Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Maine

Well-run and user-friendly, the Maine disabled parking program exists to improve the lives of disabled residents and visitors to the Pine Tree State. Below we’ll outline the full list of qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Maine, discuss Maine disabled parking rules and regulations, and explain how you can apply for a Maine disabled parking permit. Let’s dive in!

How Do I Qualify For Disabled Parking In Maine?

You will officially qualify for a disabled parking permit in Maine if you have a qualifying disability that has been certified by a state-licensed medical professional.

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

So, what qualifies you for a disability placard in Maine? The following list of disabilities qualify a person to get a disabled parking permit in Maine:

  • An inability to walk 200 feet without rest
  • An inability to walk without the assistance from another person or the use of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair or assistive device
  • Lung disease to such an extent that forced expiratory volume for one second, when measured by a spirometer, is less than one liter, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 60mm/hg on room air at rest
  • Portable oxygen usage
  • A cardiac condition classified in severity as Class 3 or Class 4, according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Severely limited ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
  • Recovering from childbirth (temporary placard only)
person in wheelchair with cane
Image by klimkin on Pixabay: What are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Maine?

Who Can Certify An Application For A Disabled Parking Permit In Maine?

The following state-licensed medical professionals can certify an application for a disabled parking permit in Maine:

  • Physician 
  • Physician’s Assistant 
  • Nurse Practitioner 
  • Registered Nurse

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Maine?

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

  • Blue placard (permanent placard issued to individuals with a permanent disability)
  • Red placard (issued to individuals with a temporary disability)
  • Green placard (issued to agencies and organizations transporting disabled patients and clients)
  • Disabled parking license plates (available to people with permanent disabilities)
  • Disabled Veterans license plates (available to people whose disability is service-related)

How Do I Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Maine?

To get a disabled parking permit in Maine, you must first have a consultation with a state-licensed medical professional. This can be done at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once the medical professional has verified your disability, they will sign an application form and email it to you. You should then complete the form and submit it to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

You can submit your application either in person at any BMV branch office or by mail or fax to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Disability Clerk
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

How Much Do Maine Disabled Parking Permits Cost?

Disabled parking permits are free in the state of Maine.

How Long Are Maine Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

Permanent disabled permits in Maine must be renewed every four years. Temporary disabled placards expire after six months.

How Do You Renew A Maine Disabled Parking Permit?

You can renew your Maine permanent disabled permit by submitting an application form. There’s no need to get a new medical certification when renewing a permanent permit.

Temporary permits cannot be renewed – instead, you should apply for a new temporary permit if you still require one after your original has expired.

harbor and lighthouse in maine
Image by FrankWinkler on Pixabay: How do I get a disabled parking permit in Maine?

Maine Disabled Parking Laws

The key Maine disabled parking laws are as follows:

  • Permit holders can park in any designated disabled parking space for any length of time.
  • Permit holders may park in a parking area with a meter without a charge for a period up to twice the limit otherwise allowed.
  • Disabled placards must be displayed hanging from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in a space for persons with disabilities.
  • Placards must be safely stowed when the vehicle is in motion.
  • Permit holders may park in a disability parking space with an access aisle if they need the access aisle to enter or exit the vehicle, or if no other disability parking space is available.

Where Are Maine Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

Maine disabled parking permits are valid in:

  • All US states
  • All US overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • EU
  • UK
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Disabled parking permits from all of these jurisdictions are also recognized in Maine.

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6 Safety Tips For Disabled Drivers On Slick Roads

Today we’re here to provide some important safety tips for disabled drivers on slick roads. Every year in the US there are over 200,000 road traffic accidents caused by slippery road conditions. Driving on slick roads is dangerous and requires extra concentration and vigilance.

Driving carelessly on slick roads can be lethal. It’s easy to lose control of a vehicle while driving on a slick, slippery surface, and many people are killed or injured each year in traffic accidents because of this.

Every disabled driver needs to know how to drive safely on slick roads. Road slipperiness can occur for a variety of reasons, anywhere in the country. To protect yourself and other road users, it’s essential that you know how to drive safely on slick roads and in slippery conditions.

What Weather Conditions Can Cause Roads To Become Slick Or Slippery?

Several different types of weather can cause slick, slippery roads; snow, ice, rain, wet leaves, or even accidents like oil spills can occur anywhere in the country. For this reason, it’s vital to understand how to stay safe when driving on slick roads.

