What Is A Disabled Driver Decal?

Disabled drivers in America benefit hugely from owning a disabled parking permit. A disabled parking permit is a legal document that entitles its holder to use disabled parking spaces in whatever jurisdiction they are in. Disabled parking spaces are located in every part of the US. Being able to avail of disabled parking helps to even the playing field for people with disabilities.

Disabled parking infrastructure must adhere to the Americans With Disabilities (ADA) guidelines. ADA guidelines stipulate how many disabled spaces need to exist in a given area, where these spaces need to be located, and who can use these spaces. The ADA regulations are designed to benefit the lives of disabled drivers and to help them to live independently and to get around freely.

As a disabled driver, it is helpful to know as much as possible about the disabled parking system. Knowing the details of the rules and regulations of the disabled parking program makes life easier for disabled permit holders.

There are several different types of disabled parking permit available. What type of disabled parking permit is best suited to a person’s needs will depend on several factors, such as what vehicle they drive, whether they regularly travel in more than one vehicle, what type of a disability they have, and how long their disability will last.

Dr. Handicap - Blue Handicap Parking Space — *Image by* *paulbr* on *Pixabay: A disabled driver decal can be affixed to a license plate.*

Are Disabled Parking Rules The Same In Every State?

The general gist of the disabled parking rules is similar in every state. This is because all states must adhere to ADA regulations. However, each jurisdiction implements their own independent disabled parking program, and some differences exist in the specific details of each state’s program.

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permit Are Available?

The most common types of disabled parking permit, which are available in the majority of states, are:

Permanent disabled parking permit (in the form of a placard, license plate, or decal)
Temporary disabled parking placard
Disabled Veterans license plate or decal
Organizational disabled parking placard

What Is A Disabled Driver Decal?

A disabled driver decal is a type of sticker that is durable and can withstand the elements. It is a version of a disabled parking permit that can be affixed to a license plate or to a vehicle that cannot hold a disabled parking placard, such as a motorcycle or boat.

Who Can Get A Disabled Driver Decal?

A disabled driver decal can be obtained by any person who qualifies for a permanent disabled parking permit. This includes people who qualify for a Disabled Veteran’s disabled license plate.

How Many Handicap Stickers Can You Get?

In most states, you can get several disabled parking decals if you need to. You can get a handicap sticker for each of the vehicles that you own.

How Does A Disabled Driver Decal Differ From Other Forms Of Disabled Parking Permit?

A disabled driver decal is a type of disabled parking permit, so it entitles its holder to all of the same benefits as any other type of disabled permit. The benefit of a decal is that it can be affixed to a license plate or to a vehicle that does not have a license plate, such as an off-road vehicle or boat. It can also be affixed to a vehicle that is not suited to displaying a disabled placard, such as a motorcycle.

Is A Handicap Sticker Valid In Every State?

A handicap sticker from any US state is also valid in every other US state. US disabled driver decals are also valid in several foreign countries, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, the EU, and Great Britain.

How Do You Get A Handicap Sticker?

You can get a handicap sticker from your local disabled parking authorities. In most jurisdictions, this will be the local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Dr Handicap - disabled parking permit — *Image by* *gregroose* on *Pixabay: A disabled driver decal entitles its holder to park in any disabled parking space in America.*

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled License Plate Decal?

The qualifying conditions for a disabled driver decal differ slightly state by state. But the main qualifying conditions are:

An inability to walk 200 ft without needing to stop to rest
An inability to walk without the aid of an assistive device or another person
A heart condition
Lung disease
Any condition that necessitates the use of portable oxygen
Legal blindness
An orthopedic, arthritic, or neurological condition that curtails mobility

How Do You Apply For A Disabled Driver Decal?

The easiest way to apply for a disabled driver decal is online through the Dr. Handicap online clinic. Dr. Handicap will set up a consultation with a licensed physician in your state, who will examine you to verify your condition and fill in the relevant sections of your state’s disabled permit application forms.

