Parking ticket - handicapped parking space?

Question

My friend got a parking ticket for $250 because she parked in a handicapped parking space without a handicap permit. The thing is, though, she didn't actually park - she was dropping my friends and I off, and she pulled into the space briefly so we could get out, without her blocking traffic. She didn't turn off the car, didn't get out of the car, and was actually in reverse about to leave, when the cop showed up at her window and started issuing her a ticket. Is there anything we can do? I mean, can she be ticketed even though she wasn't even actually parked?? We live in Florida, by the way, if that helps.

Update:

K. Ya'll don't have to jump all over me. I was just asking, all you coulda said was "yeah, that constitutes parking according to the law" or something. There weren't any other parking spaces anyway... and how would double parking have helped us?

trooper3316 · Accepted Answer

Florida Statute 316.1955 states it is illegal to stop, stand, or park in a handicapped spot.

Stand is defined as the temporary stopping of a vehicle, whether occupied or not. 

I see another poster claims you can not be ticketed unless someone complains. Not true. Florida Statute 316.1959 gives authority to any state, county, or municipal authority to enforce handicapped parking on public and private property in the same manner as any other parking violations. 

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/FileStores/Web/Statutes/FS08/CH0316/Section_0316.1955.HTM

Fred C · Answer

And if a handicapped person had been right behind, where would he/she have parked?
Sorry, she occupied the space, which she had no right to do.
No excuses allowed, and believe me, the court has heard them all.  It is a legitimate ticket and she will have to pay it.  She should have stopped further away, like other able-bodied people do, and the lot of you should have walked the extra few yards.  And if there were no other parking spots, which usually only happens at Christmas, she could have dropped you off on the side street, or at a loading zone, I bet there was one of those.

THE UNCOOL 1 · Answer

Yes that is still illegal. While you & your friends were occupying the handicapped spot, if a person needed it, they would have had to go elsewhere. Sorry, but I don't think you can win an appeal. As a rule of thumb, never even use a handicapped spot, unless you have the correct plate or a tag!!!

krizzz · Answer

Even if you had not  completely parked you  still occupied that space without the permit, you have violated the ordinance and well of course is subject to the fine. Just pay the price and deal with it. Remember we have laws and if we break  them We need to pay the price. :(

Anonymous · Answer

Those zones are marked so people do not block the space for others that are handicapped. Your friend should pay the ticket. You might be asking can you fight it. Sure, you can, will it merit your "friend" anything, no.

Kasey C · Answer

As long as you have occupied that space without the permit, you have violated the ordinance and thus is subject to the fine. 

Why didn't you all just double-park?

Anonymous · Answer

Guilty as charged, hope it was worth 250 dollars, I think she was parked there longer than you are letting on.

fluffy in Cali · Answer

split the price of the ticket with your Friends, after all you were letting them out.

bkingshott · Answer

If it is at a place of business then the only one that can ask the police to issue a citation is someone who calls for police assitance.

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Parking ticket - handicapped parking space?

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