Can I Use My Handicap Placard In Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a tropical island located in the Caribbean. It is a popular tourist destination for Americans thanks to its warm, sunny weather, sandy beaches, and stunning mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests.
Puerto Rico is a US territory, which means it is under the jurisdiction of the United States government. But are Puerto Rico’s disabled parking rules and regulations different from those in other parts of the US?
Disabled drivers who are visiting Puerto Rico tend to have several questions… Is there disabled parking in Puerto Rico? Can I use my handicap placard in Puerto Rico? How do I use a disabled parking permit in Puerto Rico? Are disabled placards good in all states? Today, we will answer these important questions.
Disabled Parking In Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a disabled parking program and handicap parking infrastructure. These are overseen by the Puerto Rico Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). All jurisdictions on the island, including all urban and rural neighborhoods and areas of natural beauty, are stocked with designated disabled parking spots.
Can I Use My Handicap Placard In Puerto Rico?
So, can I use my disabled parking permit in Puerto Rico? Happily, the answer to this question is yes! If you are visiting Puerto Rico from any other US state, you can use your handicap placard to avail of Puerto Rico’s disabled parking infrastructure.
Using A Disabled Parking Permit In Puerto Rico
Using a disabled parking permit in Puerto Rico is similar to in any other state. The Puerto Rico disabled parking program is overseen and implemented by the local DMV and the Puerto Rico Police Department.
Can I Use My Handicap Permit In All US Territories?
You can use your handicap parking in all US overseas territories. The five permanently inhabited US overseas territories are:
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Puerto Rico
- US Virgin Islands
Are Disabled Placards Good In All States?
Disabled parking permits issued by any US state are also valid in all other US states and overseas territories. But, as we mentioned earlier, each state has its own unique disabled parking program, so remember to research the specific details of the program in any state you plan to visit.
Can I Use My Disabled Parking Permit In A Foreign Country?
You can use your US disabled parking permit in the following countries:
- Canada
- Mexico
- UK
- EU
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
What Rights Does A Handicap Permit Afford Its Holder?
A disabled parking permit entitles its holder to park in any designated disabled parking space in the US. These spaces are indicated by signs that are posted five feet above ground level and are marked with the International Symbol of Access.
In most jurisdictions, as well as being able to park in disabled spots, permit holders are also entitled to park in metered, on-street spaces for free. This is not the case everywhere, though, so always check before you travel.
What Laws Deal With Disabled Parking?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the federal law that deals with disabled parking. All US states must adhere to ADA regulations. As a US foreign territory, Puerto Rico also adheres to ADA regulations.
How Do I Apply For A Handicap Parking Permit?
To apply for a disabled parking permit in your state, visit the Dr. Handicap online clinic. At the Dr. Handicap clinic, you will have a video consultation with a licensed medical professional in your state, who will verify your suitability for disabled parking.
Once your suitability has been verified, the medical professional will fill out the relevant sections of your state’s handicap parking application form and email it to you. You can then complete the rest of the application form and submit it to your local DMV.
What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available?
Most states offer the following types of disabled parking permits:
- Temporary placard
- Permanent placard or license plate
- Disabled Veteran’s license plate
- Organizational placard
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Permit?
The qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit include:
- An inability to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
- An inability to walk without the aid of an assistive device or another person
- Lung disease
- Portable oxygen tank usage
- Heart condition
- Legal blindness
- Substantially restricted mobility due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition