ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – In the state of Maryland, all license plates, including disabled veteran license plates, must feature the universal wheelchair symbol to legally park in accessible parking spaces unless a disability parking placard is visible.

Aberdeen Proving Ground follows Maryland state law, and drivers who do not either have a license plate featuring the universal wheelchair symbol or do not have a disability placard visible in the vehicle will be ticketed by installation police officers.

This policy is detailed in APG Regulation 190-5.

The cost of accessible parking violations varies, with a range of $50 up to $140, and may include the cost of private contractor towing fees, which could be as much as $200, as well as any storage fees.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of President George HW Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act into law, establishing the world’s first comprehensive civil rights legislation for people with disabilities.

As part of the ADA, the ADA Accessibility Guidelines define the minimum required number of accessible spaces that must be provided in each parking structure, as well as how many of those spaces must be van accessible.

The C5ISR campus currently provides 176% more accessible spaces than required by the ADA AG, but it is important to remember not only eligibility, but also the abilities of those in need of accessible parking spaces.

Accessible parking spaces are essential for individuals who cannot walk more than 200 feet, require assistive devices or have cardiopulmonary conditions. However, it is important to recognize that accessible spaces are not just for those with mobility issues or visible impairments.

Consider this elevator analogy: you’re in a building with both stairs and an elevator. You are entitled to use the elevator as a benefit, but someone behind you is using crutches. Do you take the elevator, or take the stairs out of courtesy? An accessible parking space is that elevator; the right is yours, but so is the opportunity to lead by example.

Those who utilize accessible parking spaces are encouraged to reflect on whether their need is due to a mobility limitation and whether someone else might have a greater need for that parking space.

To learn more about accessible parking spaces and accommodations, visit the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration at https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/Disabilities.aspx.