Featured image by Shutterbug75 on Pixabay

7 COVID Safety Tips On Cleaning A Car

We’re all trying to do our best to make it out of the COVID-19 pandemic without getting sick. Because there can be some conflicting information out there, it can feel confusing to know which steps to take to stay virus-free. One of the places where you spend a lot of time but might not think about disinfecting is your car. Here’s some information on decreasing your risk of contracting COVID, as well as COVID safety tips on cleaning a car.

How can I reduce the risk of getting COVID-19?

The virus is easily transmitted from person to person, so you should make sure you’re taking a number of precautions to decrease your chances of getting sick.

Wear a mask

The easiest way you can keep yourself and others safe is to wear a mask. At this time, some health experts have recommended that people double up on their masks for maximum protection. Always carry a mask with you whenever you’ll be outside your home; you can even stash a few extras in your car so you’ll always have one on hand.

Stay socially distanced

Stay a minimum of six feet away from anyone who doesn’t live in your household. Keep your distance when running essential errands or if you’re working outside your home.

Only interact with people who live in your household

While the pandemic is still in full force, it’s best to only come into contact with people who live in your household. That means that you should place any plans on hold of getting together with friends or non-immediate family members. If it’s a necessity for you to see these people, stay outdoors, keep your distance, and leave your masks on the entire time.

Dr Handicap - masks — *Image by Mike Baumeister on Unsplash: Wear a face mask whenever you’re out in public to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19.*

Limit unsafe activities like dining or being around groups of people

High-risk activities, such as gathering in groups or dining inside, should be avoided until your state has lowered their case rates and hospitalizations.

Get the vaccine as soon as possible

The vaccine is your best shot at keeping yourself safe from the virus. Check out how your specific state is handling vaccines so that you’ll have more information on when it’s your turn to get vaccinated.

How can I keep my vehicle safe?

If you’re like most Americans, you probably spend quite a bit of time in your car. Despite your best efforts to keep it clean, you’ll want to take extra precautions during this time to keep your car germ-free. Here are a few COVID safety tips on cleaning a car effectively.

1. Wear masks and use hand sanitizer

If you’re in the car with anyone else living outside your household, make sure to wear masks the entire time. You’ll also need to use hand sanitizer frequently to cut down on the germs on your hands.

2. Provide good ventilation

To minimize the spread of germs, try to have good ventilation in your vehicle with open vents and windows. Having better air circulation can be a simple way to stay safe.

3. Limit food and drink intake

If you’re traveling with other people outside your household, you’ll want to skip eating and drinking in the car since you’ll need to take your masks off to do this.

4. Wipe down touchscreens

Newer models of cars all come with touchscreens, which can be breeding grounds for germs. If possible, use voice commands so you don’t have to touch the screen or have anyone else touch it. You should also regularly clean the touchscreen (most people recommend using a cloth with a mixture of 30% water and 70% isopropyl alcohol). Don’t use any harsh chemicals that might damage the screen.

5. Clean the inside of your car with disinfectant

How should you clean and disinfect surfaces in your vehicle? Make sure to clean your car using disinfectant wipes or sprays as often as possible (at least daily if you have the time). There are some commonly touched areas that are even more important to clean, including door handles, seat belts, the parking brake, the steering wheel, the turn indicator, and the trunk lid. Giving your car a good scouring should help give you a little bit more peace of mind.

Dr Handicap - cleaning supplies — *Image by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash: Use cleaning supplies to help sanitize your car as frequently as possible.*

6. Get your car detailed

If you want a professional to handle the cleaning, take your car to a car wash to get detailed. Sanitizing your car with high-quality cleaning products can get rid of germs more effectively.

7. Make sure your car is in tip-top shape

Car maintenance during coronavirus is absolutely essential because you don’t want to worry about breaking down somewhere or having to enter any unsafe situations. Take your vehicle for regular maintenance (oil change, brake check, etc.) to ensure that you won’t have to make any unexpected visits to crowded repair shops or dealerships in the near future.

