8 Safety Tips If You Need To Drive With A Mask

The coronavirus pandemic has made it necessary for some disabled people to wear a mask while driving. Wearing a mask is optional, and generally safe if you follow correct safety guidelines. Today, we will outline our top safety tips for people who need to drive with a mask.

Is It Safe To Drive With A Mask On?

Driving with a mask on is necessary for some people – sometimes for health reasons and sometimes for professional reasons. Driving with a mask is safe if you’re sensible and follow reasonable safety guidelines.

Is It Necessary To Wear A Mask While Driving?

It is not always necessary to wear a mask while driving. However, some people need to or choose to. People who drive for work are often required to wear a mask. Some people choose to wear a mask if they are driving very elderly or vulnerable passengers in their vehicle.

person about to put mask on in car
Image by Erik Mclean on Pexels: Is it safe to drive with a mask on?

Is It Legal To Wear A Mask While Driving?

Yes, it is legal to wear a mask while driving, provided it does not hamper the person’s view and ability to drive safely.

What Circumstances Might Mean A Disabled Driver Would Need To Wear A Mask?

The most common circumstances that make it necessary for a disabled driver to wear a mask are:

  • They are required to wear a mask for their occupation, e.g. taxi drivers and delivery drivers
  • They want to stay COVID-safe
  • They have elderly or vulnerable passengers who they want to protect

What Are The Potential Dangers Of Wearing A Mask While Driving?

Some of the potential dangers of wearing a mask while driving include:

  • Getting distracted
  • Impaired vision
  • Passing out
  • Overheating
  • Not being able to communicate clearly with law enforcement

Should You Wear A Mask In A Car With Others?

There are no hard and fast rules about whether you should wear a mask in a car with others. Cars are small and confined spaces, so some people choose to wear a mask in a car to prevent the passing of germs between people.

Driving Safely While Wearing A Mask

Here are eight safety tips if you need to drive with a mask.

1. Make Sure The Mask Is Not A Distraction

Distracted driving is dangerous. Make sure the mask you are wearing is comfortable and is not a distraction while you are driving.

2. Choose A Well-Fitting Mask

Masks come in different shapes and sizes. Stay safe while driving by choosing a good-quality mask that fits you well and won’t slip off or become uncomfortable.

3. Be Sure The Mask Does Not Impair Your Vision

No matter how well-fitting, masks can move about on the face. Make sure your mask does not impair your vision in any way, i.e. by riding up above your line of sight.

4. Don’t Allow Glasses To Fog Up

People who wear glasses may get fogged up while wearing a mask, but this can be dangerous when you’re driving. Make sure your glasses are fitted securely over your mask to avoid fogging up.

5. Pull Over If You Are Feeling Faint

Some people report feeling faint when they wear a mask for too long. If you feel faint or groggy while driving, always pull over to rest or get some fresh air.

woman wearing mask while in car
Image by Uriel Mont on Pexels: Should you wear a mask in a car with others?

6. Don’t Allow Yourself To Overheat

Masks can be warm and stifling. If you are too warm, you could get tired or even pass out. If you feel yourself overheating, pull over somewhere safe to get some air and cool down.

7. Remove Mask If Talking To Police

Masks can make communication difficult. If you are pulled over by law enforcement, remove your mask if needed to make communication easier.

8. Practice Safe Defensive Driving

Whenever you’re driving, with a mask on or without, you must practice safe, defensive driving. Defensive driving can be the difference between life and death. It involves:

  • Always having safety as your top priority
  • Being aware of your surroundings and vigilant
  • Not relying on other road users to drive safely
  • Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front
  • Driving at a safe and sensible speed
  • Avoiding any type of distractions.

How Can You Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?

You can apply for a disabled parking permit by visiting the Dr. Handicap online clinic and arranging a video consultation with a licensed physician. Once the physician has verified your disability, they will complete the relevant sections of a disabled permit application form, which you can then submit to your local disabled parking authorities.

Featured image by Norma Mortenson on Pexels

Can An Ambulance Park In A Handicap Spot?

Who can park in disabled parking spaces? We know that disabled parking permit holders are entitled to park in handicap spaces, but are there any exceptions to the rules for disabled parking?

Disabled parking space rules and regulations are enshrined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Disabled parking spots exist in every US state and are located as close as possible to the buildings and amenities they serve. These spaces usually offer the quickest access to public areas.

Handicap spaces exist to improve the lives of people with various disabilities and mobility issues. In every US state, handicap spaces are available to be used by a disabled permit holder from any US state, as well as holders of several overseas disabled parking permits.

