(a) For the purposes of this section, a person with a physical disability is defined as an individual that has been issued a placard, special registration plate or decal for a motor vehicle by the State Bureau of Motor Vehicles under I.C., 9-18.5-5, 9-18.5-8, or the laws of another state.
(b) Parking spaces may be designated for the sole use by individuals with a physical disability. The designation may be made in any of the following methods:
(1) By placing a sign that indicates the space is reserved for handicapped, disabled parking, physically challenged or language to the same effect.
(2) By placing a sign displaying the official international wheelchair symbol or a reasonable facsimile thereof.
(3) By the painting on the pavement or by constructing with contrasting building materials, within a designated parking space, the international wheelchair symbol or a reasonable facsimile thereof.
(c) Any one of these designations, in and of itself, will be sufficient to provide legal notice that the space is reserved for the sole use by those with a physical disability.
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to park a motor vehicle, motorcycle, moped, bicycle, or other vehicle of any nature, in a parking space designated for the sole use by a person with a physical disability, which does not have prominently displayed for public view a valid placard, special registration plate, or decal issued under the laws of this state or the laws of another state.
(e) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly park in a space reserved or designated for a person with a physical disability while displaying a placard, special registration plate, or decal to which neither the person nor the person's passenger is entitled.
(f) If any vehicle is parked unlawfully in violation of any provisions of this section, and the identity of the driver cannot be determined, the owner or person(s) whose names the vehicle is registered shall be held, prima facie responsible, for the violation.
(g) In addition to any fines which may be imposed as a result of a violation of this section, any vehicle which is parked in a manner in violation of this section may be towed at the direction of the Carmel Police Department to an area designated by the City at the owner's expense. The owner shall also be required to pay any and all towing and storage fees resulting from this action.
(h) No private individual, partnership, corporation, or any other entity shall have the legal authority to direct that a vehicle be towed for a violation of this section. This authority is restricted to the Carmel Police Department and its duly sworn officer and employees.
(Ord. 2047-11, As Amended, 9-19-11)