Why are there purple parking spaces? Here’s the reason behind these brightly colored spaces and who they are for
Purple parking spaces first appeared in 2015. Now they have spread to nearly every state in the nation. But what are they for and who can park there?
You may have noticed that purple parking spaces have been popping up around the nation in recent years. You’ll find the brightly colored spots in front of government buildings and private businesses.
One of the first reported purple parking spaces appeared in Warren, Ohio in 2015, reports Reader’s Digest. Since then they have spread to nearly every state in the nation. But what are they for and who can park there?
What to know about purple parking spaces in the U.S.
Purple parking spaces are also known as Purple Heart parking spaces, and are dedicated to wounded U.S. veterans. While wounded veterans may have a tag allowing them to use the blue handicap spaces, these purple spaces help remove any stigma about the physical capabilities of wounded veterans says Brian Thomas, Purple Heart recipient who served with the 1st Infantry Division in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“These sorts of spots not only alleviate the guilt associated with handicapped spaces, or the signaling and perceived judgment around those, but often empower a sense of pride,” Thomas told Reader’s Digest. He also hopes that these spaces will be serving their purpose as well if they “spark curiosity, awareness or even a small conversation,” about the constant duality that veterans deal with.
That is moving forward, dealing with the physical and emotional scars and not asking for help, while wishing that others understand what their service meant and the pride that comes from it.
What are the penalties for unauthorized parking in a purple parking space?
Unlike handicapped parking space, there is no national law designating the creation of Purple Heart parking spaces. They are established by local and state ordinances, so the regulations surrounding them varies from place to place.
Some places require proper identification to park in them, others don’t. Likewise, some cities will issue fines to violators or make them do community service, while others will let people off the hook.
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