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An Act To Enforce Restrictions in Parking Spaces and Access Aisles Designated for Persons with a Walking Disability
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §521, sub-§9-A, as amended by PL 2013, c. 381, Pt. C, §1, is further amended to read:
 
9-A. Enforcement of disability parking restrictions.   A law enforcement officer may enforce disability parking restrictions. The State Police shall enforce disability parking restrictions at service facilities established on the Maine Turnpike and on the interstate highway system in the State. A person commits a traffic infraction if that person parks in a parking space designated and clearly marked for persons with physical disabilities and has not been issued or is not transporting a person who has been issued a disability registration plate or a removable windshield placard pursuant to this section or section 523 or a disability registration plate or placard issued by another state. A person commits a traffic infraction if that person parks in an access aisle, regardless of whether the person has been issued a disability registration plate or removable placard. A person who violates this subsection is subject to a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $500. Testimony under oath with clear photographic evidence from a person with a disability or the driver of a vehicle transporting a person with a disability that a vehicle was parked in violation of this subsection is prima facie evidence of a violation of this subsection. For purposes of this subsection, "person with a disability" has the same meaning as in subsection 1.
Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §521, sub-§9-B, as amended by PL 2013, c. 381, Pt. C, §2, is further amended to read:
 
9-B. Registered owner's liability for vehicle illegally parked in disability parking space or access aisle.   A person who is a registered owner of a vehicle at the time that vehicle is involved in a violation of subsection 9-A commits a traffic infraction. For purposes of this subsection, "registered owner" includes a person issued a dealer or transporter registration plate.
 
A. Anyone who observes a violation of subsection 9-A may report the violation to a law enforcement officer. If a report is made, the observer shall report the time and the location of the violation and the registration plate number and a description of the vehicle involved. The officer shall initiate an investigation of the reported violation and, if possible, contact the registered owner of the motor vehicle involved and request that the registered owner supply information identifying the operator. Testimony under oath with clear photographic evidence from a person with a disability or the driver of a vehicle transporting a person with a disability that a vehicle was parked in violation of this subsection is prima facie evidence of a violation of this subsection. For purposes of this paragraph, "person with a disability" has the same meaning as in subsection 1.
 
B. The investigating officer may cause the registered owner of the vehicle to be served with a summons for a violation of this subsection.
 
C. Except as provided in paragraph D, it is not a defense to a violation of this subsection that a registered owner was not operating the vehicle at the time of the violation.
 
D. The following are defenses to a violation of this subsection.
 
(1) If a person other than the owner is found to be operating the vehicle at the time of the violation and is adjudicated of violating subsection 9-A, then the registered owner may not be found in violation of this subsection.
 
(2) If the registered owner is a lessor of vehicles and at the time of the violation the vehicle was in the possession of a lessee, and the lessor provides the investigating officer with a copy of the lease agreement containing the information required by section 254, then the lessee and not the lessor may be charged under this subsection.
 
(3) If the vehicle is operated using a dealer or transporter registration plate and at the time of the violation the vehicle was operated by any person other than the dealer or transporter, and if the dealer or transporter provides the investigating officer with the name and address of the person who had control over the vehicle at the time of the violation, then that person and not the dealer or transporter may be charged under this subsection.
 
(4) If a report that the vehicle was stolen is given to a law enforcement officer or agency before the violation occurs or within a reasonable time after the violation occurs, then the registered owner may not be charged under this subsection.
 
E. A person who violates this subsection is subject to a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $500.
 
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 127th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.