Unauthorized use; penalties

A. It is unlawful for any person to park a motor vehicle not displaying a special registration plate or a parking placard issued pursuant to Section 66-3-16 NMSA 1978 in a designated accessible parking space for persons with significant mobility limitation. B. It is unlawful for any person to park a motor vehicle in such a manner so as to block access to: (1) any part of a curb cut designed for access by persons with significant mobility limitation; or (2) a designated accessible parking space for persons with significant mobility limitation. C. A person convicted of violating Subsection A or B of this section is subject to a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) or more than five hundred dollars ($500). Failure to properly display a parking placard or special registration plate issued pursuant to Section 66-3-16 NMSA 1978 is not a defense against a charge of violation of Subsection A or B of this section. D. A vehicle parked in violation of Subsection A or B of this section is subject to being towed at the expense of the vehicle owner upon authorization by law enforcement personnel or by the property owner or manager of a parking lot. E. A law enforcement officer may issue a citation or authorize towing of a vehicle for a violation of Subsection A or B of this section regardless of the presence of the driver. History: Laws 1983, ch. 45, § 5; 1993, ch. 187, § 1; 1999, ch. 297, § 10; 2006, ch. 48, § 1; 2007, ch. 319, § 61; 2010, ch. 74, § 5; 2019, ch. 265, § 1.