7 Signs You Should Get a Disabled Parking Permit

Dr Handicap - wheelchair

Wondering if it’s finally time for you to get a handicap parking placard? There are many signs you can look for to help determine if a disabled parking permit is right for you. If you’re suffering from limited mobility or a condition that impacts your ability to walk, this type of placard can help make your life so much easier.

To get started, see if any of the symptoms or conditions listed below apply to you. If they do, you can obtain a placard by going through an evaluation with a licensed physician on the Dr. Handicap website (all from the comfort of your home!). After you conduct an online video chat with a doctor in your state, you’ll pay one flat rate for your placard – and you’ll even get your completed DMV form in the mail!

So, read on to see if a handicap parking permit is right for you.

  1. You have limited mobility

One of the easiest signs to check for is whether you have trouble walking short distances without taking a rest. Some states set this requirement as low as 50 feet, while others have it at 200 feet. If you’re unable to walk these distances without resting, you would likely benefit from a handicap parking permit that allows you to park closer to locations like businesses and retail stores.

There are many conditions that result in limited mobility, including obesity, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and gouty), lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, and allergies. Diseases like Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis can contribute to limited mobility because they cause a degeneration of the nervous system and impaired motor function. Aside from illnesses, serious injuries (like those to the spinal cord) can result in paralysis or motor symptoms like tremors or muscle weakness, which can also greatly impact mobility. Additionally, more rare conditions like acute sensitivity to sunlight (which presents with blisters or burns on the skin) can also help you qualify for a permit.

If you show symptoms of ataxia, you might experience a loss of control over your bodily movements (like muscle movement and coordination). Ataxia can show up in a wide variety of conditions, including vitamin B12 deficiencies, brain lesions, radiation poisoning, or trauma (among others). Any signs of ataxia mean that it could be difficult for you to walk long distances.

Dr. Handicap - handicap parking sign

  1. You have a cardiac condition

If you’ve been diagnosed with a cardiac condition (including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, etc.), it’s possible you meet the criteria for a handicap parking placard. The American Heart Association separates these conditions into classes to help determine a patient’s severity of symptoms. Classes I and II mean that the patient has mild symptoms and does not face too many limitations to their physical activity. However, if you’ve been placed in Class III or IV, you’re more likely to get approved for a placard. Being placed in these classes means you have significant limitations or are completely unable to carry out any physical activity. Day-to-day activities might cause increased fatigue or palpitations and discomfort is present with basically any kind of activity. If this is the case for you, a disabled parking permit placard could make your daily errands much easier.

  1. You suffer from limited vision

If you have some limited vision issues, you could be eligible for a placard. The requirements differ from state to state – some specify that you need to have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less with correcting lenses. If you’re unable to drive because of your vision problems, you could still qualify for a placard. As long as you’re in the car when you use the permit, the driver you’re with can use the placard, since you’re the one needing assistance.

In addition to vision issues, you may qualify for a disabled parking permit if you are hearing impaired or need to use a hearing aid. Check with your local DMV for these specific restrictions.

  1. You have limited or no use of one or both of your arms

Unable to use one of your arms? This is also a sign you should get a handicap parking placard. If you suffer from a deformity, amputation, or other disability affecting one or both of your arms, you’ll be able to get a placard. Additionally, if you experience spasms or have joint disorders that affect your limbs, you’ll also be covered. Some states also allow hand disabilities to be permitted for placard usage.

  1. You use portable oxygen for a medical condition.

There are many lung or pulmonary disorders that require people to use portable oxygen. If you need oxygen for conditions like cystic fibrosis, emphysema, asthma, COPD, etc., you’ll likely meet the requirements for needing a handicap placard.

  1. You use a prosthesis.

Using a prosthesis (including hands, arms, legs, and feet) also signifies you could benefit from a disabled parking permit. Even if you’re still able to walk or run, many state DMVs still consider the use of prosthetics as a disability. More convenient parking places could actually help to minimize any discomfort present from using a prosthetic, so there are definitely benefits to obtaining a placard.

  1. You’re unable to walk without assistance.

If you have limited mobility, you might be using a cane, walker, or other mobility device to help you get around. You’ll likely qualify for a handicap parking permit if you’re unable to walk without using one of these devices.

Able to check any of these items? If so, you should consider obtaining a disabled parking permit for yourself. Just check the Dr. Handicap website to help get you started!

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