Street Parking - Handicapped Signs in Windows? (Pittsburgh, Penn: appointed, houses) - City-Data Forum

dtrtrggr13 · 03-28-2012, 06:32 AM

Hey all -

I've noticed more and more in my short time here so far that all throughout South Side there are a number of houses that have these "Handicapped Reserved Parking" signs in their windows, and they'll put a cone in front of their house to reserve a spot right there. But then I'll see cars parked in those spots that are not handicap marked.

Are these signs legit?

I only ask because it seems there's a very high ratio of these everywhere I go...as in 2-3 per block, and I'd think that there would be a street sign or something if they were official.

Just curious...

h_curtis · 03-28-2012, 06:49 AM

If they don't have a proper sign and a painted blue curb, run over the cone and park there. A resident can't claim handicap, it has to be the city. Judging by what I see getting out of cars/trucks in handicap parking spaces, it is super easy to get a handicap sign considering I see people getting out of their cars and skipping to the stores.

dtrtrggr13 · 03-28-2012, 07:44 AM

So one can assume these aren't "Official" then?

Hopes · 03-28-2012, 07:44 AM

A sign and painted curb won't be installed for a temporary handicap, which would explain why the cars dont' have handicap plates too.

Doctors can fill out forms for patients to receive the handicap signs that hang on the rear view mirror for temporary handicap.

I would suspect an area that has a high senior population would have a greater percentage of these, like South Side.

Clint. · 03-28-2012, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h_curtis

If they don't have a proper sign and a painted blue curb, run over the cone and park there. A resident can't claim handicap, it has to be the city. Judging by what I see getting out of cars/trucks in handicap parking spaces, it is super easy to get a handicap sign considering I see people getting out of their cars and skipping to the stores.

Ditto.

Also, while disregarding self-appointed reserved handicap spaces, feel free to park in areas labeled "Steeler fans only" "Polish parking only" and similar signage aquired at the variety store.

Tinare · 03-28-2012, 08:18 AM

I'm not familar with the signs in the windows (of the houses, right?) Is it possible it is a temporary designation while the sign for the curb is on order? I don't know how fast the city moves in getting permanent signs put up. I do know that getting a handicap placard for a card is not immediate, though doesn't take long, but as anything with the State requires some bureaucracy. I'm sure you could call the city and ask if you think something is truly askew. I agree with Hopes, though, you're looking at a fairly significant elderly population. If you want to know what life is like for them, I can get you some volunteer time with my 89 year old wheelchair bound mother...

dtrtrggr13 · 03-28-2012, 08:21 AM

I just seem to see these at houses with younger people, and they've been there for the better part of half a year now so I'm assuming they're not temporary handicaps.

I just dont want to be the guy who parks in a handicap spot and has it end up Seinfeld style...

h_curtis · 03-28-2012, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtrtrggr13

I just seem to see these at houses with younger people, and they've been there for the better part of half a year now so I'm assuming they're not temporary handicaps.

I just dont want to be the guy who parks in a handicap spot and has it end up Seinfeld style...

Have a look at what car parks there. If they have a handicap sign on their car, then I would look into it. If not, I would run the cone over.

SuburbanPioneer · 03-28-2012, 08:28 AM

While there is such a thing as PA temporary handicap parking permit, there is no PA temporary handicap parking
PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services - person with Disability

Pittsburgh has it's own Traffic Operations Division and Street Management handles handicap parking signs among other things. Unless the marking and the sign are up, it is not a handicap parking space.

dtrtrggr13 · 03-28-2012, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by h_curtis

Have a look at what car parks there. If they have a handicap sign on their car, then I would look into it. If not, I would run the cone over.

Thats the thing - multiple cars, none of which have hte handicap tab in their car. I figured it was just a "residential" thing. I mean the signs look official and all...