But what are the exceptions for parking in a handicap spot? Can an ambulance park in a handicap spot under certain circumstances? Is it a criminal offense to park in a disabled bay if you do not have a disabled permit in your vehicle, and how can you report illegal handicap parking? Below, we’ll answer all of these important questions and more.

Can An Ambulance Park In A Handicap Spot?

The laws about ambulance parking vary state by state. In most states, an ambulance can park in a handicap spot under certain specific circumstances.  If an ambulance is transporting a disabled person, it can park in a handicap spot for up to 15 minutes. If it is on an emergency call, it can park in a handicap spot for a limited time. In most other circumstances, an ambulance cannot park in a disabled parking space.

ambulances parked outside hospital
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Exceptions For Parking In A Handicap Spot

So, what are the rules for what drivers and vehicles can legally park in disabled parking spots? The only vehicles that can legally park in handicap parking spaces are:

  • A vehicle that is currently being used by a disabled parking permit holder, while the permit is in the vehicle
  • A vehicle that has a permit because it transports disabled people, while it is on official business and transporting disabled people
  • Ambulances when they are transporting disabled people, for up to 15 minutes
  • Emergency vehicles when they are on “hot calls”.

Is It A Criminal Offence To Park In A Disabled Bay?

Yes, it is a criminal offense to park in a disabled bay if you do not hold a disabled parking permit.

How To Report Illegal Handicap Parking

If you see illegal parking in a handicap parking bay, you can report it by taking the vehicle’s registration and:

  • Flagging down a parking attendant or police in the area
  • Calling your local police non-emergency line
  • Calling your local parking enforcement team
  • Submitting photos to the Parking Mobility app.

Rules For Disabled Parking

The rules for disabled parking are:

  • Only permit holders may park in disabled parking spots.
  • It is illegal to use a handicap permit that is not your own.
  • There must be a legally required number of disabled parking spaces in every area and parking lot.
  • Disabled parking spaces must be clearly signposted.
  • Disabled parking spaces must be of the correct size and dimensions and located as close as possible to an accessible entrance to the building or amenity they serve.
parking spaces
Image by Binyamin Mellish on Pexels: What are the rules for disabled parking?

How Can You Get A Disabled Parking Permit?

If you do not yet have a disabled parking permit, the best way to get one is to visit the Dr. Handicap online clinic. You will have a consultation with a medical professional in your state who will verify your disability and complete an application form for disabled parking. You can then submit the application to your local disabled parking authorities. (Disabled parking authorities are different in each state, but it is usually the local DMV.)

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available?

You can get the following types of disabled parking permits in most states:

  • Permanent disabled parking placard
  • Permanent disabled parking license plate
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Disabled Veterans license plate
  • Organizational disabled parking permit

Where Are Handicap Parking Permits Valid?

Handicap parking permits are valid in all US states, as well as in all US overseas territories and several foreign countries including Canada, Mexico, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Featured image by Obi Onyeador on Unsplash

How Do I Get A Handicap Parking Permit In Long Island?

Long Island is a densely populated island in eastern New York State. The New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens sit on its west side, with the suburban counties of Nassau and Suffolk sit on its east.

Long Island residents and visitors with disabilities can use New York State’s handicap parking infrastructure to gain access to areas, buildings, and amenities. People who are new to handicap parking in Long Island tend to have several questions, such as…

How do I get a handicap parking permit in Long Island? What types of handicap parking permits are available in Long Island? How do you apply for a disability parking permit in Long Island? And, what are Long Island handicap parking permit rules?

Let’s go through the answers to these important questions.

long island new york
Image by Pierre Bouyer on Unsplash: What types of handicap parking permits are available in Long Island, NY?

What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available In Long Island, NY?

The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Long Island:

  • Permanent disabled parking placard
  • Permanent disabled parking license plate
  • Temporary placard
  • Disabled Veterans license plate

New York City Disabled Permit

There is also an NYC PPPD permit available that entitles its holder to park in metered, on-street spaces in New York City for free. This permit allows you to park on city streets in the five boroughs of NYC, but is not valid in other New York State cities or jurisdictions.

Where Is A NYS Handicap Parking Permit Valid?

New York State handicap parking permits are valid in all US states and overseas territories, and also in:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • UK
  • EU
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

How Do You Apply For A Disability Parking Permit In Long Island, NY?

So, how do I get a handicap parking permit in Long Island?

