What Are the Rules Around Disabled Parking in Mississippi?

The rules around disabled parking in Mississippi are firm but fair. Residents of the Magnolia State who have permanent or temporary disabilities can apply for a Mississippi handicap placard or plate through their local MS tax collector’s office or the Mississippi Department of Revenue. The process is well regulated, highly transparent, simple to navigate, and impressively efficient.

So what are the rules around disabled parking in Mississippi?

Qualifying Conditions

The list of qualifying conditions that entitle a person to avail of disabled parking in Mississippi is thorough and wide-ranging. Conditions include:

• Any heart condition that is designated as being of Class III or Class IV severity by the American Heart Association;
• Any severe respiratory condition – such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, or asthma – or any other condition that necessitates the use of a portable oxygen tank;
• Many chronic inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Crohn’s disease, and lupus;
• Any orthopedic, neurological or arthritic condition that limits mobility;
• Being an amputee;
• Multiple sclerosis;
• Deafness or blindness;
• Any condition that means a person cannot walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest; and
• Any condition that necessitates the use of a walking aid device such as a crutch, Zimmer frame, brace, or wheelchair.

A person can also qualify for a disabled parking badge in Mississippi if they are the parent, guardian, or carer of a person with a qualifying disability.

Types of Disabled Placards Available

Disabled Mississippians have a few different options when it comes to the type of disabled parking badge they can use. If a person qualifies as being permanently disabled, they can use a permanent disability placard (which must be hung from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked and removed when the vehicle is in motion), or they can use a permanent disability license plate. License plates are suitable for disabled drivers who always travel in the same vehicle. A placard is convenient because it can be removed and used in whatever vehicle the disabled person happens to be traveling. People who are temporarily disabled – for example, suffering from a temporary injury, recovering from surgery, or even heavily pregnant – can use a temporary disability placard. U.S. military veterans, who received their disability at least partly as a result of their activities within the U.S. military, can use a Disabled Veterans license plate.

Out-of-State Visitors’ Rights

A disabled visitor to Mississippi does not need to apply for a temporary Mississippi disabled placard in order to use disabled parking in the state. Mississippi law enforcement authorities recognize disabled plates and placards from all other U.S. states. Out-of-state disabled placards afford their users the same rights as a Mississippi disabled parking badge would.

Necessary Medical Professional Recommendation

All applicants for a disabled parking permit in Mississippi need to visit a medical professional to be examined and verified, and to have their Mississippi Disabled Parking Application filled in. The types of medical professionals acceptable to Mississippi authorities are more limited than in most other states. Only a registered physician or a nurse practitioner will suffice.

Types of Disabled Placards Available

Disabled Mississippians have a few different options when it comes to the type of disabled parking badge they can use. If a person qualifies as being permanently disabled, they can use a permanent disability placard (which must be hung from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked and removed when the vehicle is in motion), or they can use a permanent disability license plate. License plates are suitable for disabled drivers who always travel in the same vehicle. A placard is convenient because it can be removed and used in whatever vehicle the disabled person happens to be traveling. People who are temporarily disabled – for example, suffering from a temporary injury, recovering from surgery, or even heavily pregnant – can use a temporary disability placard. U.S. military veterans, who received their disability at least partly as a result of their activities within the U.S. military, can use a Disabled Veterans license plate.

Out-of-State Visitors’ Rights

A disabled visitor to Mississippi does not need to apply for a temporary Mississippi disabled placard in order to use disabled parking in the state. Mississippi law enforcement authorities recognize disabled plates and placards from all other U.S. states. Out-of-state disabled placards afford their users the same rights as a Mississippi disabled parking badge would.

Necessary Medical Professional Recommendation

All applicants for a disabled parking permit in Mississippi need to visit a medical professional to be examined and verified, and to have their Mississippi Disabled Parking Application filled in. The types of medical professionals acceptable to Mississippi authorities are more limited than in most other states. Only a registered physician or a nurse practitioner will suffice.