Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Indiana
Having access to disabled parking zones is vital for people with various disabilities. Day-to-day activities can be difficult if you don’t have close and easy access to the places you need to go. If you qualify for a disabled parking permit in the state of Indiana, it’s something that can change your life! An Indiana disabled parking permit can make all the difference when you’re out with friends, off to work, or running errands around town.
To apply for a permit you must first have confirmed diagnosis of a qualifying condition. So what are the exact qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Indiana?
What conditions qualify you for a parking placard in Indiana?
There are several types of conditions that qualify you for a disable parking permit in Indiana. According to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), to obtain a disability parking permit you must have a condition that:
- Severely affects or restricts your mobility
- Is permanent in nature (for a permanent permit) or temporary (for a temporary permit)
- Negatively affects your vision
- Requires the use of a wheelchair, a walker, braces, or crutches
These statements are quite broad, so it can be difficult to determine whether you fall into the category of a permanent or temporary disability on this basis alone. There are many conditions that fall under these categories that could potentially severely limit your mobility. To narrow it down, some conditions that may qualify for a disabled parking permit include:
- Cardiovascular system: Heart attack, stroke, congenital heart disease, obesity
- Metabolic system: Lou Gehrig’s disease, diabetes
- Nervous system: Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, brain damage
- Musculoskeletal system: Severe arthritis of any type, broken or fractured limbs, amputation
The aforementioned conditions are not an exhaustive list – any condition that affects your ability to move freely may qualify you for a parking permit in Indiana. The best course of action is to speak with a physician to discuss your condition and whether or not it is severe enough that you can gain access to a disabled parking permit.
How can you obtain a parking placard in Indiana?
After you have met with a doctor and they have determined that your condition may qualify for a disabled parking permit, you can move on to the application process. The BMV handles applications for disabled parking permits and you will have to go through them to get your application approved. You can download the BMV form for a disability license plate or parking placard, which is State Form 42070. You can also visit your nearest BMV office and pick up the form in person if you prefer.
The application itself includes a section for you to fill out and a separate section that your health care provider must complete to state that you have been certified for the parking permit. For those applying for temporary permits, there is a $5 fee. However, permanent applications are free.
Indiana disability placard rules
In the state of Indiana, there are specific rules you must follow once you have received your disability parking permit. One such rule determines how long your placard is valid for. If you apply for a temporary permit, you can use the placard for up to six months without needing any sort of renewal.
Permanent parking placards are valid for a lot longer and only need to be renewed by the date that was specified by your doctor. In some cases, the placard will have an expiration date that indicates the time in which you have to renew it, but that timeline varies from person to person.
You will have to display your placard clearly from the rearview mirror in your vehicle at all times while parked so that it can be seen by parking enforcement officers easily. Once you begin driving, you will have to remove the parking placard from the rearview mirror.
Your parking placard is for you and you alone – you cannot give it to someone else to use unless you are driving someone else’s car or a passenger in someone else’s car. Designated disabled parking spots are there for you to park in, but you must never park in any zone marked “no parking” or “no standing”. These rules are taken seriously in the state of Indiana, and you could be fined up to $500 or even given 60 days in jail for breaking them.
Getting a disabled parking placard in Indiana can help you get where you need to go with ease. As long as you have a verified qualifying condition and include all the right information when applying, the application process should be seamless!