topic Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot in Community Chat

Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

ciao_bella — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:27:48 GMT

Today, I was coming out of Costco and I witnessed a person who parked in a handicapped spot with no handicapped plates or tag. He was just coming out of Costco to enter his car, and a car that DID have handicapped plates couldn't park because of this lazy person who didn't care.

There was a person in the handicapped car who was the driver with a person who used a wheelchair. The driver confronted the person who had illegally parked there, and the man just said to him, 'get out of my way' and then got in his car to leave. I'm glad the driver of the handicapped car took a picture of his license plate that showed he was illegally parked there.

It got me thinking about it on my drive home. I wonder if he will call the police in that township or would he send pictures to the motor vehicle agency? If it was in a Costco parking lot, would it have to be reported to Costco? What do you all think?

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Scooby Doo — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:35:38 GMT

In my State you report the violation to the Division of Motor Vehicles. It's a $150 fine.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

deepwaterdotter — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:36:20 GMT

I would send a copy of the pictures along with any identifying information to the Department of Motor Vehicles. But I wouldn't be surprised if nothing develops after my efforts.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

haddon9 — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:41:55 GMT

I think some people are lazy. However I also think there are some people who have handicapped tags who don't really need them and then there are some people who could use them but don't have them.

Of course someone with a wheelchair very much needs one and it's very visible. Not all handicaps are as visible and some people gradually become disabled but just either have applied and are waiting for their tags or have to get the forms filled out.

I think there are extenuating circumstances that we all can't easily see. There is no black & white when it comes to being handicapped.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

RescueLover — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:45:25 GMT

There are a lot of inconsiderate people out there. I for one would not have said a word to this offender. You never know how they will react. He knew he was in the wrong and didn’t care, so that tells me he wouldn’t care if he hurt someone either.

I’m glad the guy in the wheelchair wasn’t harmed and got the picture of this individuals license and vehicle to report!

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Coastalcarolina — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 19:50:11 GMT

When I cared for my parents, I would purposely leave that spot open for someone who was handicapped and possibly alone.

My mother had a handicapped license and wanted me to use it on my vehicle. I would park somewhere else and carry a transport chair and take her inside. I knew that I could walk and hated for someone to see me getting out of my car able bodied. He was a selfish individual and should be reported.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Tinkrbl44 — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 01:06:20 GMT

@ciao_bella wrote:
Today, I was coming out of Costco and I witnessed a person who parked in a handicapped spot with no handicapped plates or tag. He was just coming out of Costco to enter his car, and a car that DID have handicapped plates couldn't park because of this lazy person who didn't care.

There was a person in the handicapped car who was the driver with a person who used a wheelchair. The driver confronted the person who had illegally parked there, and the man just said to him, 'get out of my way' and then got in his car to leave. I'm glad the driver of the handicapped car took a picture of his license plate that showed he was illegally parked there.

It got me thinking about it on my drive home. I wonder if he will call the police in that township or would he send pictures to the motor vehicle agency? If it was in a Costco parking lot, would it have to be reported to Costco? What do you all think?

@ciao_bella

It's possible they have a tag for their rear view mirror, but didn't hang it.

In CA, the instructions are to put the tag on only when parking in a handicapped spot, but don't drive with it on all the time.

I'd never heard this before, but I wouldn't doubt other states also do this.

If a security person had asked the person to produce a handicapped tag and they could do so, I doubt they'd have been penalized for forgetting to hang it.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

ciao_bella — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 20:04:02 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@ciao_bella wrote:
Today, I was coming out of Costco and I witnessed a person who parked in a handicapped spot with no handicapped plates or tag. He was just coming out of Costco to enter his car, and a car that DID have handicapped plates couldn't park because of this lazy person who didn't care.

There was a person in the handicapped car who was the driver with a person who used a wheelchair. The driver confronted the person who had illegally parked there, and the man just said to him, 'get out of my way' and then got in his car to leave. I'm glad the driver of the handicapped car took a picture of his license plate that showed he was illegally parked there.

It got me thinking about it on my drive home. I wonder if he will call the police in that township or would he send pictures to the motor vehicle agency? If it was in a Costco parking lot, would it have to be reported to Costco? What do you all think?

@ciao_bella

It's possible they have a tag for their rear view mirror, but didn't hang it.

In CA, the instructions are to put the tag on only when parking in a handicapped spot, but don't drive with it on all the time.

I'd never hard this before, but I wouldn't doubt other states also do this.