How Do You Drive In Slippery Conditions?

When driving on slick roads, what should you do? Keep the following key points in mind…

  • Make sure your vehicle is well maintained and functioning optimally.
  • Drive slowly.
  • Practice safe, defensive driving.
  • Leave an appropriate distance between yourself and the vehicle in front.
  • Use your signals early.
  • Wear your seat belt.
winter road
Image by monicore on Pixabay: How do you drive in slippery conditions?

What Should You Avoid Doing On Slippery Roads?

When driving on slippery roads, you should avoid:

  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Using cruise control

How Can You Prevent Skidding On Slippery Surfaces?

You can prevent skidding on slippery surfaces by:

  • Making sure your tires are the correct pressure and the threads are not worn down
  • Driving slowly
  • Slowing down even more before intersections and turns
  • Braking gently
  • Giving yourself plenty of room to stop
  • Pumping your brakes if your vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes
  • Avoiding driving through puddles, wet leaves, ice patches, or oil spills

Safety Tips For Disabled Drivers On Slick Roads

Here are our top safety tips for disabled drivers on slick roads.

1. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well Maintained

Making sure your vehicle is well maintained and in excellent working order will help you to stay safe when driving on slick roads. Get your vehicle serviced by a professional at least once a year, and check your tire pressure and tire threads regularly.

2. Practice Safe Defensive Driving

You can stay safe on slick roads by always practicing defensive driving. Defensive driving involves the following practices:

  • Have safety as a first priority.
  • Avoid distractions.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Never rely on good driving from other road users.
  • Drive at a safe speed.
  • Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

3. Drive Slowly And Keep Your Distance From Other Drivers

Driving at a safe speed and keeping your distance from the vehicle in front are key parts of defensive driving, but in slick conditions these practices become even more important.

Braking distances are longer in slick conditions, so to stay safe, disabled drivers need to drive at a sensible speed and allow extra distance between themselves and other vehicles when driving in slippery conditions.

rainy slick road
Image by StockSnap on Pixabay: When driving on slick roads what should you do?

4. Use Your Signals Early

Use your signals earlier than usual when driving on slick roads. This will give vehicles behind you extra time to slow down and keep their distance from you.

5. Understand Skidding Maneuvers

If you skid, implement the following maneuvers:

  • Take your foot off of the accelerator.
  • Do not engage the brakes.
  • Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
  • Allow the front wheels to regain grip.
  • Continue to steer gently; do not wrench the wheel aggressively.

6. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Stocked With Emergency Equipment

If you are driving on slick roads, there is always a possibility of an accident or getting stranded. Stay safe by keeping your vehicle stocked with the following emergency equipment:

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

How Do You Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?

If you’re a disabled driver, another thing you can do to stay safe on the road is apply for a disabled parking permit. The first step in the process is to have a video consultation with a medical professional. This consultation is so your disability and suitability to use disabled parking can be verified. This can be done easily at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once your disability has been verified, the medical professional will sign an application form and email it to you. You can then complete the application form and submit it to your local disabled parking authorities.

Featured image by Larisa-K on Pixabay

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Iowa

A disabled parking permit can be a game-changer for disabled drivers in Iowa. If you live in the Hawkeye State and suffer from a medical condition or disability that affects the way you drive, you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit. Today’s post will give you some in-depth info on the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Iowa, while also shedding some light on the application process in general. Let’s get started!

What are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Iowa?

As with most US states, Iowa offers disabled parking permits for numerous long-term, serious medical conditions that affect drivers, as well as some short-term ailments (check out this blog post on Iowa disabled parking eligibility). If you suffer from one of the below medical conditions, you should seek the advice of your local Iowa licensed physician, as you will need their signature for your application form:

  • Your mobility is restricted, to the extent that you cannot walk more than 200ft without needing to take a break or risking falling
  • You have a severe lung or heart condition (Class 3 or 4)
  • Your mobility is impacted by a serious neurological, arthritic or orthopaedic condition
  • You require use of an oxygen tank, or an assistive physical support such as a brace, cane or wheelchair

There are numerous specific conditions within these broader categories that would allow for you to receive an Iowa state disabled parking permit.

online application
Image by athree23 on Pixabay: We’re here to help with your Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Permit for Iowa Residents!