There are many steps you can take to make sure that you’re less likely to contract COVID. To keep your car in perfect condition, focus on upkeep and cleaning it as often as possible. This can help ensure your vehicle is clean and safe whenever you get behind the wheel.

Featured image by Hedgehog Digital on Unsplash

Alcohol & Driving: How To Make Sure You’re On The Right Side Of The Law In Every State

As a driver, it is your responsibility to make smart and safe decisions every time you get behind the wheel. You follow the rules of the road such as the speed limit, parking restrictions, and so on, so what about when it comes to alcohol and driving? There are many laws in place that you should be following anytime you imbibe alcohol (or other substances that might affect your driving abilities). Here’s a rundown of what you need to know to stay safe.

Is it illegal to drive with any alcohol in your system?

In most states, you are permitted to drive with alcohol in your system if it’s at a very low level. However, if you are acting impaired or are making poor decisions behind the wheel, you can still be penalized even if you’re under the legal limit.

Many states have Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws that help law enforcement and prosecutors determine whether you were unable to operate a vehicle safely because of alcohol intake. This especially comes into play if you’re involved in an accident where someone has been injured or killed.

Is drunk driving illegal in all 50 states?

At this time, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in all 50 states. In order to avoid fines or jail time, you must have a lower BAC when you’re tested (either in the field or at a police station). At a 0.08% level, drivers are so impaired that they’re 11 times more likely to have a single-vehicle car accident than drivers with no alcohol in their system.

Dr Handicap - driving car — *Image by Hannah Sutherland on Unsplash: Drunk driving laws by state can vary, so look up regulations in your home state.*

Alcohol and driving: rules to know

Here’s what you should know anytime you’re going to be drinking and driving.

The nationwide legal limit

As mentioned above, the legal limit is a BAC of 0.08% or higher on a Breathalyzer or a blood test. Typically, a single drink is either one shot of liquor, a five-ounce glass of wine, or one beer (which all contain about the same amount of alcohol). A 120-pound woman can reach a 0.08% after only two drinks and a 180-pound man can reach it after only four drinks. Keep this in mind when you decide to drink before driving – you can become impaired fairly quickly.

Your specific state’s legal limit

Aside from the nationwide legal limit, there can be drunk driving laws that vary by state. These different laws can impose more regulations regarding impaired drivers. For example, Arizona has the standard 0.08% BAC limit, but drivers can also be charged with Extreme DUIs for having a BAC over 0.15% or Super Extreme for having a BAC over 0.20%. These come with much higher penalties.

Your best bet is to do some research on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for your particular state. Becoming educated can help ensure that you’re never breaking the law when you get behind the wheel.

Driving restrictions when traveling to other states

If you’re going to be traveling or driving in a state other than your own, it can be helpful to look up their specific laws and regulations as well. This can help you understand what is legally permitted in that particular state before you travel there.

The consequences in your state

The consequences of drinking and driving can vary greatly depending on the state you’re driving in. Some states have more stringent laws than others. Let’s look at California, for example: a person convicted of a DUI here faces imprisonment in a county jail for anywhere from 96 hours to six months and has to pay a fine of $390–$1,000. Their license can be suspended for six months. A second DUI is even more serious, with jail for 90 days to one year, a similar fine, and a license suspension for two years. Each DUI after that gets increasingly severe punishments.

If you’ve been in an accident where someone was hurt (or even killed), the consequences are much more dire. California also has strict penalties for drivers who drive drunk with minors in the car. It’s vital to make sure that you fully understand what could happen before you get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

Dr Handicap - breathalyzer — *Image by miguelrd68* *on Pixabay:* *If you’re suspected of driving under the influence, police can do Breathalyzer tests on the scene.*

How to tell your own limit

Alcohol can have varying effects on a person because of different metabolisms, body chemistry, weight, etc., so you should become very familiar with what your own limits are. You might feel impaired after just one drink; it’s quite possible for your reaction times to slow after this amount. Therefore, you should understand your own body and make appropriate choices to ensure the safety of yourself and everyone else on the road.