If a security person had asked the person to produce a handicapped tag and they could do so, I doubt they'd have been penalized for forgetting to hang it.

@Tinkrbl44 The person who was driving the handicapped vehicle asked the man who was parked in the handicapped spot to produce his tag and the man angrily refused and just said, 'get out of my way'. An educated guess is after taking a picture of his license plate, it will be discovered that he probably parked there illegally.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Kachina624 — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 20:11:56 GMT

@ciao_bella. Costco would not have the authority to issue a parking violation. That's a law enforcement function. The handicapped driver should have called the police to report an infraction. It would be low priority so the police may not have arrived before the parked car left.

It's never a good idea to csonfront a law breaker. Citizens get assaulted or worse doing that all the time.

Whether the local PD will accept the photo as proof is doubtful but possible.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Lakelife62 — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 20:07:44 GMT

Was that the only parking spot open?

It is wrong to illegally park in those spots, but there is no proof the person parking there was illegally parked. Just because a stranger asks you for your papers doesn't mean you're obligated to produce them.

I would have found another spot or waited until the person moved. I would not confront a stranger, especially in certain states where people carry around guns. Not worth it for a parking spot.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

codyray — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 20:11:44 GMT

This was happening a lot at Costco just yesterday at my hometown in CA I saw an old beat up car parked in the H with no sticker ! I did tell Costco about it at one time long ago . There's nothing they can do. I also have witnessed angry people crossing the parking area and yelling at each other ! People need to calm down and relax .

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

ciao_bella — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 20:27:39 GMT

@Lakelife62 wrote:
Was that the only parking spot open?
It is wrong to illegally park in those spots, but there is no proof the person parking there was illegally parked. Just because a stranger asks you for your papers doesn't mean you're obligated to produce them.
I would have found another spot or waited until the person moved. I would not confront a stranger, especially in certain states where people carry around guns. Not worth it for a parking spot.

@Lakelife62 Costco's parking lot was very crowded, and it appeared that all the handicapped spots were taken.

Honestly, I think this happens a lot more often than you think. Before my retirement from the school, the school parking lot had 3 handicapped parking spots. Two of the spots were always taken by two senior lunchroom ladies who worked at the school making lunches, and had handicapped tags etc. There were plenty of empty regular parking spots, but there was a woman who was a parent and the PTO president. She was not handicapped, but she had a mother who was. She would come to the school on PTO business and always park in the 3rd handicapped spot. She would put her mother's tag in on the rearview mirror and use it for 'her' purpose when she had to come into the school for PTO meetings, etc.. That means that anyone else who came to the school that needed the handicapped space, couldn't use it. I don't know if she was ever confronted about it because I had retired by that time.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Tinkrbl44 — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 20:27:42 GMT

@Lakelife62 wrote:
Was that the only parking spot open?
It is wrong to illegally park in those spots, but there is no proof the person parking there was illegally parked. Just because a stranger asks you for your papers doesn't mean you're obligated to produce them.
I would have found another spot or waited until the person moved. I would not confront a stranger, especially in certain states where people carry around guns. Not worth it for a parking spot.

@Lakelife62 @ciao_bella

ITA .... If some stranger approached me and asked to see my papers for the placard, I would NEVER show them anything. Never.

It has my ADDRESS on it and they aren't an authorized state traffic employee who has the right to ask.

What is wrong with people?

Thinking they have the right to demand personal information is just asking for trouble.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Skyegirl21 — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 20:36:12 GMT

So wrong, lazy, thoughtless, with no compassion- Hope he gets a hard lesson- He is due...

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

I am still oxox — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 20:38:01 GMT

We have a handicapped placard my husbands issues are not viable to the naked eye. he had a post hip replacement broken femur and he is missing the calf muscle on the same leg, from an accident 40 years ago and I need a walker to get around these days.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

katie1859 — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 20:51:35 GMT

If a police officer was called and the car was illegally occupying a handicap space a ticket would be on that windshield.
No Brainer.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Carmie — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 21:04:45 GMT

I have a permanent handicapped blue tag that I got before I had knee surgery. I very seldom use it for myself even through it is mine. I did need it at one time, but now not so much.

I do use it when I take my friend who is in a wheelchair to the doctor's office or anywhere. I need the extra room to get the wheelchair out and set up and space between my car and the next to bring the chair up flush with the open door. She can stand and slide into the chair, but can't walk.

