What Is A Travel Parking Placard And How Does It Affect Disabled Drivers?

Disabled drivers are usually comfortable with local rules around disabled parking, but things can get confusing when visiting other states or countries. When traveling abroad or out of state, disabled drivers may not be entitled to the same parking freedoms as they are at home. So when do disabled drivers need a travel parking DP placard?

Essentially, you need a travel parking DP placard when you wish to use a state’s disabled bays. A travel parking placard allows disabled drivers to use disabled parking for an allotted number of days. Almost all U.S. states recognize disabled parking permits, but each state does have its own rules and regulations. The requirements for disabled permits for visiting motorists vary from state to state. Sometimes, an out-of-state or international permit will be fine, but in other cases, a temporary permit may be required. We recommend checking with the local DMV advisors about the requirements specific to the state you’re traveling to before using their disabled parking facilities.

Each American state issues a variety of disabled parking permits. These include permanent license plates and placards, temporary placards, organizational placards and plates, and Disabled Veterans license plates. Each of these varying types of disabled parking permits hold validity in the EU and other European countries. The European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) devised a blanket policy in 1978 for disabled drivers across Europe, which entitles disabled drivers the same rights across all participating countries. The law remains applicable today.

The comprehensive list of ECMT-compliant countries includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Additional countries that recognize the ECMT are Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the United States.

disabled parking sign painted on ground
Image by Amit Bansal on Unsplash: A travel parking DP placard or travel parking plates enable disabled drivers to park in accessible spots around the world.

When traveling to different countries, it’s important to establish the rules of the local governing body. You should be certain your travel parking DP placard is authorized for the location you are visiting. Generally, the basis of disabled parking bay rules in the EU mirrors that of the U.S. You can find a contact list of commonly requested states below, curated by the US Embassy in the UK.

Remember: always display your placard in clear sight to avoid penalties. Whenever using a disabled driver’s permit, ensure the permit holder is an occupant of the vehicle. Spaces will be branded with the Universal Symbol of Access (the wheelchair symbol). As per the FIA (Federation Internationale de I‘Automobile) Guide, it’s always a good idea to consult the specification displayed on parking signs before parking in a disabled spot.

When traveling across the U.S., disabled parking bays are widely available to those who need them. This is thanks to the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which secures appropriate facilities for disabled people at relevant locations. The sentiment is echoed around many other countries, embracing disabled patrons for a welcoming experience.

The qualifying conditions for a disabled person parking placard in the U.S. vary from state to state. The core group of conditions generally includes:

  • Inability to walk 200 feet without needing to rest.
  • Inability to walk without the use of a crutch, cane, wheelchair, brace, another person, or another assistive device.
  • Sufferers of lung disease.
  • Heart conditions (designated Class III or IV by the American Heart Association) and an arthritic condition.
  • Dependency on a portable oxygen tank.

If you have a qualifying condition and would benefit from the use of disabled bays, you can authorize your vehicle in a few ways. The first is with a disabled person license plate, which is registered and remains fixed to the vehicle. This solution best suits the personal use of a disabled driver. Disabled parking plates also have the advantage of being displayed clearly at all times when using disabled parking – there can be no confusion or forgetting your permit when it’s attached to your vehicle!

The second is a disabled placard, which is transferable to whichever vehicle the disabled person is using. This is a mobile form of accreditation that is perfect for caregivers who help disabled drivers get around. You may also be able to access metered parking without paying or be allowed to park in time-limited spaces for longer than posted.

As a disabled person license plate is restricted to the vehicle it’s registered to, the disabled person will need to obtain a disabled person parking placard to make any temporary transport eligible for disabled parking.

woman in wheelchair in scenic location
Image by Zachary Kyra-Derksen on Unsplash: With a disabled person parking placard, disabled travelers needn’t be restricted by difficult parking.

If you need help obtaining the necessary documentation for disabled parking when traveling, Dr. Handicap may be able to help. If you’re without insurance, not registered with a doctor, or have low mobility, Dr. Handicap’s telemedicine service can be an incredibly convenient and cost-saving way to get the recommendations you need.

