Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Connecticut

The beautiful New England state of Connecticut is a great place to live, but how does it stack up when it comes to disabled parking? Don’t worry – drivers will find the application process for a disability parking permit in Connecticut to be simple and straightforward.

Depending on the nature of your disability, the state issues both temporary and permanent disability placards, which you’ll hang on your rearview mirror whenever you’re parked. The state of Connecticut’s disabled parking regulations allow permit holders to park in any of the state’s accessible spaces on either public or private property.

But how do you know if you qualify for either a temporary or permanent permit? Here’s a handy guide to qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Connecticut, as well as some info on how you can apply.

What conditions qualify for disabled parking in Connecticut?

If you’re newly disabled or have just moved to CT, it helps to know which conditions qualify for a disabled permit. These conditions are outlined by the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Generally, any serious health issue that impacts your mobility will qualify, whether that’s on a short-term or permanent basis. To obtain medical approval for a temporary or permanent placard, you’ll need to have one or more of the following conditions:

• Legal blindness
• The need to use a portable oxygen tank
• Limited use of one or both legs, or an inability to use either leg
• A muscular or neurological condition that limits your ability to move
• Inability to walk more than 200 feet without needing to stop
• Severe walking limitations due to a neurological, orthopedic, or orthopedic condition
• Heart issues that are classified as a Class III or IV cardiac condition by the American Heart Association
• Lung disease

What if you’ve been injured, unwell, or recently had surgery that makes it hard for you to move normally? Don’t worry – as long as you meet one of the above requirements on a temporary basis, you’ll still be eligible for assistance.

The above qualifying conditions apply to disabled drivers, passengers, and motorcyclists (who are eligible for a motorcycle license plate with the International Symbol of Access). They also apply to minors, who may not be able to drive themselves but still require assistance as a passenger.

If you’re unsure as to whether or not you qualify, the best option is to ask your doctor or speak with a licensed telehealth practitioner.

How do I prove my disability?

To ensure disability permit holders have a genuine need, your application will need approval from a medical professional. This is to stop people from applying for disabled parking permits when they don’t actually need one.

Within the state of CT, your condition can be certified by any one of these licensed health care workers:

• Physician or physician’s assistant
• Optometrist
• Ophthalmologist
• Psychiatrist
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
• A member of the Connecticut Board of Services and Education for the Blind

If you were disabled as a result of your military service, a VA disability certificate may also be accepted. Your local VA health service can tell you more about the process. Veterans may also qualify for disabled veterans plates, which also often allow the driver to park in metered parking for free or for longer than the specified amount of time. 

What is the cost to apply for a disabled permit?

In Connecticut, there is no fee for permanent disabled parking permits. Temporary permits have a $5 application fee, which will need to be paid again if your permit expires and you reapply. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months from the date of issue.

Is there a cost if you lose your placard? The situation is the same as with application fees: permanent permits are replaced for free, but temporary permits are charged a $5 fee.

How do I get a disability parking permit in CT?

Once you’re sure you qualify, download the Temporary Permit or Permanent Permit form, depending on which one is applicable. You can also pick up the forms in person at the DMV.

You’ll complete Part A of the application form yourself, while Part B needs to be completed by a medical professional, as mentioned above. They’ll certify that you have a genuine need for a disabled parking permit and will sign off on your form.

Then, return the form in one of the following ways:

Mail: Department of Motor Vehicles
Disabled Parking Permit Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT  06161

Fax: 860-263-5556

Email: dmv.hpapp@ct.gov

Note that temporary permits can’t be emailed or faxed in, since they require an application fee. Both temporary and permanent placards can be applied for in person, but you’ll first need to make an appointment with your local DMV branch. If your temporary permit expires, you can’t renew it, but you can reapply for another one.

After approval, you’ll receive your new Connecticut disabled placard, making it possible for you to safely and easily park anywhere in the state. 

Featured image by Alex Jones on Unsplash