Disability parking sting announced for Illinois' Black Friday shoppers

As Illinoisans prepare for a busy Black Friday weekend, shoppers to think twice about where they park.

Secretary of State Jesse White and Illinois police have teamed up for a statewide parking sting that targets people who park in handicapped parking spots illegally.

The annual operation aims to enforce rules for handicapped parking in several Illinois cities, including Aurora, Bloomington, Carbondale, Chicago, Fairview Heights, Oak Brook, Orland Park, Peoria, Rockford, Schaumburg and Springfield.

"Our mission is not to issue tickets, but to ensure that accessible parking spaces are available to those who need them," White said. "Parking illegally in a space reserved for people with disabilities means a possible driver's license suspension and a hefty fine, money which could otherwise be used on gifts."

Drivers caught misusing a placard could face a six-month driver's license suspension and up to a $600 fine.

The Secretary of State's Office says there are 547,637 permanent disability placards and 62,503 disability license plates currently registered in Illinois.