§ 27-15-315 - Signs regulatory in nature.

27-15-315. Signs regulatory in nature.

(a) For the purposes of this subchapter and for the purposes of enforcing any law of this state relating to penalizing owners or operators of vehicles who park vehicles in spaces designated for use by persons with disabilities and whose vehicles do not properly and legally display a special license plate or a special certificate provided under this subchapter, it shall be presumed that the identification of areas designated for use by persons with disabilities is regulatory in nature and that the identified areas are intended for exclusive use by persons with disabilities whose vehicles are properly identified and that penalties should be imposed on the owner or operator of a vehicle parked in those areas whose vehicle is not properly identified.

(b) (1) Any of the following designations that are displayed on each parking space for persons with disabilities and visible to the driver's eye level shall be enforced as provided under this subchapter and are regulatory in nature:

(A) A sign that displays the blue and white international symbol of access accompanied by one (1) or more of the phrases referenced under subdivision (b)(1)(B) of this section;

(B) A sign that states any of the following:

(i) "Disabled Parking";

(ii) "Van Accessible";

(iii) "Handicapped Parking";

(iv) "Reserved for Handicapped";

(v) "Reserved Parking" with the blue and white international symbol of access; or

(vi) "Permit Required -- Towing Enforced"; or

(C) A sign that is compliant with R7-8, R7-8a, or R7-8b of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices promulgated by the Federal Highway Administration of the United States Department of Transportation.

(2) Corresponding pavement markings of the blue and white international symbol of access are preferred but not required for enforcement of this subchapter.