Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Arkansas
If you’re living in Arkansas, you know that this beautiful midwestern state is famous for its hot springs, agriculture, and lakes. But to best enjoy all the state has to offer as a disabled driver, it helps if you can use accessible parking.
How do you get a disabled parking permit in Arkansas? As with most states, the process is luckily very straightforward, whether you need a disabled parking placard on a permanent or temporary basis.
The first step is working out if you’re eligible for a disability permit, which will allow you to legally park in any handicapped parking space throughout the state. Here’s a guide to help you understand which conditions qualify, plus how you can apply.
What are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Arkansas?
To qualify for a disabled permit, drivers must either have a disability or be a carer or driver for someone with a disability. In most cases, a caregiver can drive a car and park in a disabled space, as long as they have the disabled passenger in the vehicle and clearly display their placard.
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration sets out the qualifying conditions for drivers in the state. To be eligible for a permit, you (or your passenger) must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Unable to walk more than 100 feet without needing to stop and rest
- Unable to walk without a walking aid, such as crutches, a cane, a brace, a wheelchair, a prosthetic device, or the help of another person
- Require use of a portable oxygen device
- A Class III or Class IV cardiac condition, as categorized by the American Heart Association, or another chronic heart condition
- Limited lung capacity due to lung disease
- Amputation
- A genetic condition that impacts your ability to walk
- Multiple sclerosis
- A spinal cord injury
- Spina bifida
- Any other health condition that causes impaired mobility, as specified by a medical professional
Note that military veterans are also able to qualify for Disabled Veteran Specialty Plates, which allows drivers who are disabled as a result of their service to park in disabled spaces. Your local Veterans Administration can help you apply.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Unsure if your disability is eligible? In that case, the best thing you can do is talk to a health professional, such as your family doctor or specialist, or arrange a telehealth consultation.
Because the state of Arkansas requires medical approval for all disability permits, you’ll need to have a chat with a doctor anyway as part of the application process.
What if my health condition is only temporary?
The state of Arkansas offers both permanent and temporary parking placards. For those with a permanent disability, a permanent placard is valid for up to four years before it needs to be renewed.
However, drivers who are temporarily disabled or injured, such as someone recovering from surgery or an accident, can apply for a temporary placard, which is valid for up to three months.
If you still need assistance after three months, you can reapply for a new placard. Both permanent and temporary placards are free, so you won’t need to pay an application fee.
How do I apply for my Arkansas disabled parking permit?
Once you’re ready to get started, download a copy of the Arkansas disability placard form. This is officially called the Application for Persons with a Disability License Plates (Form 10-366).
As the driver, you’ll need to make an appointment with a medical professional to complete part of the form on your behalf. This is required to ensure all applicants have a genuine need for a disability permit. Don’t worry though, as this process shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Essentially, the doctor has to specify which medical condition you have, then they’ll have to sign and date the form.
After your application is complete, you can send it in by mail or in person at any Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles. You’ll also need to show proof of identification, which can include your Social Security number or your Arkansas license or state ID card.
You can learn more about the Arkansas handicap placard application process here.
Where can I park with my new disabled parking placard?
After you’ve obtained your new placard, you’re ready to go! All you need to do is ensure you display your placard on your rear-view mirror when parked. Arkansas disabled parking laws state that you can park in any disabled space as long as your placard is displayed. The placard is only for yourself, so you can’t loan it out to friends or family – fines apply for improper use.
If you or a loved one have any questions about the application process, we are here to help! Get in touch today.
Featured image by Brandon Johnson on Unsplash