Can I Park In Residential Parking With A Disability Placard?

Disability placard holders need to know the rules around handicap parking in their state. Understanding what your entitlements are as a disabled placard holder means you can get the most value out of the parking program and avoid breaking any rules.

When everybody knows and abides by the rules, the disabled parking system works smoothly and benefits all disability permit holders. One important area that can cause some confusion is residential parking – so can you park in residential parking with a disability placard? Let’s find out.

Each State Has Its Own Disabled Parking Rules

It’s crucial to remember that all US states, and even jurisdictions within states, have their own disabled parking rules. All states adhere to the federal Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) disabled parking guidelines, but while each jurisdiction abides by ADA law, the specific details of can vary depending on where you are in the country. Always make sure you know the rules in the specific area you live or intend to travel to.

cars parked on street spaces
Image by Arcaion on Pixabay: Can you park anywhere with a disability placard?

Can You Park Anywhere With A Disability Placard?

A disability placard does not entitle its holder to park just anywhere. Disability placards entitle their holder to park in designated disabled parking spaces anywhere in the US (as well as in several foreign countries). These spaces are marked with the International Symbol of Access.

Permit holders are also entitled to park in metered, on-street spaces for free and for an unlimited time in most jurisdictions. However, there are plenty of places that disability placard holders are not entitled to park.

Can You Get A Parking Ticket With A Disability Placard?

Yes, disability placard holders can get a parking ticket if they park in a place in which it’s illegal to park. It’s also an offense for somebody to use a disability placard that is not their own.

Where Can You Not Park With A Disability Placard?

It’s illegal for disabled permit holders to park in the following locations:

  • Any zone for which state law prohibits stopping, parking, or standing of all vehicles.
  • Any area that state law reserves for special types of vehicles, such as ambulance loading bays and street vending businesses.
  • The loading/unloading areas of designated ‘disabled’ spaces. These areas are marked by blue crosshatch striping.
  • Privately owned or leased residential parking bays.

Can I Park In Residential Parking With A Disability Placard?

It is illegal for a disability permit holder to park in a residential parking space if the space is owned or leased by a specific person or address that has paid to have sole custody of that space.

Can I Park In Private Disabled Parking Bays With A Disability Placard?

Disabled permit holders can park in private disabled parking bays under certain circumstances:

  • Permit holders can park in disabled bays in private residential garages if they live in the building, or are visiting somebody who lives in the building that the garage serves.
  • Disabled parking spaces on private property can be reserved for employees and patrons of a business that owns the property. In this case, permit holders who are not connected to the business that owns the lot cannot park in the private disabled bays.

Disability residential parking bays that are located on public streets outside homes can be used by any disabled permit holders, because a disability permit entitles its holder to park in any designated disabled space. But remember: only park in residential disabled bays when absolutely necessary – for example, if you are visiting somebody who lives nearby.

cars parked on street
Image by Parker Gibbons on Unsplash: Can I get residential disabled parking?

Can I Get Residential Disabled Parking?

You can apply for residential disabled parking near your home, either on-street or in your private parking garage. To apply for a residential disabled parking space near your home, you should contact your local disabled parking authorities or city planning authorities. Just remember that the disabled space that is installed near your home will be for any disabled permit holder to use and you will not be able to reserve it.

How Do You Apply For A Disability Placard?

If you don’t yet have a disability placard, you can apply for one by visiting the Dr. Handicap online clinic. At the clinic, you will have a video consultation with a medical professional who will certify your Department of Motor Vehicles application.

Featured image by Daniel Frank on Pexels

Is There Anywhere I Can’t Park With My Disabled Parking Permit?

Can you park anywhere with a disability placard? This is a question that gets asked a lot – especially by people who are relatively new to disabled parking, or who are about to apply for their very first disabled permit.

Today we will explore how disabled parking rules and regulations can vary state by state, and find out exactly where a disabled parking permit entitles its holder to park.

Is Disabled Parking A Federal Law?

