When I was on the City Council in Midwest City I had a concerned citizen reach out wanting to setup this type of program to try and stop the abuse of handicap parking spaces to help ensure they are available for those that need them and are entitled to use them – a noble persuit. It’s a pretty cool idea, but one with obvious roadblocks (see what I did there) and some issues to think through. Details are below, and be sure to get legal advice from your legal advisor.
Oklahoma’s Disabled Parking Violation Unit Law empowers cities, towns, and municipalities to establish civilian volunteer units aimed at enforcing disabled parking laws. This article provides an overview of the law’s key provisions and the responsibilities of volunteer personnel.
Key Points of the Law
A. Establishment of Civilian Volunteer Units
Municipalities can establish civilian volunteer disabled parking violation units through local laws or ordinances. Volunteers, serving without compensation, assist in enforcing disabled parking regulations by reporting violations to law enforcement. They are authorized to gather evidence, including photographing violations, on both public and private properties accessible to the public.
B. Requirements for Local Ordinances
Local laws or ordinances must:
- Mandate a training program for volunteers lasting at least two hours.
- Assign identification numbers and provide official identification and equipment.
- Define uniform procedures for determining violations.
- Establish protocols for reporting violations, including volunteer identification numbers.
- Address procedures for taking photographs of violations, including processing, inspection, and use as evidence.
- Outline procedures for issuing notices of violation, including content and contestation rights.
C. Allocation of Fine Revenues
Upon conviction under compliant local laws or ordinances, law enforcement entities can allocate at least 12.5% of fines from disabled parking violations to a dedicated fund. This fund is exclusively for sustaining the citizen volunteer disabled parking violation unit, covering its establishment, maintenance, and perpetuation.
Next Steps: Oklahoma’s Disabled Parking Violation Unit Law empowers municipalities to engage citizen volunteers in enforcing disabled parking regulations. By adhering to prescribed protocols and allocating fines to support these efforts, communities can ensure accessible and orderly parking spaces for disabled individuals. For more detailed information, refer to the full statute here –> https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=104415