42% Don’t Know the Purpose of Stripes Next to Handicap Parking Spots

A few weeks ago, I was scrolling on Facebook and I fell in love with a social media influencer. His name is Zach Anner and he's a comedian, actor, and writer with cerebral palsy.

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Who is Zach Anner?

Back in 2010, he submitted a video to Oprah Winfrey's Search for the Next TV Star competition. The show's premise was contestants submitted a video for a chance to host their own show on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. The competition was based on votes and even though Zach wasn't outpacing his competition, help from celebrities like John Mayer pushed him to victory.  In 2011, Rollin' With Zach, a wheelchair travel show premiered on OWN.

Since the show, Zach has been busy writing and guest-starring in shows like Speechless, and being a social media star. He often centers his content around the "disabled-person experience" in a fun and lighthearted way.

What are the Lines Next to a Disabled Parking Spot For?

I love Zach's content and watch whenever it pops up, but the video I watched this week really caught my eye.

According to the video, 42% of people don't know what the stripes next to disabled parking spots are for. Zach and his friend Jordan explain that the stripes are there to give room for wheelchairs to be able to get in and out of a wheelchair-accessible van. Jordan explains "It's so the ramp in your van has room to deploy when you are getting in and out with your wheelchair."

Zach then spends the next few moments demonstrating how frustrating it can be for a wheelchair-bound person who can't get in or out of their vehicle because someone parked too close.

How Much Can I Be Fined in Indiana & Kentucky if I Park in a Handicapped Spot?

It was eye-opening, to say the least. In Indiana and Kentucky, the fines for parking in a handicapped parking space without a valid permit or license plate can range from $50 to $250.

So, even if you watched the video and just felt like being a jerk, the law says "don't do it unless you want to pay."