Yes, disabled parking is a federal law. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies the main details that all states must adhere to in their disabled parking programs.

Disabled Parking Rules Vary By State

While all states’ disabled parking programs adhere to ADA rules, all states, and even jurisdictions within states, have their own disabled parking programs. Often, these different programs vary in their fine details. For this reason, it’s crucial that you research and understand the specific disabled parking rules in your area and in any area you intend to visit.

double lines parking space
Image by aitoff on Pixabay: Is there anywhere I can’t park with my disabled parking permit?

Is There Anywhere I Can’t Park With My Disabled Parking Permit?

So, can people with a disabled parking permit park anywhere? The short answer to this question is… no, they can’t. People who hold a disabled parking permit still need to adhere to local parking laws.

Disabled parking permits do not entitle their holder to disobey state or local parking laws – nor do they necessarily exempt their holder from paying parking fees.

It’s illegal for disabled permit-holders to park in the following places:

  • In a zone where the law or ordinance prohibits stopping, parking, or standing of all vehicles.
  • In a zone the law or ordinance reserves for special types of vehicles, such as vehicles involved in commercial loading or passenger loading.
  • In a zone the law or ordinance reserves for the parking of a vehicle that is involved in the operation of a street vending business.
  • In the loading and unloading area of a disabled space (these areas are marked by blue crosshatch striping).

Some states, such as California, operate a color-coded curb system. In California, disabled permit holders may not park:

  • In spaces marked with a crosshatched pattern next to a parking space with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol). These spaces are for wheelchair and wheelchair lift access.
  • Next to red curbs, which indicate no stopping, standing, or parking.
  • Next to yellow curbs, which are for commercial vehicles to load and unload passengers or freight.
  • Next to white curbs, which are for loading and unloading passengers or depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox.

Where Can You Park With A Disability Placard?

In all US states and jurisdictions, a disability placard holder can park for free and for an unlimited time in any designated disabled parking space. These spaces are signposted with the International Symbol of Access. In several jurisdictions, permit holders are also entitled to park in metered, on-street spaces for free for varying amounts of time.

Can You Park Free At A Meter With A Disability Placard?

Texas and Washington State are typical of most states in allowing disabled permit holders to park for free and for an unlimited time in metered, time-restricted on-street spaces. In several states, such as Virginia, permit holders can park for up to four hours in metered or time-restricted spaces without paying a fee.

Some states, such as Illinois, have different placards for people who are meter-exempt and people who are disabled but are not meter-exempt. In New York City, you can park for free at most curbsides on city streets if you have an NYC Parking Permit for People with Disabilities (PPPD). These permits are available to residents and visitors to New York City who are permanently disabled.

on street parking
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Residential Disabled Parking Spaces

In all states, you can request a disabled parking space be installed near your home.

In some states, such as Pennsylvania, each local municipality is responsible for installing requested residential disabled spaces in front of homes.

In other jurisdictions, for example, the Chicago metropolitan area, there is an official program for applying for residential disabled spaces.

Check The Disabled Parking Rules In Your Jurisdiction

As you can see, disabled parking rules can be quite different in different jurisdictions. It’s important to always be sure you know the rules in your jurisdiction and in any jurisdiction you will be visiting.

How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit

You can get a disabled parking permit by visiting the Dr. Handicap online clinic. There, you’ll have a telemedicine consultation with a medical professional who will verify your suitability for disabled parking and complete a DMV application for your state.

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Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Colorado

Today we’re here to talk about all things disabled parking in Colorado! Let’s go over the different types of permits and the specific qualifying conditions that entitle a person to get a Colorado disabled parking permit.

What Do You Need To Get A Disability Placard In Colorado?

