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NH Law Strengthens Handicapped Parking Enforcement

CHANGES TO NH'S PARKING LAW - EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2004

Effective January 1, 2004, changes to NH's parking law will strengthen and enforce parking restrictions, and will enhance the rights of persons with walking disability plates or placards. The new law includes the following:

1) Defines the "access aisle" as the crosshatched area adjacent to handicapped parking spaces required for individuals with a walking or mobility device to maneuver in and out of their vehicle;
2) Imposes fines for any vehicle parking in or overlapping into this space;
3) Increases the minimum fine for illegally parking in a place specially designated for a person with a walking disability; and
4) Permits persons with walking disabilities or their drivers to submit photographic evidence of illegally parked vehicles, along with a sworn statement, so that a ticket can be issued by local law enforcement.

The Governor's Commission on Disability and Central New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society were instrumental in the development and passage of this law.

If you would like further information or technical assistance, please
contact Cheryl Killam, Accessibility Specialist at the Governor's Commission
on Disability at 1-800-852-3405, ext. 4177 or (603) 271-4177.