Applying For A Disabled Parking Permit In Idaho: Everything You Need To Know

For many people, a handicap parking permit is an absolute must, as it allows them the freedom to travel around their city or state without worrying about where they’re going to park, and ultimately, how they’re going to end up at their destination. In a place as rural as Idaho, disabled parking can be a major concern for citizens with disabilities. But don’t worry – here’s everything you need to know about applying for a disabled parking permit in Idaho!

Laws For Disabled Parking In Idaho

There is no one unifying law governing the disabled parking laws in all fifty states. Each state’s governing body must make their own rulings with regard handicap parking permits, which leaves room for some varying laws for disabled citizens.

Fortunately, however, the rules don’t differ much at all between states; there is some minutiae which one should keep in mind depending on which state they’re applying in, but by and large all states follow the same ruleset.

More good news is that state-issued placards and plates can be used in any other state, no matter what the differing rules are there; so feel free to travel to any of the other 49 states with your Idaho disabled parking permit and be assured of a space.

Applying For A Disabled Parking Permit In Idaho

So how exactly does a disabled person go about applying for a disabled parking permit in Idaho, and what are the qualifying conditions?

First off, the place you need to apply to is the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles. The Idaho DMV issues three types of permits for handicap citizens: a temporary disability placard, a permanent disability placard, and a permanent disability license plate.

Between temporary and permanent, the relevant one will be clear to you and your doctor, while the option between placards and plates is merely a choice or preference.

A temporary placard is valid for up to six months and covers temporary disabilities. It’s possible to continue using these temporary placards if necessary by applying for an extension. Permanent placards may need to be renewed periodically, and the Idaho DMV will be able to assist you with timeframes.

Eligibility For Disabled Parking In Idaho

So who exactly is eligible for a disabled parking permit in Idaho? Qualifying conditions vary wildly from state to state, but there are three broad qualifying conditions that apply to disability in general:

• Requiring the assistance of another person to walk 200 feet;
• Requiring the assistance of a walker, cane, crutches, braces, a prosthetic device or a wheelchair to walk 200 feet;
• Experiencing notable difficulty or discomfort while walking due to any variety of impairments.

If you experience any of these, you are considered a disabled driver and are eligible for a disabled parking permit in Idaho.

Additionally, if a medical health professional ascertains that you have limited mobility, or a condition that substantially interferes with mobility, and certifies that there is no expectation of improvement or cure in the foreseeable future, you are also considered a disabled driver, and eligible for a permit. In this way, Idaho is actually quite liberal with its qualifying condition rules, leaving it largely up to the applicable physician to decide whether their patient could benefit from a disabled parking permit.

How To Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit In Idaho

You can apply for an Idaho handicap parking permit by either fax or mail. The only document you require is the relevant form, available from the Idaho DMV, with the medical certification section filled out by your licensed physician.

There are no charges for either a temporary placard or a permanent placard in Idaho, but if you want a personalized plate, it will cost you $25. It’s also worth bearing in mind that if you’re registering your vehicle for the first time simultaneously, you’ll have to pay the applicable fees.

How To Use An Idaho Handicap Parking Permit

You’ll have to keep your placard on display at all times, and make sure it’s always used correctly. Only the person to whom the placard designates can utilize the advantages of the placard; even if the vehicle is registered to them but someone else is driving, there’s no allowances to use a handicap parking space.

Failure to comply with these rules can result in some hefty fines, and a possible revoking of the issued placard. Make sure to keep in line and remember to use the permit legally.

Idaho’s disabled parking program is a liberal, open initiative aimed at helping its disabled citizens travel easily around the state. Disabled parking in Idaho represents a huge opportunity for disabled residents to become mobile again; if you think you qualify for an Idaho handicap parking permit, don’t waste any time in applying!

Featured image by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash