Everything you need to know about accessible parking

From municipal programs and services to community facilities and public parking, and so much more, the City of Vaughan is championing accessibility for all. 

Creating enough accessible parking options is key to fostering a more inclusive community. The City is committed to ensuring all City facilities comply with accessible parking requirements and that all of these spaces throughout Vaughan are used in the proper way. 

An accessible parking permit enables a person with a disability or eligible health condition to park in an accessible parking space. These spots are designed to be wider than other parking spaces, to allow enough room for patrons to use a ramp, wheelchair or provide assistance as required. Accessible parking spots are clearly marked with a blue symbol on the ground and a “by permit only” parking sign. 

Do your part to be a good neighbour by respecting the intended purpose of these spaces. Here are some rules and regulations around accessible parking spots: 

• Never park in an accessible parking space if you or your passenger do not hold a valid permit. If you use an accessible parking permit without the permit holder in the vehicle, you could be fined up to $5,000, and the permit may be seized.

• You must clearly display your permit with the number and expiry date visible on your vehicle’s sun visor or dashboard to park in an accessible parking space. 

• If you’re parking beside an accessible parking space, do not obstruct or park close to the painted lines as this could block the vehicle’s side entry. 

Getting a permit

If you have a health condition that meets the eligible health requirements and have authorization from a regulated healthcare practitioner, you can apply for an accessible parking permit online, by mail or in-person through Service Ontario. 

Enforcement

City of Vaughan municipal law enforcement officers carry out daily, routine patrols to monitor for violations of accessible parking regulations under the City’s Parking By-law, including misuse of accessible parking permits and stopping or parking in a designated parking space without displaying a valid permit. The City also increases patrols for misuse of accessible parking spaces and permits during high-traffic times, such as weekends, rush hours and holidays. To report a violation, call the City at 905-832-2281 or email bylaw@vaughan.ca.

York Regional Police (YRP) responds to accessible parking permit violations under the Highway Traffic Act, including altered or fraudulent permits, improper permit display, unauthorized usage, refusal to surrender permit and more. To report violations, call YRP’s non-emergency line at 1-866-876-5423. 

To learn more about the City’s efforts to advance accessibility, visit vaughan.ca/accessibility.

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