Q: is the towing illegal if i parked in a handicap space with valid handicap parking placard in private vet clinic?
Posted Sunday, 10/20/2024
For the city of Santa Monica, CA
1) Is the towing illegal if i parked in a handicap space with valid handicap parking placard in private vet clinic?
2) I have a valid handicap parking placard, assigned to me until June of 2025, I always park in the private vet small parking lot at the corner of street in Santa Monica, CA 90404 to get to my doctors’ appointments. I cannot afford $500 minimum a month to pay for parking fees which is why I have the handicap parking placard which is based on my proven approved permanent disability status from SSA. Is the towing illegal and can I sue and win for the damages and the amount I was coerced into paying the towing company because of the VCA contacting the towing company?
3) Does it matter if it is private or public property if we can park in their designated handicap parking space with a valid placard? Or if they have signs claiming that only customers can park there?
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A:
If you parked in a handicap space with a valid placard at a private vet clinic in Santa Monica, towing may be illegal, especially if the space is designated for handicap use and you have proper authorization. Private property owners must respect handicap parking laws, and unauthorized towing can violate these regulations.
Regarding your situation, since you have a valid placard assigned until June 2025, and you were towed from a private parking lot where you regularly park for medical appointments, you may have grounds to challenge the towing. You could potentially sue for damages and the fees you were forced to pay, especially if the towing was initiated without proper authorization or signage.
The distinction between private and public property does matter. Even on private property, designated handicap spaces with a valid placard should be respected unless clearly marked otherwise. If the private vet clinic has signs restricting parking despite having handicap spaces, it could complicate the situation, but generally, handicap placards grant you the right to park in those designated areas. It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional to explore your options based on the specific details of your case.
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