Published on Monday, February 13, 2006
in the Daytona Beach News-Journal

Handicapped-parking violators nabbed at track

DAYTONA BEACH -- Florida Highway Patrol troopers confiscated 23 illegal handicap placards and cited nearly a dozen people for unlawful use of a parking permit at Daytona International Speedway over the weekend, authorities said Sunday.

Thirteen people were issued notices to appear for unlawful use of a handicap parking permit Saturday, said Trooper Kim Miller, Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman. The parking violators face a second-degree misdemeanor charge, which may include a $1,000 fine or one year in jail.

FHP troopers were posted at gates around the Speedway as part of an operation to stop attendees who borrowed or forged handicapped-parking placards to gain convenient access to the races. Drivers with accessible parking placards, license tags and hang-tags were required to show troopers identification.

The initiative, which was launched during Speed Weeks 2005, netted more than 100 violators last year.