What should you do if a disabled parking space is always occupied?
For several years now, a car registered abroad and displaying a disabled parking permit has been permanently occupying one of the designated spaces in a public car park I use. Other visitors with disabilities have to park elsewhere – sometimes illegally – and end up being fined. Leaving aside the ethical aspect, how long is one actually allowed to stay in a parking space with such a permit?
F, Lausanne
Article 20a of the Road Traffic Regulations (OCR) grants several benefits to people with reduced mobility and to those transporting them, provided they hold a disabled parking permit, which must be displayed clearly behind the windscreen. It allows holders to park for an unlimited period in parking spaces, even where parking is normally time-limited, and to remain for up to three hours where a sign or road marking prohibits parking, or for up to two hours in shared spaces, even outside the designated bays. Furthermore, Article 79 of the Road Signage Ordinance (OSR) reserves the yellow parking bays marked with the «Disabled» symbol for them.
The map’s boundaries
These benefits do, however, have their limitations. The car must not endanger or unnecessarily obstruct traffic. They do not apply in car parks managed by a private company. Finally, the disabled parking permit is issued to an individual, not to a vehicle. A driver who is not themselves disabled may only use it if they are transporting and accompanying a person with reduced mobility, and only whilst doing so. A car that remained stationary for years, without ever carrying anyone, would therefore hardly be complying with this rule…
In your situation, there is still the issue of number plates: a car registered abroad cannot be parked in Switzerland indefinitely. After spending a year in our country, with no significant interruption, it must, in principle, be fitted with Swiss number plates, following customs clearance and a technical inspection. A car that has not been moved for years therefore poses a problem that goes beyond simply parking. The simplest solution is to report the situation to the local police or the cantonal police, who can check the registration document, ascertain whether the registered owner is actually using the car and whether it is in order, and then impose a penalty if misuse is confirmed.
Where can I get it?
For those who genuinely need one, please note that the disabled parking permit can be obtained in Geneva from the cantonal police. You will need to complete a form and attach a recent photograph, as well as a doctor’s report describing your mobility difficulties. The owner of a car that is frequently used to transport a person with reduced mobility may also obtain one, provided they can supply supporting documentation. A disabled parking space therefore offers time, not a permanent fixture. If you stay parked there for too long, that vehicle might well end up with a whole bunch of parking tickets on its windscreen!
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