local-ordinance
Do time boundaries apply to a handicap parking sign?
<p><img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/8D6sL.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>

<p>Given the sign above here is the scenario: street parking space, no indicating blue or otherwise markings on the street, it's 7pm, and I'm not handicapped, can I park here?</p>

<p>In other words should this be read: "handicapped parking and 90min parking from 6a-6p..." OR could it reasonably be read "from 6a-6p this is handicapped and 90min parking"</p>

<p>And other than the "you're healthy can't you just park elsewhere?" And "I wouldn't risk parking there" (most people I ask are in the latter) I'm interested if anyone has any more official experience with this that they can point to. Not necessarily looking for a specific city, but I did see this in Kalamazoo, Mi.</p>

<p>Also I'm not trying to fight a ticket or anything but saw this sign and my college logic classes started kicking in...</p>

<p>Thanks for easing my curiosity!</p>

<p>Michigan state law applies in this instance, with <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(pi2xzxf0wnrdbrmr3h2hvmf0))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&amp;objectName=mcl-257-674" rel="nofollow noreferrer">MCL 257.674</a> being the applicable law. This section states where a vehicle may not be parked (setting aside the exceptions for "when directed by law enforcement" and "to avoid conflict with traffic"). Specifically, you may not park</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(s) In a parking space clearly identified by an official sign as being
  reserved for use by disabled persons that is on public property or
  private property available for public use, unless the individual is a
  disabled person as described in section 19a or unless the individual
  is parking the vehicle for the benefit of a disabled person.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>A street is public property, thus this is a location governed by that law (even if it is private property available for public use, the law applies). Time and manner of parking ("back-in only") are addressed in that section as well:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(w) In violation of an official sign restricting the period of time
  for or manner of parking.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>We can conclude, from appearances, that this is an official sign. The wording of the sign does not matter all that much, what matters is the state law. The law states 27 prohibitions: if any of those conditions is true, you may not park there. Therefore, if a spot is clearly labeled as handicapped parking, then you may not park there without suitable permit. If a spot restricts the time, e.g. 90 minutes between 6 am and 6 pm except Sundays and holidays, then you cannot park there longer than that, during those hours. No provision of the law relates time-limits on parking to the requirement for a handicapped parking permit. So the correct interpretation is that nobody may park in either space for more than 90 minutes in restricted hours, and the space on the left requires a handicapped parking permit.</p>

<p><a href="http://ecode360.com/9698604" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Kalamazoo traffic code</a> (19) says essentially the same thing:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>In a parking space reserved for a handicapped person unless the person
  parking the vehicle is a handicapped person as so defined or is
  parking the vehicle for the benefit of such a person.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>I am not aware of any case taken to the Supreme Court which tests this regarding traffic and parking signs, but as a general rule, unclear / confusing traffic signs do not absolve a person from the obligation to comply with the law (ignorance of the law is never an excuse).</p>

<p>I've posted this as a separate answer due to the length. user6726 is correct, according to the City of Kalamazoo. I reached out to Kalamazoo's information line and received the following information from them:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Please excuse this late reply. Here is some information about the parking restrictions depicted in your photograph that I hope clears up any confusion:</p>
  
  <p>The Disabled Persons sign (left) is only for disabled persons to park
  at- but the restrictions for disabled persons is 90 minute max parking
  6a-6p expect on Sundays and Holidays. The city wide parking
  restriction from 2a-6a is still in effect unless signed otherwise,
  which it is not here. So any disabled person can park left of the sign
  6a-6p for max 90 minutes Monday – Saturday unless on a holiday, and
  from 6p-2a with no max time limit until 2a. On Sundays and holidays,
  any disabled person can park there with no time limits from 6a-2a the
  following morning (Monday).</p>
  
  <p>Anyone can park to the right of the sign with the same time and day restrictions note d above.</p>
  
  <p>The Disabled
  Persons sign indicates that only a <a href="http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(2lhgufyv4raoyzhu4o1jrv1e))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&amp;objectname=mcl-257-19a&amp;query=on&amp;highlight=disabled" rel="nofollow noreferrer">disabled person</a> can park there and
  within those, or any, restrictions and the 2a-6a restriction. The time
  restrictions do not remove the disabled persons restriction.   I hope
  this is helpful.</p>
  
  <p>If there is anything else I can help with please let me know.</p>
</blockquote>
