Face of Disabled Decals Changing for SC

Aiken County, SC -- They were intended for people like Linwood Bakhsh. He has multiple health problems, including issues with his leg, and uses his disabled decal to park close to the doors, wherever he goes, but he says there's not always a handicapped spot available.

Linwood Bakhsh, Beech Island, SC: "There's nothing you can do, but park and walk."

He, and others we spoke with, say they have all seen cars without the decals parked in the reserved spots.

Bakhsh: "All the time! You know, people in a wheelchair, they've got to get in and out, and somebody messing with them, it's not right."

People at the DMV don't think it's right, either. That’s why, come January 1st, all disabled decals will be required to have a photo ID of the person to whom they were issued. That person either has to be driving. or in the car.

Lynn Owens had the decal, but didn't park in the spot.

Lynn Owens, Augusta, GA: "That's my mother's car, it's not mine, I mean, it's my car, but it's her sticker, I'm not disabled."

Because she has been frustrated when driving with her mother, seeing able-bodied people park in reserved spots, she makes a point to walk the extra steps when her mother's not with her.

Owens: "Because I know there's other people that need it worse than I do.”

It means an easier way to spot those who are misusing the decals, and a way for people who are following the law, to feel secure.

Ann P., Aiken, SC: "A good idea, because as young as I am, people doubt that, you know, that I have issues. Because, then people will know, hey, she's legit, whatever.”

Sgt. Aaron Dowdy, Aiken Department of Public Safety: "Obviously, if we see them getting out of the car, you know, not all disabilities are visible, it could be asthma or something that's not obvious, but if someone appears to be well-bodied and walking in the store with a placard, and we can go back to the car and see if that's who is supposed to be using that and enforce it if necessary.”

And for Linwood Bakhsh, it means a little extra peace of mind, and help for the body.

People who have a decal right now will be allowed to keep that one until it expires, or until December 31 of 2012...whichever comes first.

Anyone who gets a new one after the first of this January will be required to have their picture on it.

Click here for more information from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. (Adobe Reader required)