According to the Los Angeles Times, investigators have set up a series of sting operations in high-volume parking districts looking for drivers who illegally use the blue or red badges to park for free in specially reserved spaces.
With many cities adopting high-tech meters and demand-based pricing, abuse of disabled placards translates into millions of dollars in lost parking revenues and increased traffic congestion.
Officials said more than 30 percent of the vehicles displaying the tags are doing so illegally.