You don’t have to get behind the wheel after you’ve had a drink. Remember that getting a ride from Uber or Lyft or calling a cab can be a much smarter way to go if you’ve been drinking. Always make the safest decision so that you’re not endangering yourself or others. Know your own limits and research the laws in your state, and you’ll be able to stay safe and on the right side of the law!

Featured image by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash

What Color Is A Permanent Handicap Placard?

If you’re new to the world of disabled parking permits, you might be unaware of some of the rules and regulations surrounding them. Although each state might do things a little differently, there are some similarities around the country. If you have questions (such as “What color is a permanent handicap placard?”), read on for more information.

What is a permanent handicap placard?

A handicap placard is issued by each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when an individual has proven that they have a disability that limits their mobility. In order to receive a placard, you must fill out an application from the DMV and be evaluated by a medical professional. During this medical certification process, your doctor will determine whether your disability is a permanent or temporary one.

Some examples of permanent medical conditions can include:

Not being able to walk more than 200 feet without needing to stop and rest
Not being able to walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, another person, or other assistive devices
Having a respiratory condition that restricts breathing to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 MM/HG on room air at rest – this can include conditions such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, etc.
Needing to use portable oxygen
Having a cardiac condition that limits your functionality and is classified in severity as Class III or Class IV, according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
Being severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
Being certified legally blind
Missing one or more limbs, which impairs your mobility

Your doctor must certify that you have one of these conditions and that you could benefit from having a handicap placard. A permanent placard in most states is blue. It’s generally valid for two to three years before you have to go through a renewal process.

Dr Handicap - doctor with phone — *Image by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash: You must visit a medical professional (or connect to one through Dr. Handicap) to get certified for a temporary or permanent placard.*

What is a temporary handicap placard?

If you have a temporary handicap placard, it’s because your doctor has recommended that you only receive a permit for a short period of time. This length of time differs from state to state, but generally is for up to six months. At the time it expires, you’re required to renew another temporary placard or have your doctor certify that you need a permanent one. Temporary disabilities can include things like pregnancy, a broken leg or foot, or recovering from surgery.

What do the different colors of handicap placards mean?

Each state can do things a little differently, but for the most part, if you see a blue handicap placard, that means the person has a permanent parking permit. Other colors include:

Red placards – for people with temporary disabilities
Light-blue placards – for disabled individuals who require the use of a wheelchair. People who have these types of placards can park in wheelchair user only parking spaces. They’re generally issued for permanent disabilities.
Green placards – these are a little bit rarer to spot. But if you come across one, it means that the placard has been issued to an organization that transports disabled individuals; these users also need access to handicap parking spaces for their passengers.

How can you get a handicap parking permit?

If you’re wondering how to get a handicap placard, you can find all the information you need at your local DMV office. There should also be information available at your state’s DMV website. First, you’ll need to verify that your medical condition will qualify you for a disabled parking permit. After you get the medical certification from your doctor, you’ll be able to complete your application and send it in, either by submitting it online or mailing it in to the DMV.

Once you have your placard in hand, you’ll have immediate access to designated handicap parking. It’s important to note that you can never lend your placard to anyone (even friends and family). The placard is only usable if you’re a driver or passenger in the vehicle that’s parked.

Dr Handicap - laptop — *Image by Richard Brutyo on Unsplash: Head to your state’s DMV website for more information.*

There are many benefits to having a temporary or permanent parking permit. Some states offer additional perks (such as free on-street metered parking) to those with placards, so make sure to find out what your specific state offers. As long as you remember to keep your placard up-to-date and renew it whenever it’s close to expiring, you’ll be able to use your parking permit to get convenient access to close parking places.

Featured image by IanDScofieldWriter on Pixabay

How Do I Get A Handicap Sign In Front Of My House?

A lot of disabled drivers write to us asking things like, “How do I get a handicap parking space in front of my house?”. This is a very understandable question, because having a handicap sign designating a disabled space near your house can make life a lot easier.

