BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. - The Broward County Commission okayed a law that requires gasoline stations to post a phone number or install an intercom system on pumps for disabled drivers to use for help, the Sun Sentinel reports. The ordinance also states that a gas station attendant offer assistance when requested. The commission unanimously passed the law.

The county mandate goes beyond state and federal law. The Americans With Disabilities Act says gasoline stations with more than one employee working must assist disabled motorists fill up if the drivers alert employees by "honking or otherwise signaling."

Disabled veterans groups were behind the ordinance. Timothy Werner, an advocate for the Paralyzed Veterans Association of Florida, spoke with county commissioners about a similar Hillsborough County law. Werner is taking this idea to Miami-Dade County, and eventually all of the state??s counties.

"The Broward County ordinance is becoming a template for the Paralyzed Veterans,???? said Commissioner Stacy Ritter, "and they??re going to be taking it to Miami-Dade to work off of our ordinance, and I think that is something we should all be proud of.????

To be eligible for assistance, drivers must have the appropriate parking permits or be in a vehicle that has foot or hand controls for the disabled, lifts or ramps, or have a Florida toll exemption permit displayed.