"SACRAMENTO (AP) - California officials plan to crack down on thousands of "dead" drivers.

A new law taking effect Monday will require the Department of Motor Vehicles to increase its oversight of the disabled placard program, including searching the Social Security Administration's "death file" and canceling placards issued to drivers who are now deceased, The Sacramento Bee reported .

The blue placards let drivers park for free at on-street parking meters or in spots designated with blue signs conveniently located near building entrances."