People with various categories of disabilities qualify for a disabled parking permit in Colorado. Disabilities that qualify for Colorado disabled parking are defined as follows:

  • Permanent: A condition that is not expected to change within a person’s lifetime.
  • Extended: A condition that is not expected to change within 30 months after the issuance of plates or placards.
  • Temporary: A condition that is expected to last less than 30 months after the issuance of plates or placards.
  • Short Term: A condition that is not expected to last more than 90 days after the issuance of a placard.
aerial view of denver colorado
Image by Andrew Coop on Unsplash: What are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Colorado? Read on to find out.

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Colorado?

So, what conditions qualify for disabled parking in Colorado? A person will qualify if they are disabled in one or more of the following ways:

  • They cannot walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest.
  • They cannot walk without the use of an assistive device such as a crutch, cane, brace, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another person.
  • They are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that their forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg on room air or at rest.
  • They use portable oxygen.
  • They have a cardiac condition that is classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
  • They have a severely limited ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Colorado?

The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Colorado:

  • Three-Year Disabled Placard or Plates – for people with extended or permanent disabilities.
  • Temporary Disabled Placard – for people with short-term disabilities.
  • Remuneration-Exempt Disability Placard – for people who have lost fine motor control in both hands; are unable to reach a height of 48 inches from the ground due to lack of finger, hand, or upper extremity strength or mobility; or are unable to reach a parking meter due to the use of a wheelchair or other ambulatory device.
  • Disabled Veterans license plates

How Do You Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Colorado?

So, how do you make a disability placard application in Colorado? Fortunately, it is a quick and easy process. Firstly, visit the Dr. Handicap online clinic and schedule a video consultation with a medical professional. Both you and the medical professional will complete the relevant sections of an application form.

Completed application forms must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. In Colorado, applications can be submitted in person, by mail, or through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website.

Who Can Certify An Application For A Disability Placard Application in Colorado?

The following medical professionals can certify an application for a disabled parking permit in Colorado:

  • Licensed physician
  • Commissioned Medical Officer of the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Public Health Service, and/or the U.S. Veterans Administration
  • Advanced Practice Nurse
  • Physician’s Assistant
  • Podiatrist
  • Chiropractor (short-term permit only)
  • Physical Therapist (short-term permit only)

When Does A Disabled Parking Permit Expire In Colorado?

Colorado three-year disabled permits expire, as the name suggests, after three years. Colorado temporary placards expire after 90 days. Temporary placards can only be renewed once.

How Do You Renew A Disabled Permit In Colorado?

Once your Colorado disabled parking permit expires, you can renew it by submitting an application form to the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. There is no fee to renew Colorado disabled placards.

New medical certification is required when renewing if the applicant has a temporary or short-term disability. People with a permanent disability need to get medical certification on every third renewal.

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Image by Gustavo Fring on Pexels: Who can certify an application for a disability placard application in Colorado?

What Are The Colorado Disabled Parking Laws?

Colorado disabled parking laws allow a permit holder to park in any designated disabled parking space in the state. Holders of out-of-state disabled permits are also entitled to use Colorado disabled parking infrastructure.

Where Can You Use A Colorado Disabled Parking Permit?

Colorado disabled parking permits are available in all US states, all US overseas territories, and the following countries:

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

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Seasonal Safety Tips To Protect Handicap Drivers Year-Round

It’s crucial that disabled drivers know how to stay safe on the roads all year round. This means being aware of the particular threats that come when driving in each season. Each of the four seasons has its own unique conditions that can make driving hazardous and potentially lead to accidents.

Driving always entails risk. No matter what season it is, other road users will sometimes fail to drive responsibly, and weather conditions will be treacherous on occasion. To do your part and stay safe on the road, its vital to practice safe, defensive driving. But while driving responsibly is always the right thing to do, it is also necessary to take special precautions at different times of the year.

Read on for some seasonal safety tips to protect handicap drivers year-round.

Safety Tips To Protect Handicap Drivers

There are safety tips for disabled drivers that apply specifically to different seasons. Summer roads can be busier than usual and bright sunlight can be distracting or debilitating. In fall, wet leaves can make roads slippery and treacherous. Winter ice and snow can turn highways into ice rinks. Spring rains can seriously impair visibility.

