Finding an open parking space can be a daily struggle, especially if you're out shopping on a busy day. Most drivers are familiar with the common frustrations: seeing an available spot only to find a small car or motorcycle occupying it, or driving up to a reserved space that's clearly marked for a specific purpose. You know that blue accessible parking spots are off-limits without a placard. But what about the purple parking space? If you encounter one of these uniquely marked spots, understanding its purpose, its legal standing, and proper parking etiquette is essential. These spaces represent a complex blend of national recognition, local law, and public courtesy.
The Meaning Behind the Purple Parking Space
The purple parking space is part of a dynamic, growing national initiative across the United States designed to honor and provide preferential parking for combat-injured veterans. These spots are specifically dedicated to recipients of the Purple Heart medal, symbolizing a profound respect for their physical sacrifice while serving the nation.
The Historical and Symbolic Significance of the Color Purple
The color purple was deliberately chosen as a direct tribute to the Purple Heart medal itself. This medal holds a unique place in U.S. military history: it is the oldest military award still given today, tracing its lineage back to 1782 when General George Washington established the "Badge of Military Merit." It is uniquely awarded to U.S. service members who have been wounded or killed as a direct result of enemy action.
By painting the parking spaces purple, communities are creating a highly visible, powerful, and enduring acknowledgment of this specific sacrifice. The initiative gained formal encouragement when state actions, such as Florida's CS/HB 1029 (which went into effect July 1, 2021), recognized the creation of these spaces, formally reserving them for combat-injured veterans within the state's legislative context.
Can a Civilian Legally Park in a Purple Parking Space?
The question of whether an unauthorized driver can use a purple space lacks a simple yes-or-no answer. Unlike federally protected accessible spaces, the legal status of the purple spot is determined at the local level (cities and states), leading to significant variations in enforcement and penalties across the country.
Three Tiers of Enforcement and Legal Authority
1. Voluntary Courtesy (Widely Adopted by Private Retailers)
In the majority of locations—especially in parking lots owned by private businesses (e.g., major grocery, home improvement, or discount stores)—the purple spaces are designated as honor or courtesy spaces. These businesses establish the spots not under legal mandate, but as a show of corporate responsibility and respect for veterans. In these cases, legislative notes often clarify that the spaces are “not officially reserved or protected” by general state or federal traffic law. Technically, you can park in them without receiving a government-issued traffic citation. However, the use of such a spot by a non-recipient is considered a major lapse in politeness and public courtesy, which could lead to significant social friction and public shaming.
2. Mandatory Local Ordinance (Strict Enforcement)
In a growing number of jurisdictions, local governments (townships or cities) have passed specific local ordinances that formalize and protect these spaces under municipal law. For example, the Berkeley Heights Township in New Jersey explicitly forbids unauthorized use. In these areas, the courtesy spot transforms into a legally enforceable reserved space, and violators face strict financial penalties. If you park illegally, you could face fines starting at $253 for a first offense, potentially escalating with mandatory community service for repeated violations. Always look for signage that references a specific local ordinance or code number, as this indicates strict, enforceable reservation.
3. Private Towing Enforcement
Even if a local ordinance does not exist, a private property owner reserves the right to enforce their parking rules. If the signage clearly states the space is reserved and includes language such as "Violators will be Towed at Owner's Expense," the property owner can authorize towing regardless of state law. While this is rare for honor spots (it risks bad publicity), it remains a possibility and emphasizes the owner's commitment to the policy.
The Critical Distinction: Honor Parking vs. ADA Accessible Parking
It is vital for the driving public to understand the fundamental legal difference between accessible (blue) parking and veteran honor (purple) parking:
- Blue Accessible Spaces (ADA-Protected): These spaces are mandated and protected by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA ensures minimal standards for disabled access in virtually all public and private facilities. Enforcement is uniform and strict across all states, and improper parking results in severe legal penalties, often involving significant fines and points against a driver's license.
- Purple Veteran Spaces (Community-Driven): These are not covered by the ADA or by general federal traffic law. They are entirely established through voluntary corporate policy or specific, non-uniform local ordinances. This means their protection relies either on a specific municipal law or, more often, on the public's ethical compliance and courtesy. The legal standing is vastly different, even if the spirit of reservation is the same.
The Evolution of Veteran Priority Parking
The purple spot is part of a broader trend of veteran priority parking. Many businesses offer general "Veteran Parking" spots, often marked with standard white, red, or green paint, and simple signage. The adoption of the purple color specifically for Purple Heart recipients elevates the recognition, focusing on the highest tier of sacrifice. This movement illustrates a community-level effort to recognize military service beyond existing federal holidays or financial benefits, placing the burden of respect and gratitude directly on the consumer.
Etiquette and Social Responsibility
Regardless of local law, using a purple parking space when you are not the intended recipient is socially frowned upon. These spaces are often placed in the most convenient locations (close to entrances) specifically to minimize walking distance for those who may have severe, visible, or invisible combat-related injuries. Choosing to use this spot, even if technically legal, is a choice to prioritize convenience over profound respect for military sacrifice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a special license plate to use a purple parking spot?
In areas where the purple space is backed by a local mandatory ordinance, yes, the driver must display an official Purple Heart or Combat Wounded Veteran license plate, sticker, or placard to avoid a fine. In courtesy-only lots, while no documentation is legally required, displaying official documentation is necessary to rightfully claim the spot and is a sign of respect, preventing possible confrontation or misunderstanding with other patrons.
What is the oldest military award still given today?
The Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given today. It traces its origins back to 1782 when General George Washington created the "Badge of Military Merit" for soldiers wounded in the Continental Army. It was formally revived in 1932 on the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth and has been continuously awarded since for combat wounds or death.
Is 'Veteran Parking' the same as 'Purple Heart Parking'?
Not always. "Veteran Parking" is a general term often indicated by standard white lines or different colors (like red or green) and is designated for any honorably discharged veteran. "Purple Heart Parking," marked by the purple color, specifically honors those who were wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart medal, placing it in a higher tier of recognition due to the specific sacrifice it represents.
If a business has a purple space, does that mean they have to follow ADA rules?
A business's decision to add a purple honor space is entirely voluntary and does not affect its legal requirement to comply with the ADA. Compliance with the ADA (blue spaces) is mandatory regardless of whether they choose to add honor spaces. The two types of parking spots operate under completely separate legal frameworks.