Handicap dos and don'ts?

Question

It's obviously not OK to park in a handicap parking spot.

But is it OK to use a handicap bathroom stall?
Is it OK to go in the handicap register in the supermarket?

I always do those because it seems like they are just there in case a handicap person needs to use it (bigger, built for wheelchairs and stuff). Whereas a parking spot, everyone would park there if it weren't handicap and so it has to be regulated in case a handicapped person really needs to use it.

I know it's illegal to park in a handicapped parking spot, that's why I said it's obviously not OK...I was just using it as an example.

I always thought those other two were OK I just wanted to make sure. I was just watching an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Larry David was using one of the handicapped stalls, and a guy in a wheelchair yelled at him...he was like "You have your own stalls, use them!" Larry says "Well I had to go it was an emergency! The other stalls were full what was I supposed to do?" The guy in a wheelchair says "Then you WAIT!"

A few days later Larry was at the same place, and runs into the same guy in a wheelchair, this time coming out of the stall. Larry of course can't let this slide, yelling "Oooohhhh!! Oooohhhh! You have your own stall!" The guy says that one was occupied, Larry yells "Well then you WAIT!"

Answer 1

The restroom and the checkout counter are handicapped accessible not handicapped restricted. They are made to accommodate the handicapped but can be used by anyone.I hope this clarifies things for you.

Answer 2

I will use the stall if there is no other one open--they'd have to wait for another handicapped person if one were in there. Didn't know there were handicap registers. They must be lower down and more accommodating but I don't see any reason any one else couldn't use it. These things are just to be accommodating just like putting ramps where stairs are and we surely can all walk up the ramps. The parking spaces are to keep them physically closer to the store to make that short distance easier for them. If I happened to be in a restroom and the only stall open was the handicapped and someone in a wheel chair came in I'd let them go first to be polite. How many people in the grocery store that go to the express lane actually have less than 10 items? Same concept!!

Answer 3

I have to agree with you. While I would never use a handicapped parking space, I will use the handicapped bathroom stall if no other is available at the time. A lot of the time the diaper changing station is located in that larger stall as well. As for the check out at the supermarket, I don't think that it is exclusively for the use of handicapped persons.

Answer 4

Let me say first that I have worked extensively with the handicapped.
The parking spaces are closer, by a ramp, etc.-that's why they are reserved and you get fined if you park there. You can park elsewhere.
But, while the bathroom stalls and checkouts are there for accessability, there is no law that the handicapped can't wait in line like you and me. There is no situation that they cannot wait to use the toilet or pay for groceries,and if the other stalls are occupied or cashiers busy, that is your only choice.

Answer 5

Unless you have a handicapped placard or license plate, you can not park in a handicapped stall. The "accessable" checkout lane, dressing room, and bathroom stall are slightly larger, to accomodate a wheelchair. That's what makes them "handicapped". But anybody can use them - even those without disabilities.

Answer 6

I think it's okay to use the Handicap bathroom stall. I use it all the time & I have never had a handicap person waiting for me to finnish. I would say no to the others. You can get a ticket for the parking spot

Answer 7

There isnt anything wrong with using the register or the restroom.

As long as there isn't a handicap person whom needs to use the restroom, go right ahead.

Where i work we have a register that is wider than the other ones so wheelchairs and the scooters can fit through...and everyone uses this one when its open, because well, why not go there when its the only one open?

Answer 8

33 years of being physically challenged due to having spina bifida and being in a wheelchair myself heres the answers you require
1. do not park in a handicapped parking spot if you are not handicapped, you will be fined a hefty fine

2. do not use the handicapped toilet stalll if you are not handicapped, alot of us who need the stall have incontinence problems and can not wait for you to sit in there for 20 minutes or whatever

3 you can use the handicapp checkout, however if someone is handicapped in one way or another and may be struggling with their purchases in one way or another do the courteous thing and allow them to go ahead of you.

please allow me to clairify point # 2

i can see a mother of a person who may be confined to a wheelchair using the handicapp stall, to help their child out
what i cant see is someone who is clearly with another person drag 15 children in the handicapp stall to go potty. have the person youre with watch the other 14 kids while you go.

Answer 9

I think it is perfectly fine to use the handicap bathroom stall or register. However, if there is a handicapped person who is in the bathroom or at the register, I would offer to let them go first.

Answer 10

To my knowledge, there is no law or ordinance claiming those over-sized stalls are actually restricted to the disabled.

I believe they can legally be used by anyone who feels they need assistance (the side bar) or more room to negotiate themselves.

Of course, I would never jump ahead of someone in a wheelchair who just entered the restroom and headed towards that stall.