A Guide To Disabled Parking In Utah
Utah is such a beautiful place to explore, but it can feel challenging to do so if you live with a disability. Fortunately, it’s possible for you to get a Utah handicap parking permit through an easy application process. Once you have your placard in hand, you get immediate access to more convenient parking places throughout the state – which can make a big difference in how easy it is for you to get around. If you’re wondering how to get a disabled parking permit in Utah, keep reading for all you need to know!
What are the qualifying conditions for a placard?
In the state of Utah, there are several categories of medical conditions that can help you qualify for a disabled parking permit. These include:
- Not being able to walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest;
- Not being able to walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, another person, or other devices;
- Being restricted by lung disease (to such a degree that your forced expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter – or your arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest);
- Needing to use portable oxygen;
- Having a cardiac condition (to such a degree that your functional limitation is classified, according to the American Heart Association standards, in severity as Class III or Class IV);
- Being severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
There are other temporary conditions (such as being a new mother or suffering from a minor injury) that can still help you qualify, as long you fall into any of the above categories.
Image by Derwiki on Pixabay: You can feel more free to hit the open road in Utah when you have your disabled parking permit.
What is a medical certification?
In order for the state of Utah to approve your application, you’ll need a medical professional to help you complete a portion of your application. This can be a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. They’ll need to confirm that you do have a qualifying condition, and they’ll also need to note whether your disability is permanent or temporary. Don’t forget to get their signature on the form as well! If you don’t have a medical professional you can rely on, head to Dr. Handicap. We can connect you to a physician in Utah that can go over your medical history and assist with your medical certification. Because the whole process is done virtually, applying online can be a huge timesaver.
How can I apply?
To apply for your Utah disabled parking permit, you’ll need to fill out Form TC-842 from the Division of Motor Vehicles. You can apply for a permanent placard, which is valid for two years, or a temporary placard, which is valid for up to six months. Make sure to fill out your personal information (name, address, etc.) and sign and date the form. There is no fee for a placard. You can drop off your completed application in person at your local Motor Vehicle office, or mail it in to:
Division of Motor Vehicles
Mail and Correspondence
PO Box 30412
Salt Lake City, UT 84130
Image by RJA1988 on Pixabay: Having a disabled parking permit can make traveling around Utah much easier for you.
How do I use my Utah handicap parking permit?
First off, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to renew your permanent placard every two years at no cost to you. You don’t need another medical certification at this time either. Temporary placards cannot be renewed; if you still need to use a placard after the six-month period, you will need to fill out a new application for another temporary placard.
When using your placard for disabled parking in Utah, make sure you hang it from your rearview mirror whenever your vehicle is parked and remove it when the vehicle is in motion. One major benefit of having a disabled parking permit in Utah is that you may park in metered parking zones and restricted parking areas for any reasonable amount of time absolutely free of charge. You also have access to all designated handicap parking places – as long as you have your placard displayed in the vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you’re the driver of the car or just a passenger; you just need to have the placard visible in your vehicle for any parking or law enforcement officers to see.
Another crucial thing to remember: you are the only person permitted to use your placard. You are never allowed to lend it out to family or friends. If you’re caught doing this, law enforcement can revoke your handicap parking privileges and take back your placard. Additionally, if you spot someone else abusing these parking privileges, the state of Utah advises you to contact local law enforcement to report what you’ve seen. If your Utah disabled parking permit has been lost or stolen, you must make a request in person at your nearest DMV office or mail in an application (at the address listed above), noting that you need a replacement placard.
Even though you have a disability, you shouldn’t be prevented from taking advantage of all the Beehive State has to offer. Apply for a permit today so you can utilize disabled parking in Utah and get more accessible and convenient parking wherever you go.