A Guide To Disabled Parking In Delaware
There are tons of advantages to owning a disabled placard. You automatically get more convenient and more accessible parking places, allowing you to conserve your strength for other items on your to-do list. Closer parking might mean more independence and autonomy for you as well. So, are you ready to start getting all of the benefits of a Delaware handicap parking permit? Read on for everything you need to know about disabled parking in Delaware – from how to apply for a placard to how to use it correctly.
Step 1: See if you have a qualifying condition.
In order to be eligible for a disabled parking permit in Delaware, you’ll need to have a disability recognized by the state that affects your mobility. Some examples of this can be:
- If you cannot walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest
- If you cannot walk safely without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
- If you are restricted by lung disease (such as COPD, lung cancer, asthma, etc.)
- If you use portable oxygen
- If you have a cardiac condition so that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV, according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
- If you are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
There might be other qualifying conditions not listed that can qualify you for a disabled parking permit. To find out if your disability will qualify, you can contact someone at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or ask your doctor. You will need a licensed physician to verify your disability and to sign your application. If you don’t have a medical professional who can do this for you, you can always use the virtual services of Dr. Handicap. They can connect you to a licensed doctor to help you complete your medical certification.
Step 2: Fill out your application and submit it.
If you’re wondering how to get a disabled parking permit in Delaware, you can find your application on the DMV website. First, you’ll need to decide if you want a temporary placard (valid for a maximum of 90 days) or a permanent placard. Permanent placards only need to be renewed every three years and do not require another medical certification from your doctor at that time. You also have the option of receiving a Disabled Veteran Plate if you’re a resident Delaware veteran. You can find the Application for Special DAV-HP License Plates online or at your nearest DMV office. Your disability does need to be related to your service, and you’ll be required to provide a copy of certified eligibility from the Veterans Administration. Plus, you’ll have to pay a one-time fee of $10. The good news is that if you’re requesting a regular temporary or permanent placard, there’s absolutely no charge to you! After completing your application, you can mail it to:
State of Delaware
Division of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Correspondence
PO Box 698
Dover, DE 19903
If you’re over the age of 85, you are able to submit your application online and do not need a medical certification. You can just show proof of age and receive your placard. When it comes time to renew your permanent placard (no matter your age), you can also go through the process online.
Step 3: Use your placard appropriately.
When using your Delaware disabled parking permit, it’s crucial that you remember to clearly display your placard on your rearview mirror when you’re parked. However, you should remove the placard from your rearview mirror whenever your car is in motion. The most important rule regarding your placard is that you are not permitted to lend out your placard to any friends or family. If you’re using the placard, you need to be either the driver or passenger of the car. If someone borrows your placard and gets caught, they can be fined $100 for a first offense. For each subsequent offense, they’ll be fined $200 and/or imprisoned between 10–30 days!
Otherwise, remember to follow the rules of the road, and you’ll be able to park in any blue, designated wheelchair accessible parking places or curbs. Some cities have different privileges for disabled drivers (such as free parking at metered parking), so check with your local law enforcement to find out about these types of regulations in your area. And if your placard ever gets lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the DMV for instructions on how to get a replacement (there will be a $1 replacement fee.)
As soon as you get your disabled parking permit, you can enjoy the many benefits of having better accessibility to all the locations you frequent. Just remember to never lend out your placard to anyone else and adhere to all regulations to enjoy the convenience of disabled parking in Delaware!