The red-domed parking meters in D.C. are reserved for handicapped drivers. They've been around since 2012, but the penalties haven't been enforced — until now.

WASHINGTON — For the first time Monday, drivers must observe the rules for red top parking meters in the District.

The red-domed meters are reserved for people with disability parking permits or license plates but also require that those people pay to park in areas with the meters for the first time.

People who qualify to use the meters can park for up to four hours, as opposed to the usual two-hour limit in the downtown area, but must pay the full hourly rate listed on the meter — generally $2.30.

The meters have been installed and ripped out in various parts of the city for years but this is the first time since shortly after the program began in 2012 that the rules are actually being enforced.