California targets ‘dead’ drivers using disabled parking

California officials plan to crack down on thousands of “dead” drivers who still hold disabled parking placards.

A new law will require the Department of Motor Vehicles to increase its oversight of the disabled placard program. That includes searching the federal Social Security Administration’s “death file” and canceling placards issued to deceased drivers.

The blue placards let drivers park for free at parking meters or in parking spots designated with blue signs near building entrances.

A state audit last year found more than 26,000 Californians over age 100 had disabled placards. But there are only about 8,000 people older than 100 in California and most of them no longer drive.

State officials say many of those cards now are used by family members or friends.