§ 11-36-101A. Physically disabled parking and access - Construction and signage.

A.  Cities and towns are hereby authorized to construct and provide parking spaces, curb cuts, ramps and signage for physically disabled parking and access for use in conjunction with facilities, both public and private, open to the general public.  The city or town may bear the cost of such construction, or at the option of the city or town and the owner of such facilities, share the cost of such construction with the owner of such facilities.

B.  Beginning January 1, 2010, the posted signage for every parking space that is designated and posted as a reserved area for the parking of a motor vehicle operated by or transporting a physically disabled person shall display sign R7-8, as provided in the latest edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices published by the Federal Highway Administration of the United States Department of Transportation, which includes the words “RESERVED PARKING” and the blue and white international symbol of access.  Van-accessible physically disabled reserved parking spaces shall also display sign R7-8a immediately below sign R7-8.  Municipalities shall adopt ordinances in compliance with this subsection by January 1, 2010.  The provisions of this section shall be considered an addition to any federal or state law, rule or regulation regarding the signage requirements for physically disabled parking spaces and shall not limit or amend any other applicable laws, rules or regulations.

C.  The blue and white international symbol of access, accompanied by appropriate language including, but not limited to, “Handicapped Parking”, “Reserved for Handicapped” and “Permit Required-Towing Enforced” may be used in lieu of sign R7-8 if the sign was erected prior to January 1, 2010.

Added by Laws 1990, c. 332, § 2, emerg. eff. May 30, 1990.  Amended by Laws 2009, c. 35, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2009.