DERRY — Drivers parking in the town's handicapped spaces will want to make sure the placard is clearly displayed unless they want to pay a fine.

Parking in handicapped spaces by non-handicapped drivers has always been an issue, and those who are caught illegally parking in the spaces are subject to a $75 fine.

However, there has been another issue that police have had to deal with over the years, according to police Chief Ed Garone.

“Oftentimes, a police officer will write a violation parking ticket when a car is parked in a handicapped parking spot without displaying a handicapped placard,” said Garone. “The fine for that violation is $75. Subsequently, the vehicle owner will come to the police station with a valid handicapped placard for that vehicle.”

As a result, the supervisors void the parking ticket, he said. According to Garone, this happens between 50 and 75 times per year.

Garone proposed modifying the town code to issue a $10 fine for failing to display a handicapped placard.

Town Administrator John Anderson asked Garone to demonstrate the maneuver used by many who come into the police station to dispute the $75 handicapped parking violation.

Garone said they will typically come in with the violation in one hand, place it on the desk, and then pull the handicapped placard from their back pocket to wave at the parking clerk.

“In the past, we have voided the $75 ticket and asked them to be more attentive,” said Garone. “I think (the $10 fine) is fair for the amount of time exercised in our efforts.”

Councilor Joel Olbricht asked if other municipalities have a similar fine.

“I haven't done research on that, but I'm sure they do have the same problem,” said Garone.

The goal of the fine, which was unanimously approved by the Town Council, is to increase compliance, Garone said.

“I agree, we have to somehow encourage everyone to put that placard on their cars,” said Olbricht.