Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is warning Black Friday shoppers to avoid illegally using handicap spaces to get a better parking spot.
I believe that when you park in a place that's set aside for a person who's truly disabled, that violates all laws of human decency," White said. "You should not ever do that."
Secretary of State's Police will be enforcing handicap parking rules at malls in Peoria and nine other cities this Friday.
Drivers caught misusing a handicap placard face a 6-month license suspension and a 600 dollar fine. Repeat offenders face heavier penalties.
Call the Secretary of State's Office or go to cyberdriveillinois.com to report abuse of placards.
White is also reminding motorists not to drink and drive over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Today is often known as "Blackout Wednesday."
"Be sure to designate a driver. Take a cab. Pick a bus. But please don't get behind the wheel of an automobile," White said.
Police departments across the state are beefing up patrols for the holidays.
Last year, 15 people died in vehicle crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday. Five of the fatal accidents involved alcohol.