Links to other Motor Vehicle Departments can be found on the website of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

  • California
    DMV Placard
    P. O. Box 942869
    Sacramento, California 94269-0001
    tel: (916) 657-8135
  • Florida
    Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
    Motor Vehicles Division
    Neil Kirkman Bldg
    Tallahassee FL 32399-0620
    See also: Disabled Parking Permits for Florida Visitors
  • Illinois
    Secretary of State
    Persons with Disabilities License Plates/Placard Unit
    501 S. 2nd Street, Rm. 541
    Springfield IL 62756
    tel: (217)-782-2709, (217)-782-2434 or (217)-782-3166
  • Massachusetts
    Attn: Medical Affairs Branch
    Registry of Motor Vehicles
    PO Box 199100
    Boston, MA 02119-9100
    tel: (617) 351-2700
  • Nevada
    Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety
    Registration Division
    Special Plate Section
    555 Wright Way
    Carson City NV 89711-0760
    tel: (775) 687-3281
  • New York
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    6 Empire State Plaza
    Albany, NY 12228
    tel: (518) 473-9324
  • Texas
    Vehicle Titles and Registration
    Department of Transportation
    200 E. Riverside Drive
    Austin TX 78704
    tel: (512) 465-7611
  • Virginia
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    P.O. Box 27412
    Richmond VA 23269
    tel: (804) 367-6602

Featured image by Romain Virtuel on Unsplash

How To Get A Handicap Sticker In Alaska

If you’re looking for information on Alaska disability parking application, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll be going through the application process for an Alaska handicap tag in detail, so you can understand the next steps you need to take.

All residents of the state of Alaska with a disability should consider the benefits of a disabled parking permit. With a disabled parking placard, you’re free to avail of disabled parking spaces. These are parking spaces specially designed to accommodate larger vehicles (for example, for those who require a wheelchair ramp, or for organizations dedicated to transporting individuals with disabilities) and are well-located, reducing the need to walk long distances. This is invaluable for those who suffer from compromised mobility, who may otherwise find trips to their favorite locations difficult or even impossible.

disabled parking universal access symbol
Image by AbsolutVision on Unsplash: We’re here to explain how to apply for a handicap sticker in Alaska.

What are the qualifying conditions for an Alaska handicap parking tag?

According to the Alaska DMV, the following medical conditions qualify for an AK disabled parking sticker:

  • Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping
  • Cannot walk safely without using a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
  • Are restricted by lung disease
  • Use portable oxygen
  • Have a cardiac condition classified by Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition

These are the same qualifying conditions that apply in most US states. If you have one of the above conditions, or think you qualify based on a condition related to the above list, you should discuss your options with a licensed Alaska medical professional, such as a physician, nurse practitioner or physical therapist. You can organize a consultation with a physician through Dr. Handicap – we have physicians available for virtual consultations in every US state.

How to apply for a handicap sticker in Alaska

The first step towards applying for your permit is to complete your physician’s consultation, as you will need proof of their certification to validate your application. It’s best to complete the application form with your details prior to your consultation. You can find this form online at the Alaska DMV website. Alternatively, you can call into your local DMV office in person to collect one. The form also contains additional information on applying for your permit, so you can consult the FAQ page on the form if you need further clarification.

Next, you need to organize your consultation. After this roughly ten-minute discussion, your physician will give details of your disability and certify your form with their signature.

alaska road with mountain
Image by Joris Beugels on Unsplash: Below, we summarize the Alaska disability parking application process.

Depending on the nature of your disability, you will be eligible for either a permanent or temporary placard. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months, after which time you will need to complete an additional medical consultation to apply for another one. Permanent placards expire after five years, so make sure you are aware of your permit’s expiration date. You will not need to complete another medical consultation to renew. Permanently disabled drivers can also receive a set of disabled parking plates at no charge if they prefer – however, only the first set of these is free; future replacements will incur a fee. Your physician will indicate which of these types of permit you are eligible for.

To submit your application, go to your local Alaska DMV office with your application form, ID, and any required supporting documents (such as your driving license or car registration details).

How to get a handicap sticker in Alaska: a summary

To quickly summarize the above instructions on how to get a handicap sticker in Alaska, let’s take a look at a quick reminder of the process:

  1. Obtain the application form and complete your sections
  2. Organize your online consultation with an Alaska medical professional
  3. Receive your physician’s signature of certification on the application form
  4. Submit your application to your local DMV

We hope that this guide has made the process of applying for an AK disabled parking tag much simpler!

Featured image by Harry Nandakumar on Unsplash

How To Get A Handicap Sticker In Alabama

Applying for a disabled parking sticker – otherwise known as a disabled parking permit – is the only way to legally park in handicap parking spots. Even those with an obvious physical disability are required to display a valid parking permit while occupying these spaces – it’s the law!

While conditions surrounding disabled parking permits typically vary from state to state, in this particular case the same holds true all over the US. Alabama is no exception, and to make use of the state’s well-developed disabled parking program, you need to apply for a permit. If you have a qualifying condition and think you could benefit from an AL disabled parking sticker, Dr Handicap is here to help.

