State investigators cited more than 150 people in February for fraudulently using disabled person parking placards across California — as part of an ongoing effort to curb the number of drivers illegally taking up the coveted parking spots.

A total of 153 misdemeanor citations were issued throughout the state. Sixty-one of those were issued in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties including 23 at Cal State Northridge, nine in the Duarte and Monrovia areas and San Jacinto, eight in Paramount, five at Chesterfield Plaza in Los Angeles, four in Irvine and three in the Pasadena and Arcadia areas, the Department of Motor Vehicles said in a statement.

Investigators verified 1,582 placards, which means they cited about one of every 10 people they interacted with.

Offenders must appear in court and face possible fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, the DMV said.

Jaime Garza, a DMV spokesperson, said investigators target specific concert venues and shopping centers for these monthly enforcement operations. They don’t target cities, Garza said.

Last year, for example, the state agency partnered with Indio police and issued about 275 citations during the Coachella and Stagecoach festivals. Another operation was conducted at the Rose Bowl for a big soccer match, Garza said.

Investigators approach drivers, who park in spots designated for those who are disabled, and verify their placards, Garza said.

Garza said placards have assignment numbers. These placards are assigned to people who provide the DMV with documentation, such as a letter signed by a certified physician, that proves they need the extra assistance.

State officials are expected to surpass the number of citations issued last fiscal year.

Investigators have so far issued 1,479 citations to people fraudulently using disabled person placards during 170 enforcement operations. During fiscal year 2016-17, they handed out 1,625 citations.

Issues have been raised about how the DMV has administered its disabled placard and plate program.

An April 2017 report by the California State Auditor found that the DMV had not canceled permanent placards for thousands of people who were likely dead.

The audit found that nearly 26,000 placard holders were 100 years of age, or older. The problem was there were only an estimated 8,000 people who were that age in California.

This indicated that the “DMV’s process for canceling placards of deceased individuals is inadequate,” according to the report.

A new law did take effect this year requiring the agency to send a renewal form to each placard-holder every six years.

Garza said the agency has initiated a public awareness campaign, urging drivers to “Save the Space” for those who really need it.

The agency has been sharing posters and videos on social media to alert people of the fines the misdemeanor citations carry.

“What we want is to get people to talk,” Garza said. “We want people to comply. The more we get the message out there, the more we get people to comply.”

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