To get a disabled parking permit in Long Island, visit the Dr. Handicap online clinic and have a video consultation with a New York State medical professional. The professional will verify your suitability for a disabled parking permit and then complete the relevant sections of an application form. You will then complete the application form and submit it to your local disabled parking authorities.

Unlike in most states, in New York, it is not the local DMV that issues disabled parking permits.

If you are applying for a handicap parking permit in Suffolk County, NY you should contact your local city, town, or village hall to find out where your nearest issuing agent is. If you are applying for a permit in Nassau County, NY you should submit your application to the Nassau County Office of the Physically Challenged.

If you are applying for a handicap permit in New York City boroughs of Queens or Brooklyn, you will submit your application to:

NYC Department of Transportation, Permits and Customer Service
30-30 Thomson Avenue, 2nd Floor
Long Island City
NY 11101-3045

brooklyn bridge
Image by Free-Photos on Pixabay: How do I get a handicap parking permit in Long Island?

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Permit In Long Island?

To qualify for a permanent disabled parking permit in Long Island, a person must have one of the following disabilities:

  • They are not able to walk 200 ft without needing to stop to rest
  • They have limited or no use of one or both legs
  • They are legally blind
  • They have a neuromuscular dysfunction
  • They have a Class III or IV cardiac condition
  • They have an orthopedic, arthritic, or neurological condition
  • They have a lung disease
  • They use a portable oxygen tank
  • They have a physical or mental impairment that is not listed but that constitutes an equal degree of disability and hardship

To qualify for a temporary disabled parking permit in Long Island, a person must have a condition that means that they cannot walk without the aid of an assistive device such as a wheelchair, cane, crutch, walker, brace, prosthetic device, or another person.

Who Can Verify An Application For A Disabled Permit In Long Island?

The following medical professionals can verify an application for disabled parking in Long Island:

  • Medical doctor
  • Doctor of osteopathy
  • Physician assistant
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Doctor of podiatric medicine
  • Optometrist

Long Island Handicap Parking Permit Rules

The holder of a disabled parking permit in Long Island can park in any designated disabled parking space and in metered, on-street spaces for free in some jurisdictions. To park in metered, on-street spaces for free in Brooklyn and Queens, a person must also hold an NYC PPPD permit.

Featured image by Tatiana Rodriguez on Unsplash

How Do I Renew My Handicap Parking Permit In Florida?

Florida’s disabled parking infrastructure makes the Sunshine State accessible to disabled residents and visitors. Florida’s handicap parking program is well-run and easy to navigate.

In order to get the most value from the Florida disabled parking program and your handicap parking permit, it is important to fully understand Florida disabled parking rules. When everybody understands and abides by the rules, the program can run efficiently and everybody can get the benefits they deserve.

An important responsibility that comes with holding a Florida disabled parking permit is knowing when to get it renewed. It is illegal to use an expired Florida handicap parking permit, so it’s essential to get your permit renewed before it expires.

Today we’ll answer several questions about renewing a Florida handicap parking permit, including… How do I renew my handicap parking permit in Florida? How often do you need to renew your disabled parking placard in Florida? Can I renew my handicap placard online in Florida?

miami florida at night
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Florida Disabled Parking Renewal

Every type of Florida disabled parking permit has an expiry date – even “permanent” placards expire. But once you understand the rules and process involved, renewing your Florida handicap permit is a simple and quick process.

How Often Do You Need To Renew Your Disabled Parking Placard In Florida?

All Florida permits need to be renewed before they expire. Permanent disabled parking permits in Florida expire after four years. They must be renewed every four years before the permit holder’s birthday. Temporary permits expire after six months. They cannot be renewed, but you can apply for a new temporary permit when your current one expires.

When Can I Renew My Handicap Placard In Florida?

You can renew your Florida handicap permit every four years. You will receive a renewal notice a few weeks prior to your permit expiring. Once you receive your renewal notice, you should apply for your new permit.

How Do I Renew My Handicap Parking Permit In Florida?

To renew your handicap parking permit in Florida, you must complete an application form and submit it, along with your renewal notice, to your local tax collector’s office by mail or in person.

Can I Renew My Handicap Placard Online In Florida?

Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to renew your handicap placard online in Florida.

What Costs Are Involved In Renewing A Florida Handicap Parking Permit?

Renewing your Florida permanent disabled parking permit is free. If you apply for a temporary permit within 12 months of applying for your previous temporary permit, it is also free.

How Do I Replace A Lost, Stolen, Or Damaged Florida Handicap Permit?

