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Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Maine

Well-run and user-friendly, the Maine disabled parking program exists to improve the lives of disabled residents and visitors to the Pine Tree State. Below we’ll outline the full list of qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Maine, discuss Maine disabled parking rules and regulations, and explain how you can apply for a Maine disabled parking permit. Let’s dive in!

How Do I Qualify For Disabled Parking In Maine?

You will officially qualify for a disabled parking permit in Maine if you have a qualifying disability that has been certified by a state-licensed medical professional.

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Maine?

So, what qualifies you for a disability placard in Maine? The following list of disabilities qualify a person to get a disabled parking permit in Maine:

An inability to walk 200 feet without rest
An inability to walk without the assistance from another person or the use of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair or assistive device
Lung disease to such an extent that forced expiratory volume for one second, when measured by a spirometer, is less than one liter, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 60mm/hg on room air at rest
Portable oxygen usage
A cardiac condition classified in severity as Class 3 or Class 4, according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
Severely limited ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
Recovering from childbirth (temporary placard only)

person in wheelchair with cane — *Image by* *klimkin* on *Pixabay: What are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Maine?*

Who Can Certify An Application For A Disabled Parking Permit In Maine?

The following state-licensed medical professionals can certify an application for a disabled parking permit in Maine:

Physician
Physician’s Assistant
Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurse

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Maine?

The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Maine:

Blue placard (permanent placard issued to individuals with a permanent disability)
Red placard (issued to individuals with a temporary disability)
Green placard (issued to agencies and organizations transporting disabled patients and clients)
Disabled parking license plates (available to people with permanent disabilities)
Disabled Veterans license plates (available to people whose disability is service-related)

How Do I Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Maine?

To get a disabled parking permit in Maine, you must first have a consultation with a state-licensed medical professional. This can be done at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Once the medical professional has verified your disability, they will sign an application form and email it to you. You should then complete the form and submit it to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

You can submit your application either in person at any BMV branch office or by mail or fax to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Disability Clerk
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

How Much Do Maine Disabled Parking Permits Cost?

Disabled parking permits are free in the state of Maine.

How Long Are Maine Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

Permanent disabled permits in Maine must be renewed every four years. Temporary disabled placards expire after six months.

How Do You Renew A Maine Disabled Parking Permit?

You can renew your Maine permanent disabled permit by submitting an application form. There’s no need to get a new medical certification when renewing a permanent permit.

Temporary permits cannot be renewed – instead, you should apply for a new temporary permit if you still require one after your original has expired.

harbor and lighthouse in maine — *Image by* *FrankWinkler* on *Pixabay: How do I get a disabled parking permit in Maine?*

Maine Disabled Parking Laws

The key Maine disabled parking laws are as follows:

Permit holders can park in any designated disabled parking space for any length of time.
Permit holders may park in a parking area with a meter without a charge for a period up to twice the limit otherwise allowed.
Disabled placards must be displayed hanging from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in a space for persons with disabilities.
Placards must be safely stowed when the vehicle is in motion.
Permit holders may park in a disability parking space with an access aisle if they need the access aisle to enter or exit the vehicle, or if no other disability parking space is available.