A Guide To Disabled Parking In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a small and supremely picturesque state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. The “Granite State” is characterized by quaint pilgrim towns and large expanses of glorious wilderness. It also has an efficient and well-run disabled parking program.
For any disabled citizens of New Hampshire, or the many tourists from out of state who visit this beautiful and unique part of the U.S.A., here is a complete guide to disabled parking in New Hampshire.
Qualifying Conditions For Disabled Parking New Hampshire
Applicants for disabled parking in New Hampshire must be confirmed by a registered physician as being disabled in one of the following ways:
- The applicant is unable to walk without the assistance of a walking aid such as a crutch, cane, brace, wheelchair, or another person.
- The applicant suffers from some form of heart condition classified as level 3 or 4 by the American Heart Association.
- The applicant has a lung disease, and/or needs to use a portable oxygen tank.
- The applicant has severely limited mobility due to arthritis or an orthopedic condition.
- The applicant is an amputee.
Types of Disability Permit Available in New Hampshire
There are three types of disability permit available in New Hampshire. A temporary placard is valid for up to six months; the examining physician can request that a temporary placard be issued for any duration of time up to six months. A permanent placard is valid for five years. A disabled license plate can also be obtained by people with permanent disabilities.
Disability Permit Holders’ Rights in New Hampshire
Disability permit holders are entitled to park in any designated disabled parking space in the state. These spaces are marked with the International Symbol of Access.
In certain jurisdictions, disability permit holders can also mark in metered on-street parking spaces free of charge.
Placement of Disability Placards in New Hampshire Vehicles
In New Hampshire, a disability placard must be hung in the vehicle’s rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked. However, placards must always be removed and safely stowed when the vehicle is in motion.
How To Apply For a Disability Placard in New Hampshire
It is possible to apply for a disabled parking permit in New Hampshire either in person at a local Department of Motor Vehicles office or by mail.
The first step is to download a New Hampshire Application for Walking Disability Privileges form. This form will need to be filled in by both the applicant and a licensed physician.
The completed form will need to be submitted, along with any necessary payment, either in person to a local DMV office or by mail to:
State of New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Drive
Concord
NH 03305
Fees and Costs For a Disability Placard in New Hampshire
Both temporary and permanent disability placards cost $5 in New Hampshire, and license plates cost $8.
How To Renew a Disability Placard in New Hampshire
Temporary disability placards are valid for up to six months in New Hampshire. Permanent disability placards are valid for five years. Disability license plates are valid for the length of the vehicle’s registration.
A temporary placard can be renewed after it expires by submitting a new application, completed by a licensed physician. This can be done in person or by mail.
Permanent placards can be renewed by submitting a renewal form either in person or by mail.
Disability plates are renewed by renewing the vehicle’s registration.
How To Replace a Placard for Disabled Parking in New Hampshire
In order to replace a lost, damaged, or stolen placard, you will need to submit a letter to the New Hampshire DMV outlining what happened to the old placard. The letter should include your name, date of birth, home address, phone number, signature, and, if the possible, the old placard number.
Letters should be posted to the same address listed for application postage above.
Once this letter is received by the DMV, the old placard will be canceled and a replacement posted out.
Out-of-State Disability Placard Holders Traveling in New Hampshire
Disabled drivers visiting New Hampshire from out of state can use their home state issued disability permit to avail of disabled parking in New Hampshire. This allows them all the same disabled parking privileges as a NH permit holder.