Those with lifelong disabilities will be able to avail of a permanent parking placard, which has no expiry date. Temporary placards (valid for six months) are available to those who have a relevant short-term medical condition. There are also certain placards available to organizations or groups that specialise in transporting disabled people. It’s always a good idea to discuss your medical condition with a licensed state physician if you think you meet the qualifying criteria, as they can advise on the best option for you.

Please note that having one of the above conditions does not automatically qualify you for disabled parking – you still need to obtain a permit to use specifically reserved disabled parking spaces. To avoid breaking disabled parking laws, it’s important to fully complete the application process and receive your parking placard before you occupy any disabled parking places.

How do I apply for a disabled parking permit in Iowa?

So, you’ve been to see an Iowa medical professional or had an online consultation to have your disability verified, and your physician is satisfied with approving your application. Next they will need to write you a signed statement to prove your eligibility for a permit. Finally, you will have to complete the Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Permit for Iowa Residents form. This can be found online, or you can collect it in person at your closest Office of Vehicle Services.

These two documents (and typically some form of official identification) must then be submitted in person to your local Department of Transportation Office, or by mail to the Office of Vehicle Services if you feel more comfortable with this option.

person in wheelchair with cane
Image by klimkin on Pixabay: Disability parking permit Iowa: do you know the qualifying conditions?

It’s important to ensure you have all the necessary documents submitted and accurately completed to ensure your application goes as smoothly as possible. There is no fee associated with the application process for a disabled parking permit in Iowa (aside from the cost of your medical consultation, which Dr Handicap can help you organize via telemedicine!).

So, the final important question: how long does it take to get a disabled placard in Iowa? The good news is that if there is no problem with your application, you should receive your permit within 30 days.

How do I apply for a disabled parking permit in Iowa?

Hopefully by now you’re feeling more familiar with the application process for a disabled parking placard in Iowa, and the answer to the above question is much clearer! If you’re still unsure of how the process works, we have plenty of information available on our website to help you navigate it. Alternatively, please reach out to us directly, and we can help you to get started with your application right away.

Featured image by 2564368 on Pixabay

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Kansas

Today we’re here to talk all things disabled parking in Kansas. What types of disabled parking permits are available in the Sunflower State? How do you apply for a Kansas disabled parking permit? And what are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Kansas? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more!

What Is A Kansas Disabled Parking Certificate?

A Kansas disabled parking certificate is a legal document that entails its holder to use disabled parking infrastructure in the state of Kansas, and also in several foreign jurisdictions both in the US and abroad.

Who Issues Disabled Parking Permits In Kansas?

The Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Vehicle Services issues disabled parking permits in the state of Kansas.

How Do You Qualify For Disabled Parking In Kansas?

You will qualify for a disabled parking permit in Kansas if you have a qualifying medical condition that has been verified by a state-licensed medical professional.

parking lot in kansas
Image by David McBee on Pexels: How do you qualify for disabled parking in Kansas?

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

You will qualify for a Kansas disabled parking permit if you are disabled in one or more of the following ways:

  • You are unable to walk 100 feet at length without aggravating an existing medical condition, including an upsurge in pain
  • You are unable to walk without the use of an assisting device such as a brace, crutches, prosthetic device, wheelchair, another person
  • You use portable oxygen
  • You suffer from a lung disease that is restrictive to the extent that your arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest, or your forced expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter when measured through spirometry
  • You have severe visual impairment
  • You have a cardiac condition of Class III or Class IV severity according to American Heart Association standards
  • You suffer from an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that severely limits your ability to walk

Who Can Certify An Application For Disabled Parking In Kansas?

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

  • Doctor of Medicine (licensed in any state)
  • Doctor of Osteopathy (licensed in any state)
  • Doctor of Chiropractic (licensed in any state)
  • Doctor of Podiatric (licensed in any state)
  • Optometrist (Kansas-licensed)
  • Physician assistant (Kansas-licensed)
  • Advanced registered nurse practitioner (Kansas-registered)
  • Christian Science practitioner listed in the Christian Science Journal

How Do You Get A Disability Parking Permit In Kansas?

The process of applying for a Kansas disabled parking permit is straightforward. First, you must have a consultation with a medical professional. This can be done remotely at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

The examining medical professional will verify your disability, fill in the relevant sections of a Kansas disabled placard form, and email the form to you to complete. Once the form is completed, you should submit it to your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.