With each season throwing up such unique challenges, it’s vital that disabled drivers follow season-specific safety tips. Today, we will outline some of the dangers of driving at different times throughout the year, and give some specific travel safety tips for each season. But first, let’s outline some general road safety tips that apply all year round.

autumn leaf on window
Image by MabelAmber on Pixabay: Seasonal safety tips can protect handicap drivers whatever the conditions.

Drive The Safest Vehicle You Can Afford

Always purchase the best quality vehicle you can afford and keep it regularly serviced, well maintained, and in good working order. Check your vehicle’s lights, tires, mirrors, brakes, and windshield regularly.

As a rule of thumb, the larger the vehicle, the safer it is. You have a far better chance of surviving an accident in a larger vehicle than you do in smaller vehicles. Also, newer models have better safety features.

Have Appropriate Vehicle Adaptations For Your Disability

Disabled drivers often need to use vehicle adaptations such as hand controls and pedal extenders. Stay safe by making sure you have the appropriate vehicle adaptations for your disability.

Keep Informed About Weather And Traffic Conditions On Your Route

Always know what to expect on any journey. This means checking the weather forecast and scoping out what traffic conditions are likely to be so you can prepare.

Practice Defensive Driving

Safe, defensive driving involves…

  • Always having safety as a first priority.
  • Being aware of your surroundings.
  • Not relying on good driving from other road users.
  • Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
  • Driving at a safe speed.
  • Avoiding distractions.

Stay Alert And Never Drive When Sleepy

Drowsy driving is a major cause of road accidents. If you’re feeling tired or drowsy, always pull over and take a break. Have a coffee, take a nap, get some air and stretch your legs – do whatever is necessary to wake yourself up and ensure you’re alert before getting back on the road.

Keep Suitable Emergency Equipment In Your Vehicle

Always keep the following safety equipment in your vehicle:

  • Spare tire, tripod jack, wheel wrench.
  • Tool kit.
  • Jumper cables.
  • Flashlight and batteries.
  • Reflective triangles and a reflective vest.
  • First aid kit.
  • Drinking water.
  • Back-up medication
  • Fire extinguisher.
  • Duct tape.
  • Cell phone and car mobile phone charge.
  • Warm clothes and blankets.
  • Snow shovel, snow brush, cat litter for traction.
  • Windshield washer fluid.

Never Drink And Drive

Even one drink impairs your ability to drive safely, so drinking even what you deem to be a safe amount of alcohol before you drive is not worth the risk.

person driving car
Image by JESHOOTS.com on Pexels: Disabled drivers should practice safe, defensive driving in all seasons.

Dangers Of Summer Driving

The main dangers of summer driving are heat and bright sunlight. Heat can cause vehicle breakdowns, and sunlight can reduce visibility.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

Prepare your vehicle for hot summer weather in the following ways:

  • Check tire pressure.
  • Check your vehicle’s coolant system, radiator, and pressure cap.
  • Check hoses and belts for signs of blisters, cracks, and wear.
  • Check fuel, water, and coolant levels and look for leaks.

Always bring proper hydration to avoid dehydration, and wear sunglasses to make sure you are not blinded by bright sunlight.

Dangers Of Fall Driving

So, what are the main hazards of autumn driving? The main hazards of fall driving are leaves. Fallen leaves make roads slippery and can hide objects and potholes.

Fall Travel Safety Tips

Stay safe in fall by making sure your vehicle’s tire pressure is correct and that tire treads are not worn down. Practice safe, defensive driving, make sure your windscreen wipers are working well, and never park over dried leaves, as this can be a fire hazard.

Dangers Of Winter Driving

Ice, snow, and rain are the major dangers of winter driving.

Winter Travel Safety Tips

Stay safe in winter by driving slowly, maintaining extra distance between yourself and other vehicles, making sure your vehicle has the correct tires for slippery surfaces, and always packing warm clothes, blankets, and food in your vehicle.

