Howard County Police and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration issued 12 parking citations to motorists Wednesday for inappropriately using family members' handicap placards for parking.

According to police, they visited parking lots at Main Street in Ellicott City; Walmart in Ellicott City and Columbia; Target in Columbia; Wilde Lake Village Center; and The Mall in Columbia. In an earlier operation on June 22, police also issued 12 violations for improper use of placards.

The parking citations carry a fine of $130.  

Investigators from the MVA approached drivers pulling into or out of handicap parking spaces and asked operators or passengers to display disability identification cards. Over the course of three-and-a-half hours, investigators made contact with 42 motorists, police said.

Howard County police and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration's Investigation Division will be recognized next month with the Accessibility Leadership Award from the Howard County Commission on Disability Issues for joint efforts in handicapped parking enforcement and public education. 

The award will be presented at the commission's annual awards ceremony, Celebrate the Possibilities, on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at The Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way in Columbia. The event is free and open to the public. 
 
 "I am so proud the agency has been recognized by the Commission on Disability Issues for our work to enforce handicap parking violations," Howard County Police Chief William McMahon said. "Through our continued enforcement, we can ensure these parking spaces are available to the citizens who need them most."