Parking in handicapped spots without a permit could ruin the holidays for Suffolk offenders when they get hit with fines.

First-time offenders are fined $230. The price increases to $305 on the second offense. Suffolk Handicapped Services says more than 4,000 tickets were issued in 2006 during the countywide campaign.

Deputy Sheriff John Jordan says the offense is common, especially during the holidays when people are rushing to get their shopping done. He says drivers often claim they have a permit, but don?t have it with them. In those cases, summonses will be dismissed if the person does in fact have a permit.

Police also arrested two people last year on felony charges for using forged handicapped parking permits.