A Guide To Disabled Parking In Connecticut

In Connecticut, as in most states, it’s possible to apply for a temporary or a permanent disabled parking permit. Temporary permits attract a small fee and are only valid for up to six months, whereas there is no charge for a permanent permit, and they can be valid for up to five years. All the rules and regulations surrounding a Connecticut disabled parking permit can be found via your local Department of Motor Vehicles Office. You may be wondering, though, if you actually qualify for disabled parking in Connecticut, so we’ll first of all take a look at the qualifying conditions.

The following temporary or permanent disabilities would qualify you for a Connecticut handicap parking permit:

• if you require portable oxygen
• if you’re not able to walk 200 feet without stopping or without assistance of some sort
• if you have limited or no use of one or both legs or severe restrictions in your ability to walk due to a recognized condition
• if you have lung disease or a cardiac condition that’s diagnosed as Class III or Class IV, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) classifications
• if you are legally blind (in which case, your Connecticut disabled parking permit would be for use by another driver when you are the passenger)

If you’re wondering how to get a disabled parking permit in Connecticut – it’s easier than you think. If you have any of the above disabilities, or a temporary injury or condition that makes walking difficult, the first thing to do is get an application form. You can either download this from the DMV website or call into your local branch and pick up a copy. However, if the thought of filling out the form and visiting your physician in person for an assessment seems daunting, then a simpler and less stressful way of proceeding is to apply online through Dr. Handicap.

We have medical experts available in all states who can assess you via video chat without the need to leave the comfort of your own home. Our physicians will require access to your medical records in order to determine whether or not you would qualify for a Connecticut disabled parking permit, but you don’t need to worry about privacy, as we are fully HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant. If our expert determines that you would indeed qualify for a disabled parking permit in Connecticut, they will guide you through the whole process and you will receive your permit in no time at all.

A permit for disabled parking in Connecticut is available in two formats. The first and most commonly used one is a placard, which hangs from your rear-view mirror. Special license plates are the other option. These tell a parking attendant that you have the right to use designated disabled parking spots. If you’re using a placard, it must be clearly visible from outside your vehicle.

When using parking lots with your Connecticut handicap parking permit, look for the designated spots. These will be indicated by a handicap parking sign or symbol and will be slightly bigger than your average parking space, giving you more room to get in and out of your vehicle. In addition, they should be located close by the facility or building which the parking lot serves, making access quicker and easier for you. For on-street parking regulations with your Connecticut disabled parking permit, it’s best to check out the local law that applies to the city or town you’re in. Some places will allow you to park for free or for longer than the set time at parking meters that serve normal-size spaces – i.e., not the larger-size spaces as required in public parking lots.

Unfortunately, some people do abuse the use of disabled parking permits. It’s obvious that you, the owner of the permit, must be traveling in the car in order to make use of said permit. You can be the driver or the passenger; you need the extra space and the shorter walking distance either way. But you must be present in the car – a Connecticut handicap parking permit cannot be used without the owner in situ. Misuse of a handicap parking permit could see it revoked or renewal denied.

If you have a permanent disabled parking permit in Connecticut, you will be sent a reminder to renew it approximately 45 days prior to its expiration date. You must renew it in at a local DMV office in the state. A Connecticut handicap parking permit is only available to Connecticut residents. The state, however, does honor plates and permits from other states and, likewise, your Connecticut disabled parking permit or license plates will be recognized in other states you may be visiting. That said, it’s advisable to check the local laws that apply to another state prior to your visit. Remember that, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the law is on your side and will protect you from discrimination. In turn, though, you must stay on the right side of the law!