Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Louisiana

Are you wondering what qualifies you for a disability placard in Louisiana? Would you like more information on the Louisiana disabled parking laws you’ll need to abide by? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Below, we’ll go through all the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Louisiana, outline the application process, and tell you how to properly use your permit once you receive it so that you’re always on the right side of the law. A disabled parking permit can make a huge difference to your experience on the road, so don’t hesitate to apply for one if you’re eligible.

Check out this post for more detailed information on general qualifying conditions throughout the US, and read on to find out more about the specific qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Louisiana!

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Louisiana

As mentioned above, there are many medical conditions that qualify for a disabled parking permit all over the US. These are usually serious ailments or illnesses that severely affect your mobility or ability to otherwise function. Many disabilities can be “invisible”, meaning that they’re difficult to spot for the untrained eye, even though they may be debilitating for the person who has them. It’s therefore important that you discuss any medical condition that’s impairing you with your physician, as you may still qualify for disabled parking even if you may not think you do.

In the state of Louisiana, the below conditions entitle you to a disabled parking permit:

• Severe lung disease (which affects your ability to move long distances or breathe easily)
• A Class III or Class IV heart condition (as per American Heart Association Classification; these are illnesses that greatly affect your day-to-day life)
• Inability to walk for 200 feet without needing a rest
• Any severe neurological, arthritic or orthopedic condition that affects how far you can walk
• Needing portable oxygen
• Requirement of an assistive device (wheelchair, crutch, brace etc.)
• Being a disabled veteran, if your disability is at least 50% linked to your military service, as confirmed by the Veteran’s Administration (this entitles you to disabled veteran parking plates)

Now we’ve gone through the conditions that qualify for a Louisiana disabled parking permit, it’s important to clarify which types of disabled parking permit are available to residents who qualify. The type you receive will depend on the severity and timespan of your medical condition.

The three types of permit and their lengths of validity are:

• Temporary handicap placards – valid for a maximum of one year
• Permanent handicap placards – valid for a maximum of four years
• Disabled veteran license plates – valid for a maximum of four years

If you already have a disabled parking permit or plates from another US state, you may still use disabled parking spots in Louisiana; however, you must still follow the rules for disabled parking in Louisiana, and not those of your home state (since each state differs in terms of disabled parking regulations).

Louisiana disabled parking laws

You must always display your placard correctly (hanging from the rearview mirror or clearly laid out on the dashboard). Do not give your permit to anyone else to borrow, as this is an offence – even if they are also disabled, they must apply for their own. It’s important that you are also in the vehicle for journeys when the placard is being used, whether as driver or passenger, or the permit is invalid.

Those with disabled parking permits can occupy designated disabled parking spaces, which are specifically designed to make parking adapted vehicles easier and are located for maximum convenience. Permit holders can also park for an additional two hours longer than the limit posted on the meter.

How do I get a disabled parking permit in Louisiana?

The application process for a Louisiana disabled parking permit is quite straightforward, provided you follow all the steps properly. The first step is to go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles to collect and complete a Louisiana DMV handicap form. Then, you will need to have a consultation with a licensed state physician (which Dr. Handicap can help you organize), who will assess whether you qualify for a permit. If so, they will complete the Medical Examiner’s Certification of Mobility Impairment Form, which you’ll need for your application.

With these documents ready, you can then begin the application process. Please remember to bring a valid form of Louisiana ID (such as a driver’s license), your vehicle registration details, and relevant fee to the DMV. Once the application has been started, you should receive your permit quickly – but remember, don’t park in disabled parking places until you have it with you!

Featured image by Aya Salman on Unsplash