If your disabled parking permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, submit an application form along with an application for replacement form to your local tax collector’s office to get a replacement.

beachfront city florida
Image by tammon on Pixabay: How do I renew my handicap parking permit in Florida?

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Florida?

In Florida, the following types of disabled parking permits are available:

  • Permanent placard
  • Permanent license plate
  • Temporary placard
  • Disabled Veterans license plate
  • Organizational permit

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For Disabled Parking In Florida?

To qualify for any type of Florida disabled parking permit, a person must have one of the following disabilities:

  • They cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • They cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, or another assistive device, or without the assistance of another person
  • They are a permanent wheelchair user
  • They have lung disease to the extent that their forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the person’s arterial oxygen is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
  • They use a portable oxygen tank
  • They have a cardiac condition to the extent that their functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association
  • They have severely limited ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
  • They are legally blind

Where Can I Use My Florida Disabled Parking Permit?

Florida disabled parking permits are valid in every US state, every US overseas territory, and in Canada, Mexico, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Featured image by Julie Tupas on Unsplash

Who Can Park In Handicap Parking In Texas?

The Texas disabled parking program exists to equal the playing field and make the lives of disabled people easier. All jurisdictions in the Lone Star State are well-equipped with ADA-compliant disabled parking infrastructure. The Texas disabled parking rules are firm but fair, and this enables the program to run smoothly.

Accessible Parking In Texas

The Texas disabled parking program caters to residents of the state who have both short-term and long-term disabilities. It also caters to visitors to Texas who have a disability and a disabled parking permit from their home state.

What Are The Texas Disabled Parking Rules?

People who are new to accessible parking in Texas tend to have several questions. Who can park in handicap parking in Texas? What qualifies for handicap parking in Texas? What is the fine for parking in a handicap spot in Texas? Below, we will answer these important questions and many more.

houston city texas
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Who Can Park In Handicap Parking In Texas?

Handicap parking spots in Texas adhere to standards set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Handicap spots are located in every jurisdiction and are marked with a signpost emblazoned with the International Symbol of Access.

The following people can park in handicap parking in Texas:

  • Texas disabled parking permit holders
  • Holders of disabled parking permits issued by all other US states and overseas territories
  • Holders of disabled parking permits issued by Canada, Mexico, EU, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan

Can Handicap Permit-Holders Park In Metered, On-Street Spots In Texas?

In Texas, disabled parking permit holders can park for free in metered, on-street parking spots for an unlimited amount of time.

What Is The Fine For Parking In A Handicap Spot In Texas?

The fine for illegally parking in a handicap spot in Texas ranges from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $750.

How Do You Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Texas?

To get a Texas disabled parking permit, visit the Dr. Handicap online clinic. At the clinic, you will have a telemedicine consultation with a medical professional who will verify your suitability to use disabled parking.

Once your suitability is verified, you will be emailed a signed application form that you can complete and submit to the Texas DMV.

What Qualifies For Handicap Parking In Texas?

In Texas, a person qualifies for disabled parking if they have any of the following disabilities:

  • They cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • They cannot walk without the use of or assistance from an assistance device, including a brace, cane, crutch, another person, or a prosthetic device.
  • They are restricted by lung disease to the extent that their forced respiratory expiratory volume for one second, measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters of mercury on room air at rest.
  • They use portable oxygen.
  • They have a cardiac condition classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the American Heart Association.
  • They are severely limited in their ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • They have a foot disorder that limits or impairs their ability to walk.
  • They have another debilitating condition that, in the opinion of a physician licensed to practice medicine in Texas or a state adjacent to Texas, or authorized by law to practice medicine in a hospital or other health facility of the Veterans Administration, limits or impairs their ability to walk.
  • They have visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses.
  • They have visual acuity of more than 20/200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less.
view over river in texas
mage by Carlos Alfonso on Unsplash: What qualifies for handicap parking in Texas?

Who Can Verify An Application For Handicap Parking In Texas?

The following medical professionals can verify an application for disabled parking in Texas:

  • Physician
  • Podiatrist
  • Optometrist
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Advanced practice nurse

The professional must meet one of the following conditions:

  • They are licensed in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, or Oklahoma
  • They practice medicine in a U.S. military installation based in Texas
  • They practice medicine in a hospital or health facility of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Texas?

  • Permanent disabled parking placards (blue) – valid for four years
  • Temporary disabled parking placards (red) – valid for six months
  • Permanent license plates
  • Disabled Veterans license plates
  • Institutional permanent placard (blue)

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