Disabled Parking in Nevada: All You Need to Know

Nevada has a reputation for being a party state, thanks to the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas. Vegas is so charismatic and dominating that it usually soaks up all the attention, often leaving other equally fascinating Nevada excursions and landmarks in the dust! Known as the “Silver State” because of how important silver is to its history and economy, this Western-sitting state also features the Hoover Dam, Red Rock National Park, Lake Tahoe, and the Lehman Caves. Which is all well and good, but how does Nevada fare when it comes down to disabled parking? Nevada is a big state, with all kinds of places for disabled drivers to park. So how exactly does disabled parking in Nevada work?

Disabled parking works differently all over the country. Each state is responsible for its own specific laws, and though they don’t usually vary much, if you’re a disabled driver in Nevada, it pays to know exactly what the procedure is. Even if you’re a disabled driver from another state who’s planning on visiting the Silver State, knowing the rules can help you keep inside the law and on the right side of the disabled parking line, as it were. The good news is that permits from all other U.S. states are valid in Las Vegas, so there’s no need to get a new one solely for your visit. The reverse is also true – if you’re a disabled Nevada driver, your Nevada permit will work anywhere you want to travel in the U.S., and even further abroad too.

So if you’re looking to apply for a handicap parking permit in Nevada, which type is most suited for your disability? Nevada has a few more options than other states, so it’s worth knowing the different types. Broadly, there are two variations of permits: placards, which you hang on your rear-view mirror or leave on your dash, and license plates, which replace your old plates. First, let’s take a look at the placards. Most states only feature a permanent and a temporary placard, giving disabled drivers two options. Nevada, however, has three: temporary, permanent, and also a moderate variation. Temporary placards, colored red, are for people who suffer from a fleeting disability, like a broken limb, or have their movement restricted by something like pregnancy. These are valid for up to six months. Moderate placards, colored blue, are valid for two years, and encompass disabilities that need longer than six months to heal. Permanent placards, also colored blue, are valid for ten years, which is a significant amount of time compared to other states’ permanent options.

It’s worth noting that temporary and moderate placards can be renewed if necessary, but the applicant will have to fill out a brand-new application form. If your permanent placard is nearing its expiration, you’ll receive a renewal form in the mail before the marked expiry date. A doctor or physician does not need to sign the renewal form; it’s something the patient can fill out for themselves. When it comes to license plates, there are two options in Nevada: a permanent plate, valid for a period of one year, and a disabled veteran plate, similarly valid for one year. To renew your license plates at the end of the year, all that you need to do is renew your vehicle registration.

All applications for plates and placards go through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. You can apply by mail, by fax, or in person. You’ll need to present a completed application, filled out by a registered health professional, with a valid driving license. If you’re applying for license plates, you must apply in person at the DMV. The application process is straightforward and presents no variations on the procedure adopted by other states.

In terms of laws, disabled parking in Nevada is similar to other places. As well as Nevada permits being eligible in other states and vice versa, you cannot avail of the permit unless the person it’s registered to is the driver or passenger of the vehicle. Breaking this law will result in a minimum fine of $250, and the suspension and possible termination of the license in question.

In terms of qualifying conditions, all major disabilities are covered in Nevada. Any person who suffers from a condition that severely impairs mobility can qualify the patient for “disabled” status. In addition, a condition that doesn’t allow you to walk 200 feet without stopping; a heart, lung, or circulatory disease; the use of portable oxygen; or documented problems with vision can also qualify a patient for disabled parking in Nevada. Most states’ qualifying conditions vary slightly, or even greatly, so it’s worth checking with your medical professional whether your disability qualifies you in the state of Nevada. Don’t worry too much, though; if it’s significant, it almost definitely will.