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.
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.
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.
Featured image by Oliver King on Pexels