I have noticed that there there are many people without a tag or special license plate parked in those handicapped spots. No one does anything about it.

I asked my husband and son (police officers) if they ticket those who are illegally parked. They both said they do not go on private property unless the owners call them.

That means if Costco does not call the police, they will not ticket the cars or even check the parking lots.

A few years ago, I took my friend to Costco. She could at the time walk short distances with a walker.

When we got into the store, I helped her into the seat of a riding handicap cart. I folded her walker and put it in the basket and off we went....shopping.

When we were done, we were returning the riding cart to the plug in area. I was unfolding her walker and this crazy old man came up to her and said he wanted the riding cart.

He grabbed her and attempted to pull her off. Let me tell you I stepped in front of him and got in his face and screamed. She would have fallen and almost did. I was so mad I almost punched him.

This idiot had the nerve to argue with me. I have no idea why he couldn't wait a minute for her to get off the seat and get situated with the walker.

He said he was handicapped and I remember I told him he was mentally handicapped and rude. I was so angry I was out of control. He did back away from me and wait....lucky for him.

There are many people who are disrespectful and park in those handicapped spots. There is not much anyone can do about it.

Some day they might find themselves really needing those spots and they won't be available because someone was entitled and parked there illegally.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Carmie — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 21:01:33 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@ciao_bella wrote:
Today, I was coming out of Costco and I witnessed a person who parked in a handicapped spot with no handicapped plates or tag. He was just coming out of Costco to enter his car, and a car that DID have handicapped plates couldn't park because of this lazy person who didn't care.

There was a person in the handicapped car who was the driver with a person who used a wheelchair. The driver confronted the person who had illegally parked there, and the man just said to him, 'get out of my way' and then got in his car to leave. I'm glad the driver of the handicapped car took a picture of his license plate that showed he was illegally parked there.

It got me thinking about it on my drive home. I wonder if he will call the police in that township or would he send pictures to the motor vehicle agency? If it was in a Costco parking lot, would it have to be reported to Costco? What do you all think?

@ciao_bella

It's possible they have a tag for their rear view mirror, but didn't hang it.

In CA, the instructions are to put the tag on only when parking in a handicapped spot, but don't drive with it on all the time.

I'd never hard this before, but I wouldn't doubt other states also do this.

If a security person had asked the person to produce a handicapped tag and they could do so, I doubt they'd have been penalized for forgetting to hang it.

If you have a tag but don't hang it in full view, you can be ticketed. You MUST have the tag or handicapped license plate.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

happilyretiredgirl — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 21:58:18 GMT

Sometimes it's just better to overlook and not cause any potential problems. Just mine your own business.....or turn the other cheek may be best for all involved.

Re: Coming Out of Costco There Was A Big Issue With Someone Parked in the Handicapped Spot

Tinkrbl44 — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 22:00:00 GMT

@Carmie wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 wrote:
@ciao_bella wrote:
Today, I was coming out of Costco and I witnessed a person who parked in a handicapped spot with no handicapped plates or tag. He was just coming out of Costco to enter his car, and a car that DID have handicapped plates couldn't park because of this lazy person who didn't care.

There was a person in the handicapped car who was the driver with a person who used a wheelchair. The driver confronted the person who had illegally parked there, and the man just said to him, 'get out of my way' and then got in his car to leave. I'm glad the driver of the handicapped car took a picture of his license plate that showed he was illegally parked there.

It got me thinking about it on my drive home. I wonder if he will call the police in that township or would he send pictures to the motor vehicle agency? If it was in a Costco parking lot, would it have to be reported to Costco? What do you all think?

@ciao_bella

It's possible they have a tag for their rear view mirror, but didn't hang it.

In CA, the instructions are to put the tag on only when parking in a handicapped spot, but don't drive with it on all the time.

I'd never hard this before, but I wouldn't doubt other states also do this.

If a security person had asked the person to produce a handicapped tag and they could do so, I doubt they'd have been penalized for forgetting to hang it.

If you have a tag but don't hang it in full view, you can be ticketed. You MUST have the tag or handicapped license plate.

@Carmie @ciao_bella

I agree. My point was in the CA instructions it said to not drive with the placard on the rear view mirror spot. So, if people do that, they might forget to hang it before leaving.

I still think any "civillian" who challenges another about handicapped placards is just asking for trouble.

WHY would you think it's okay to confront a stranger? Report the "problem" to Security and let them handle it.

Costco parking lots are always busy, but MYOB is a good policy.

JMO, of course.