I beat a Handicapped parking ticket years ago. The spot wasn’t signed properly, located properly, lined properly and lacked permits. I even got help from the state DOT. It can be a matter of simple dogged research and a calm and assertive stance backed with the facts before a district judge.
And I bet this BJ’s spot was extraordinarily well and properly marked (I know the ones at my Costco are), and that this wench well-deserved the ticket.