Disability parking placards and license plates
Disability parking placards and license plates are special permits issued to individuals with disabilities to facilitate accessible parking and ease of mobility. Here’s an overview of disability parking placards and license plates:
- Purpose:
- Accessibility: Disability parking placards and license plates are intended to provide individuals with disabilities convenient access to designated accessible parking spaces, closer to entrances of buildings and facilities.
- Mobility: These permits help individuals with disabilities who may have mobility limitations or difficulty walking long distances to access essential services, amenities, and activities in their communities.
- Types of Permits:
- Disability Parking Placards: These are typically small, portable permits that can be displayed in the windshield or dashboard of a vehicle. Placards are often issued on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the individual’s disability status and mobility needs.
- Disability License Plates: Some jurisdictions offer disability license plates as an alternative to placards. These license plates are affixed to the vehicle’s front and/or rear license plate brackets and serve as a visible indicator of the vehicle owner’s disability status.
- Eligibility:
- Eligibility criteria for disability parking placards and license plates vary by jurisdiction but generally require certification of a qualifying disability by a licensed healthcare professional, such as a physician or medical specialist.
- Common qualifying disabilities may include mobility impairments, severe arthritis, respiratory conditions, visual impairments, or cardiac conditions that significantly limit the individual’s ability to walk or engage in activities of daily living.
- Application Process:
- Applicants for disability parking placards or license plates typically need to submit a completed application form, along with medical documentation verifying their disability status, to the appropriate state agency, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- The application process may also require payment of a nominal fee, which varies by jurisdiction, and may be waived or reduced for individuals with limited financial means.
- Display and Use:
- Disability parking placards must be prominently displayed in the vehicle when parked in designated accessible parking spaces. Placards are typically hung from the rearview mirror or placed on the dashboard.
- Disability license plates serve as a permanent indicator of disability status and are affixed to the vehicle’s license plate brackets like standard license plates. These plates also grant access to accessible parking spaces when displayed on the vehicle.
- Enforcement and Penalties:
- Misuse of disability parking placards or license plates, such as using them without proper authorization or using someone else’s permit, is subject to fines, penalties, and legal consequences.
- Law enforcement agencies and parking enforcement officers are authorized to monitor compliance with disability parking regulations and issue citations for violations.
Overall, disability parking placards and license plates play a critical role in promoting accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities by providing them with convenient parking options and facilitating their participation in community life. Strict enforcement of disability parking regulations helps ensure that these permits are used appropriately and that accessible parking spaces remain available for those who truly need them.
2 Comments
What you are referring to is typically called a Disabled Person’s License Plate (or sometimes a “disabled license plate with the international symbol of access” or similar phrasing, depending on the state).
The process for getting a license plate with a disability symbol (instead of just the rearview mirror placard) involves applying through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Revenue (DOR), or local County Tag Office.
Since you already have the placard, you are likely already qualified. However, keep in mind that:
Placard vs. Plate: Generally, the placard (for the rearview mirror) can be used in any vehicle you are traveling in. A disabled person’s license plate is permanently affixed to a specific vehicle, and usually, only people with permanent disabilities are eligible for the plate.
You May Need to Choose: Some states require you to choose between having a disabled license plate or the rearview mirror placard, though some states will issue both or multiple placards if you have a disabled license plate.
General Steps to Get a Disabled Person’s License Plate (Sticker/Symbol):
Check Eligibility and Application Form:
Find the specific application form for a Disabled Person’s License Plate for your state (or county, as the process is often handled locally). A common name for the form might be something like “Disabled Person’s Parking Affidavit” or “Application for Disabled License Plate.”
Your existing placard application might already be enough, but you may need to submit a new form to specifically request the license plate.
Physician Certification:
Even if you already have the placard, the license plate application often requires your licensed physician, chiropractor, or other healthcare provider to complete and sign a section of the application form to certify your permanent disability.
Submit the Application and Required Documents:
Take the completed and certified form, along with any other required documentation (such as proof of residency, vehicle registration/title, current license plate, and driver’s license/ID), to your local County Tag Office, Tax Commissioner’s Office, or state DMV/DOR office.
There may be a small fee for the disabled person’s license plate, which is often separate from the annual registration fees.
Exchange/Receive Plate:
If you currently have a standard license plate on your vehicle, you will typically need to surrender that plate when you receive the new disabled person’s plate.
To get the most accurate information for your location, it’s recommended you contact or check the website for your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or local County Tag Office.