Why Some Parking Spaces Are Painted Purple—and Why You Should Think Twice Before Using One

Why You Should Think Twice Before Parking There

Beyond standard driving etiquette, parking in a designated purple space without qualifying comes with key considerations:

1. Legal and Financial Consequences Vary by Location

Unlike blue ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) handicap spaces, which are mandated and protected by federal law, purple parking spaces are governed by state, county, or municipal ordinances.

• In some cities and towns, local legislation allows law enforcement to issue hefty fines or tow vehicles parked unlawfully in Purple Heart spots without proper credentials (such as a Purple Heart license plate or special vehicle decal).

• Even in jurisdictions where state law views the spaces as symbolic rather than strictly enforceable by traffic police, private property owners (such as shopping centers or venues) reserve the right to ticket or tow unauthorized vehicles from designated courtesy spaces.

2. Physical and Emotional Impact on Veterans

Many combat-wounded veterans live with permanent mobility issues or non-visible physical trauma resulting from their service. While many qualify for standard accessible tags, designated purple spaces offer direct proximity to building entrances, reducing painful physical strain.

Additionally, veteran advocates note that these spots help remove the social stigma sometimes attached to handicap spaces, offering wounded service members a dignified space reserved specifically in recognition of their service.

Quick Reference: Parking Colors Explained

The next time you spot a purple-painted stall near the front of a store, leave it open for those who earned it—and save yourself a potential fine or tow