Alabama handicap tag qualifying conditions

The first thing to note is the list of qualifying conditions for a parking permit. During your application, you will need to complete the Alabama Application For Disability Access Parking Credentials form with your details, including the physician’s certification of your medical condition. The state of Alabama gives two types of parking sticker depending on the severity of your disability and the length it lasts: temporary (up to six months, with date indicated) and permanent (up to five years).

person using laptop
Image by Burst on Unsplash: We’re here to answer all your questions on how to get a handicap sticker in Alabama.

On the application form, the following conditions are given as examples of qualifying disabilities:

  • Cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest
  • Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
  • Are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
  • Use portable oxygen
  • Have a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Are severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition

If you meet one of the requirements above, you can apply for an Alabama handicap tag. However, if you have another illness that affects your mobility, you may find that you qualify for a temporary permit at least, even if you don’t meet one of the specific requirements above. It’s also possible to meet several requirements at once!

If in doubt, speak with a physician, who will also need to certify your application. You can do this online with Dr Handicap.

How to apply for a handicap sticker in Alabama

The Alabama disability parking application is a streamlined process. First of all, you need to fulfil the medical consultation requirement. During a short consultation (which can be done in-person or online) with a licensed Alabama physician, you will be given the opportunity to explain your health status and to ask any questions you may have.

birmingham alabama
Image by Zach Searcy on Unsplash: Soon you’ll know how to apply for a handicap sticker in Alabama.

Once you have filled in the application form (including your physician’s approval), you can submit your application by post or in person at your local Alabama DMV office. There is no fee associated with applying for a permit; however, if you would like license plates, the fee is $23. Plates are convenient for organizations that regularly transport disabled individuals. They’re also a good choice for disabled drivers who prefer to have their tag permanently displayed on the outside of the vehicle rather than remembering to put it in place each time they park.

And that brings us to our final point: always remember to correctly display your permit, as failure to do so can cause you problems (even if you do have a valid parking permit). Ensure your placard is clearly visible, preferably by hanging it on the rearview mirror, although placing it on the dashboard in an obvious way will also suffice. Also remember to keep an eye on the expiry date, so you’re always within the law when parking.

So there you have it: our guide on how to get a handicap sticker in Alabama. We hope this post has answered all of your questions on Alabama disability parking application, and has removed some of the stress from the process!

Featured image by Steve DiMatteo on Unsplash

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Nevada

Driving can be difficult – and parking even more so. Finding a suitable parking space as a disabled driver, especially someone with reduced mobility, can be a real cause of stress. Not only are many regular parking spaces too narrow for larger or adapted vehicles, but you could find yourself needing to walk across a very large carpark to reach your destination!

Luckily, a disabled parking permit can help to make parking much less stressful. Disabled drivers in the state of Nevada can avail of a Nevada disabled parking placard, which is the only legal way to access specifically designed and conveniently located disabled parking spots.

There are a few medical conditions that qualify for disabled parking, and in this blog we’ll be going through the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Nevada. After reading this, the application process for a permit should seem easier to follow. So to begin, let’s answer this question: what qualifies you for a disability placard in Nevada?

person driving car
Image by why kei on Unplash: Read on for information on disability parking placard application Nevada.

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Nevada

The State of Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles classifies the following medical conditions as eligible for a disabled parking permit in the Silver State, and grants a placard to any resident who:

  • Cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.
  • Cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair or prosthetic, or other assistive device, or another person.
  • Has a cardiac condition to the extent that functional limitations are classified as Class III or Class IV according to standards adopted by the American Heart Association.
  • Is restricted by a lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by a spirometer, is less than 1 liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters of mercury on room air while the person is at rest.
  • Is severely limited in his/her ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • Has a visual disability.
  • Uses portable oxygen.

Who qualifies for a disabled license plate in Nevada?

If you have one of the above conditions, you qualify for a Nevada disabled parking permit. However, you still need to complete the application process in order to receive your permit – this is not an automatic thing for anyone with a disability!

We’ll go through the application process for a permit below; however, it’s also worth mentioning that just because your disability or illness isn’t mentioned above, it may still be possible for you to avail of a disabled parking permit. Some disabilities may greatly interfere with a person’s daily life even if they are not particularly common (or visible). If you feel as though your condition should qualify you for a permit, speak to your physician to see what they advise. Dr Handicap can help you to arrange this consultation online via telemedicine.

