Illinois SOS DOP 254 Disabled Placard Confiscation Report

Illinois SOS DOP 254 Disabled Placard Confiscation Report – Law enforcement officers across Illinois play a critical role in protecting accessible parking privileges for people with disabilities. When a disability parking placard is misused, altered, or fraudulently obtained, officers may confiscate it and document the action using Illinois Secretary of State Form SOS DOP 254, officially titled the Law Enforcement Disabilities Placard Confiscation Report.

This guide provides U.S. residents, particularly Illinois law enforcement personnel, disability advocates, and the public, with accurate information drawn from official Illinois Secretary of State and Illinois Vehicle Code sources. It explains the form’s purpose, required information, submission process, and the legal framework that supports confiscation.

What Is Form SOS DOP 254?

Form SOS DOP 254 is an official report used exclusively by Illinois law enforcement to document the seizure of a disability parking placard (also called a parking decal or device). The form was issued by the Illinois Secretary of State and carries the designation “DECEMBER 2012 — 1 — SOS DOP 254.”

It records key details of the offense, the individual involved, the vehicle, the specific placard, and the actions taken by the officer. Completed reports are forwarded to the Secretary of State’s Special Plates Division so the agency can take further administrative action, such as revocation of the placard or related driver’s license sanctions.

You can download the official PDF directly from the Illinois Secretary of State website: Download Form SOS DOP 254 (PDF).

Purpose of the Law Enforcement Disabled Placard Confiscation Report

Illinois law authorizes police officers to seize disability parking placards when certain violations occur. According to the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-1301.5 and related sections), officers may confiscate a placard if it is:

  • Not authorized for the person using it
  • Altered
  • Fraudulently manufactured

The SOS DOP 254 form creates an official record of that seizure. This documentation helps the Secretary of State investigate the incident, revoke improperly issued or misused privileges, and pursue driver’s license suspensions when warranted. It also supports the broader goal of ensuring that accessible parking spaces remain available for people who truly need them.

The Illinois Secretary of State emphasizes that unauthorized use of a disability placard or plates can result in fines, confiscation, license suspension, and, in serious cases, criminal charges.

Key Information Required on Form SOS DOP 254

The form is straightforward and designed for field use by officers. It requests the following information:

  • Date and Time of Offense
  • Offending Party Details: Full name, address, driver’s license number, and date of birth
  • Vehicle Information: Year, make, model, and license plate number
  • Type of Offense: Checkboxes for “Not Authorized,” “Altered,” or “Fraudulently Manufactured”
  • Placard Details: Placard number and issuing state
  • Citation Information: Whether a citation was issued (Yes/No), citation number, case number, and issuing department
  • Placard Seized and Attached: Yes/No confirmation
  • Narrative: Space for a written description of the incident
  • Officer Information: Department name, printed name and badge number of the officer, and signature

Completing every applicable field accurately ensures the Secretary of State can process the report efficiently and take appropriate follow-up action.

Where to Submit the Completed Form?

Once completed, the form (along with the seized placard when applicable) must be forwarded to:

Special Plates Division
501 S. Second Street, Room 520
Springfield, IL 62756

This address is printed directly on the form. Timely submission allows the Illinois Secretary of State to update records, revoke privileges if necessary, and maintain the integrity of the Persons with Disabilities Parking Program.

Legal Authority for Confiscation in Illinois

Several provisions of the Illinois Vehicle Code authorize the seizure of disability parking placards and plates:

  • 625 ILCS 5/2-111 – Explicitly allows the Secretary of State or any law enforcement entity to take possession of disability license plates or parking decals that are fictitious, unlawfully issued, or subject to revocation, cancellation, or suspension. Officers must return seized items in the manner prescribed by the Secretary.
  • 625 ILCS 5/11-1301.5 – Addresses fictitious or unlawfully altered disability plates and placards. Officers may seize the parking decal or device from any person who commits a violation of this section.
  • 625 ILCS 5/11-1301.3 – Covers unauthorized use of parking places reserved for persons with disabilities and related misuse.

These statutes give officers clear authority to act when they encounter misuse and require proper documentation—precisely what Form SOS DOP 254 provides.

Penalties for Misuse of Disability Placards and Plates

Illinois treats abuse of disability parking privileges seriously. According to the official Illinois Secretary of State guide:

  • Unauthorized use can result in a minimum fine of $250 up to $600, confiscation of the placard, driver’s license suspension, and suspension or revocation of the placard or plates.
  • More serious violations—such as using a deceased person’s placard, altering a placard, possessing a fake or stolen placard, manufacturing fraudulent placards, or selling them—are Class A misdemeanors for a first offense. Penalties may include a fine of up to $2,500, a one-year driver’s license suspension, and possible confiscation and revocation.
  • A second offense can be charged as a Class 4 felony, carrying fines up to $25,000 and potential jail time of one to three years.

These penalties underscore why accurate reporting on Form SOS DOP 254 is essential for effective enforcement.

How Form SOS DOP 254 Supports Accessibility?

The Persons with Disabilities Parking Program exists to help Illinois residents with qualifying disabilities maintain independence. The Illinois Secretary of State issues four types of parking placards:

  1. Meter-Exempt Permanent Placard (yellow and gray striped)
  2. Permanent Placard (blue)
  3. Temporary Placard (red)
  4. Organizational Placard (green)

When these privileges are abused, legitimate users lose access to the spaces they need. By using Form SOS DOP 254 consistently, law enforcement helps protect the program’s integrity and ensures that accessible parking remains available for those who qualify under Illinois law.

For more information on the program itself, visit the official Illinois Secretary of State page: Guide to the Parking Program for Persons With Disabilities.

Download and Additional Resources

Law enforcement agencies should keep a supply of Form SOS DOP 254 available for officers. Download the official, current version here:

Official SOS DOP 254 PDF Download

Related official resources include:

Conclusion

Form SOS DOP 254 is a practical, essential tool for Illinois law enforcement. It standardizes the reporting of disability placard confiscations, supports administrative follow-up by the Secretary of State, and helps safeguard accessible parking for people with disabilities throughout the state.

Officers who encounter misuse of disability placards should complete the form thoroughly, attach the seized placard when required, and forward everything promptly to the Special Plates Division in Springfield. Doing so upholds Illinois law and protects a vital accessibility program used by thousands of residents every day.

For the most current information, always refer to official sources published by the Illinois Secretary of State at ilsos.gov.

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