"State 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.

A state audit last year found more than 26,000 Californians over age 100 had disabled placards. But there are only about 8,000 centenarians in California and most no longer drive."