CHICAGO (AP) — An effort is underway to stop misuse of disability placards in the city of Chicago.

Chicago police, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Secretary of State Jesse White and Chicago's office for the disabled announced the effort on Friday. Officials say 41 disability placards were confiscated and 47 citations were issued during 20 coordinated stings since late August. Authorities checked more than 230 vehicles parked in downtown Chicago.

Motorists accused of displaying fake or stolen disability placards are subject to immediate vehicle impoundment and fines between $1,500 and $3,000, under a toughened ordinance Chicago passed last December.