All public parking lots and streets in the United States are required by law to contain a certain number of disabled parking spaces. This is stipulated in the Americans With Disabilities Act. But even still, as most disabled drivers can attest, it is sometimes difficult to find an available handicap space.

If you live in a built-up urban area, it can be even tougher to find a disabled parking space near your house. Even in an area with a large number of disabled spaces, during busy periods it can often be the case that all disabled spaces are in use. This poses a big problem for disabled drivers whose homes are in such areas.

Getting home after a long day at the office to find that the disabled spaces near your home are all occupied is stressful and (to say the least) inconvenient. So, to avoid such events, a lot of disabled drivers want to know… How do I get a handicap sign in front of my house?

Dr Handicap - disabled parking spots — *Image by Norexy art* *on Pexels: Residential handicap parking spaces are available in many municipalities.*

Can I Get A Disabled Parking Space Outside My House?

Whether or not you can get a disabled parking space outside your house depends on where you live. In most states, and municipalities within states, it is possible to get a disabled parking space in close proximity to your house if it is essential.

Many areas, such as the Chicago metropolitan area, have an official Residential Disabled Parking program. To find out the specific situation in your area you should contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

What Are Residential Handicap Parking Signs?

Residential handicap parking signs are signs that designate a parking space as “disabled” and only useable by the person who holds the relevant residential handicap parking permit. These spaces only exist in some municipalities.

Can Any Disabled Parking Permit Holder Park In A Residential Handicap Parking Space?

If a disabled parking space is designated specifically as a residential handicap parking space, the only people who can park in it are people who hold a disabled parking permit and a residential handicap parking permit.

The sign above a residential handicap parking space will usually have a permit number on it that will match the number on the residential handicap parking permit of the person who can use it.

Not all states have this system in place. In some states, a disabled parking space will be installed near a disabled permit holder’s home, but it will be available for any disabled parking permit holder to use.

Does Your Residence Have A Private Residents’ Parking Lot?

If your residence has a private residents’ parking lot, it will be required by law to have a certain number of disabled parking spaces. If this is the case it may be more difficult to get a handicap parking space on the street outside your residence.

How Do I Get A Handicap Sign In Front Of My House?

Many areas have an official program that deals with applications for Residential Disabled Parking. In these areas, you will need to apply through this official program. Each area’s application process is different, so you should contact your local DMV for further details.

In areas that don’t have an official Residential Disabled Parking program, you can still make a request to your local DMV. These requests are usually honored, and new disabled spaces will be installed as near as possible to your address. However, in areas with no official Residential Disabled Parking program, the new spaces will usually be available for use by all disabled permit holders, and not just residents.

What Do I Need To Show To Get A Handicap Sign In Front Of My House?

To get a handicap space in front of your residence you will need to show:

Your disabled parking permit
Proof that you live at your address
Proof that you do not have a viable alternative parking arrangement

Dr Handicap - residential street — *Image by Aung Myint on Unsplash: It is usually possible to get a disabled parking space outside your house.*

Do I Need To Pay To Get A Handicap Sign In Front Of My House?

Depending on where you live, there can be various costs involved in getting a handicap space in front of your home. These can include:

An initial application fee (usually between $20 and $100)
An annual maintenance fee (approximately $25 annually)
Installation costs (in places where no official Residential Disabled Parking program exists)

How Long Does It Take To Get A Handicap Sign?

Once your application for a handicap sign in front of your house has been accepted, it usually only takes a few weeks to a month to have the sign installed.

How Do I Get A Disabled Parking Permit?

The quickest way to get a disabled parking permit is to have an online consultation with a licensed medical professional. This can be done through the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Dr. Handicap will put you in contact with a licensed medical professional who will verify your disability and certify the forms that you need to submit to your local DMV in order to acquire a disabled parking permit. It is a simple, quick, and easy process!

Featured image by gregroose on Pixabay