Can You Apply For A Kansas Disabled Parking Permit Online?

Applications for disabled parking in Kansas cannot currently be submitted online. Applications must be submitted in person to your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.

What Type Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Kansas?

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

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

When Do Kansas Disabled Parking Permits Expire?

Temporary disabled parking placards expire after six months. Permanent permit holders must renew their permit every three years.

person in wheelchair
Image by gregade on Pixabay: How do you get a disability parking permit in Kansas?

How Do You Renew A Kansas Disabled Parking Permit?

You can renew your Kansas disabled parking permit by submitting an application, along with proof of continued disability, to your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office.

Where Are Kansas Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

Kansas disabled parking permits are valid in the following jurisdictions:

  • All US states
  • All US overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • UK
  • EU
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

Kansas Disabled Parking Rules And Regulations

  • Disabled parking placards must be clearly displayed hanging from the rearview mirror while a vehicle is parking in a disabled parking space.
  • Disabled parking permit holders from all US states can park in designated parking spaces in Kansas.
  • Permit holders are entitled to park in a metered parking space for free for up to 24 hours.
  • It is illegal for permit holders to park in any areas that are reserved for emergency vehicles or commercial vehicles, or signposted as “No Parking”.

Featured image by Megan Burns on Unsplash

Get Your Disabled Parking Permit Online In Connecticut

If you’re a CT resident looking to obtain a parking permit that provides you access to disabled spaces, you may be wondering if you can get your disabled parking permit online in Connecticut. While there are a few steps in the process, it’s quite straightforward, and today we’ll go over the ins and outs of how to get one.

You first must qualify according to the state’s list of qualifying conditions. This means that you meet certain criteria such as being unable to walk 200 feet without needing to stop and rest; you are considered to be legally blind; you have limited mobility in your both or one of your legs or no mobility at all; or you have certain arthritic, neurologic, neuromuscular, or orthopedic conditions that qualify.


Once you have determined your eligibility, you can then take the necessary steps to getting a disabled parking permit online in Connecticut!

street in connecticut
Image by Rstamats on Pixabay: Is it hard to get a CT disabled parking permit?

How do I get a disabled parking permit in CT?

Typically, to get a parking permit in CT, you must make an appointment with the DMV office. When your appointment is booked, you can print off the required forms to be filled out from the DMV website.

There are two forms to choose from: Permanent and Temporary. If your disability is not long-lasting – for example, you have broken one of your legs – then you would apply for a temporary permit as opposed to a permanent one. Permanent disabilities, which include the aforementioned qualifying conditions, will need to apply with the specific permanent disabled parking form. While you can get these forms at the DMV office prior to your appointment, the ease of downloading and printing them can make the process easier for you.

There is no cost associated with a permanent application, so this can be done fully online. However, if you are applying for a temporary parking permit, you will need to pay a $5 application fee. Temporary permits are handled in person, so you will not be able to email or fax your application to the DMV – for this type of permit, you must make an appointment.

When you have downloaded the appropriate disability form from the DMV website, you fill it out and submit it in person or via email for online applications (to [email protected]). It’s important to note that even though you can print and send the forms, the application process requires that Part B of the application be filled out by your specific physician, so this would either have to be emailed to them to be filled out or brought in person to an appointment with them.

handicap parking sign painted
Image by Paulbr75 on Pixabay: Can I get a Connecticut disability parking permit online?

Can you renew a handicap placard online in CT?

Both temporary and permanent disability parking permits need to be renewed at some point in Connecticut. In terms of the temporary permit, the renewal date is six months from when you first got approved. In this time, you will likely have to revisit the doctor, who will reexamine your disability to see if you still qualify for the permit. In the event that you do, you will need to fill out an application and select “renewal”. Again, the process for temporary permits needs to be done in person.

When it comes to permanent disabled parking permits, you also have to renew. However, they are valid for much longer and expire at the same time that your license does. This is typically anywhere between four and six years. If you have a permanent permit, the DMV will send you a reminder to have it renewed roughly 45 days prior to the expiration date.

The renewal process is the same as the initial application process for those who hold a Connecticut disability parking permit. The state has offered its residents the simple and easy process so that those with disability can gain access to their placard when they need it without having to worry about going down to the DMV office!

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