Nevada classifies qualifying disabilities into three groups: permanent, moderate, and temporary. The condition you have will affect the placard available for you and the length of time for which it is valid. For example, if your condition will improve in less than six months, you would fall into the temporary category, and your permit would last a maximum of six months before expiry. Moderate disabilities are eligible for a permit of a maximum of two years (the exact period is to be confirmed by a medical professional), and for permanent disabilities you can receive a permit of ten-year validity, as well as plates if you like.

For permanent permits, you will be always be mailed a renewal notice prior to expiration and the renewal process is very easy. It’s important to note that no reminder is sent for those with temporary placards, so you must keep track of your permit’s validity yourself.

computer and notebook
Image by Nick Morrison on Unsplash: How do I get a disability placard in the state of Nevada? Let us make it easier for you!

How do I get a disability placard in the state of Nevada?

Nevada has a well-run disabled parking program and the application process is effective and streamlined. Once you complete your medical consultation, your physician will give their certification, which is an essential part of the process. The Disabled Persons License Plates and/or Placards Application form should be filled out by both you and the physician in your respective sections.

Once this step is complete, you can send the completed form by post for processing, or drop it in in person to your local DMV office. If you’re applying for plates, this stage must be done in-person and it requires you to provide your vehicle registration details.

Disabled parking placards in Nevada are free of charge. You should receive your permit shortly after submitting your application, but you can contact the Nevada DMV directly if you have questions about the status of your application. And remember to contact Dr Handicap to book your online medical consultation!

Featured image by David Lusvardi on Unsplash

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In New Hampshire

If you’re a driver with a disability who lives in New Hampshire, you may be eligible to apply for a disabled parking permit. Not all conditions qualify for a permit, so to make it easier to determine whether you’re eligible, we’ve put together a handy guide. Below we’ll go through the most common qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in New Hampshire, and distinguish between those who qualify for a permanent placard and those who qualify for a temporary one. So, let’s start with the main question: what qualifies you for a disability placard in New Hampshire?

Who qualifies for a disabled license plate in New Hampshire?

There are several conditions that qualify for a disabled parking placard in almost all US states, and the Granite State is no different. In New Hampshire, these conditions are referred to as “walking disabilities” as they generally reduce or affect a person’s mobility. These are conditions or disabilities that interfere with daily life and may make driving and parking more difficult.

According to the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles, a person is eligible for a disabled parking permit if they:

  • Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
  • Are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one (1) liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
  • Use portable oxygen
  • Have a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as class 3 or class 4 according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, or other medically disabling condition
disabled parking sign
Image by Yomex Owo on Unsplash: How do I get a disability placard in the state of New Hampshire?

As you can see from the list above, these are general categories under which many disabilities or medical conditions can fall, so if you’re at all unsure of your eligibility for a disabled parking permit, we’d recommend speaking to a licensed medical professional in New Hampshire. During this consultation, your physician can assess whether you would benefit from a permit. Dr Handicap can help with the organization of this consultation via virtual chat, so you don’t even need to leave your home to complete this step of your application.

Depending on the severity and the longevity of your medical condition, your physician will decide whether you should receive a temporary or permanent placard. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months, whereas permanent ones will last a maximum of five years, but if you are renewing your driving license before this date, you will need to renew your permit at the same time. Even permanent placards have an expiry date, so be sure to renew prior to this to avoid any issues.

If you prefer plates that are attached to the outside of your vehicle, you can apply for these if you have a permanent disability.

How do I get a disability placard in the state of New Hampshire?

Now that we’ve gone through the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in New Hampshire, it’s time to answer another important question: how does disability parking placard application in New Hampshire work?

online consultation with doctor
Image by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash: What qualifies you for a disability placard in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has a well-developed disabled parking program, so the application process is fairly simple. Once you’ve filled out the New Hampshire Application for Walking Disability Privileges form (available from the DMV website) with all the relevant information, you need to get your physician’s certification. The physician with whom you complete the necessary medical consultation will fill out their part of the form, stating that you have a disability that qualifies for disabled parking and giving the details. Once the entire form is filled out, you’re ready to submit your application.

To submit, you will need to mail the completed form and the relevant fee to the State of New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Motor Vehicles in Concord. You can alternatively hand in the form and the fee at your local DMV office. At the time of writing, both temporary and permanent placards incur a $5 fee, while plates cost an additional $8.

We hope that this post has made the application process for a New Hampshire disabled parking permit more clear, and that it has shed some light on the accepted qualifying conditions in the Granite State. Remember, Dr Handicap can help you to organize your medical consultation via telemedicine, so get in touch with us today!

Featured image by Suraj Gattani on Unsplash