Report shows issues with DMV handicapped placard distribution

A report released Tuesday by the California State Auditor says there are several issues with how the Department of Motor Vehicles administers disabled person's placards.

The report singled out a long list of deficiencies. Among them is the fact that many applications are not verified.

The state auditor's office sampled 96 applications and found that 70 failed to provide sufficient medical information.

Another issue is that some applications were approved and signed by unauthorized medical providers.

The DMV has nearly 26,000 placards issued to persons who are 100 years old or older, even though state records estimate the population of centenarians is about 8,000.

They believed many of the placards are registered to deceased individuals and should have been revoked.

State law doesn't limit the number of replacement placards that can be requested. At least nine individuals received 16 or more replacement placards over a three-year period.

The auditor's office is recommending that DMV district offices increase its sting operations to deter these abuses.