State Rep. Evangelidis files bill

State Rep. Lew Evangelidis (R-Holden) filed legislation designed to deter the fraudulent use of handicapped placards in Massachusetts.

Under this bill, the penalties for the fraudulent use of a handicapped placard would be increased. For a first offense, the fine would be increased from $500 to $1,000 with a license suspension of one year instead of the thirty-day suspension, which is currently in place. For second and subsequent offenses, the fine would be increased from $1,000 to $2,500. Additionally, license suspensions would be increased from 90 days to three years for a second offense and from one year to five years for any subsequent offenses.

"This bill is necessary when we, as legislators, learn that many people are abusing the handicapped placard system that we have in place. I find it unconscionable that anyone would take advantage of a system that is designed to help those in need," said Evangelidis. "You are either deemed handicapped and in need of the plate or you are committing fraud by using it."