit is not a “get out of any parking lot” card. It is only valid for spaces designated for people with disabilities, and for certain time extensions in metered parking (varies by state). Using it to park in a no-parking zone, a fire lane, or a loading zone is illegal everywhere.
State-by-state nuances
While the basic rules are similar, there are differences. California’s Vehicle Code Section 22511.5 specifies that a disabled person’s placard can be used only when the person is being transported. Ohio requires that the permit be displayed on the rearview mirror, not the dashboard. In New York, misuse of a placard can lead to a 90-day suspension of the permit. New Jersey just passed a law in 2024 increasing fines for unauthorized use of a disabled parking permit to $500 for first offense.
The cost of misunderstanding
Fines for parking in a family space using a disability permit range from $50 to $250, depending on the state and local jurisdiction. In addition, the store may have the vehicle towed. Insurance companies may also consider a parking ticket a moving violation, which could raise premiums. More importantly, misuse of a disability permit takes away a space that a family with a small child might need for safety—not to mention the legal and ethical implications.
What the experts say
“The ADA and state laws are clear: disability parking permits are for accessible spaces, not for any other reserved category,” says Melissa Wu, a transportation policy analyst at the National Disability Rights Network. “Stores that offer family parking should enforce their own rules, and drivers should understand that a disability permit is not a universal pass.”
A 2025 update: enforcement is rising
As of early 2025, several cities—including Seattle, Denver, and Boston—have launched automated enforcement systems using cameras to detect placard misuse. If a vehicle parks in a reserved space without a valid permit, or if the permit is not displayed correctly, the driver receives a ticket in the mail. Some private lots are also using license plate recognition combined with permit databases to issue fines. The message is clear: ignorance of the rules is no longer a defense.
Bottom line: know before you park
If you hold a disability permit, you have the right to park in spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol. You also get extra time at metered spots in many states. But you cannot park in a “parent and child” space unless you are accompanied by a qualifying child. The same goes for spaces reserved for electric vehicles, carpool/vanpool, or other specific uses. Always read the signs and respect the intent of each parking area.
Final advice
By following these simple rules, you protect your rights, avoid fines, and help ensure that parking spaces serve those who need them most.
This article was updated on March 17, 2025, to reflect the latest enforcement trends and state law changes.