Dangers Of Spring Driving

Spring weather conditions can be very changeable. Rain and high winds can be followed by sleet and even snow, and then bright sunshine.

Spring Travel Safety Tips

What are some safety tips for driving in spring? In this season you should be very cognizant of quickly changing weather conditions. Rain and wind can make controlling your vehicle more difficult, so always stay alert, practice safe, defensive driving, and avoid distractions while driving in spring.

Featured image by Jantine Doornbos on Unsplash

Can I Renew A Temporary Handicap Permit?

Today let’s talk about whether you can renew a temporary permit, and if so, how to go about the renewal process.

Temporary disabled parking permits are available for people who have a disability that is not expected to last permanently. These permits entitle people with temporary disabilities or mobility issues to use disabled parking infrastructure for a specified period of time.

So what happens if a person’s temporary disability lasts longer than expected? Many people have disabilities that are not permanent but that still affect them for an extended and indeterminate duration of time. How long is a temporary handicap placard good for? And can you renew a temporary handicap permit? Read on to find out.

Is Handicap Parking A Federal Law?

Yes, handicap parking is a federal law. Handicap parking rules and regulations are stipulated by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

While all disabled parking programs in the US adhere to federal ADA regulations, each state implements its own disabled parking program with its own specific details. Often, even jurisdictions within states vary in the fine details of their disabled parking rules and regulations.

person with injury and crutches
Image by Victoria_Borodinova on Pixabay: Can I renew a temporary handicap permit? Read on to find out!

Who Issues Handicap Parking Permits?

Handicap parking permits are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or its equivalent in each state. Applications should always be made to your local DMV or tax collector’s office.

What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available?

Each state has its own list of available types of handicap parking permits. However, all states have versions of the following types of permits:

  • Permanent disabled parking permit (for people with permanent disability, usually valid for up to five years)
  • Permanent disabled parking license plate
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Organizational disabled parking permit (for organizations and institutions that transport disabled people)
  • Disabled Veterans license plate (for people whose disabilities are mostly military service-related)

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Temporary Handicap Parking Permit?

The main list of qualifying conditions for a temporary disabled parking permit includes:

  • Any condition that causes a temporary inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • Any injury that causes a temporary inability to walk without the use of a walking assistance device such as a cane, crutch, wheelchair, Zimmer frame, or another person
  • Portable oxygen tank usage
  • Temporary blindness or hearing loss
  • Pregnancy

Where Are Temporary Handicap Parking Permits Valid?

A temporary handicap parking permit issued by any US state is valid throughout that state, in all other US states, in all US overseas territories, and in several foreign countries, including:

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

What Rights Does A Temporary Handicap Parking Permit Afford Its Holder?

A temporary handicap parking permit entitles its holder to park in any designated disabled parking space. These spaces are marked with the International Symbol of Access.

In many jurisdictions, a temporary handicap permit will also entitle its holder to park for free and for unlimited or extended time in a metered, on-street parking space.

How Long Is A Temporary Handicap Placard Good For?

In most states, temporary handicap parking permits are valid for six months.

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Image by Pexels on Pixabay: How long is a temporary handicap placard good for? Usually up to six months.

Can I Renew A Temporary Handicap Permit?

In most jurisdictions, you technically cannot renew your temporary permit. But you can simply apply for a new temporary permit once your permit expires.

The difference is that when renewing a permit, which is possible with most permanent permits, you do not need to get new medical professional certification. However, when applying for a new temporary permit, you will need to get new certification.

What Do You Do With Expired Handicap Placards?

Expired handicap placards can be given back to your local DMV or recycled.

How Do I Renew My Temporary Disabled Parking Permit?

To sum up: renewing a temporary permit is usually not possible, but applying for a new temporary permit is a straightforward process.

The first step is to have a telemedicine consultation with a medical professional. This can be done at the Dr. Handicap online clinic. Once your suitability for a new permit has been verified, the medical professional will sign an application form, which you can then complete and submit to your local disabled parking authorities.

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