Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Delaware

Having a disabled parking permit makes it so much easier to navigate life behind the wheel for disabled drivers, and can take a huge weight off the mind. Applying for a disabled parking permit in Delaware has many benefits, and the best thing is that it’s a simple and inexpensive process.

The state offers residents several different permit options. These include:

Delaware disabled parking placards

Disabled parking placards are free of charge for residents of the state of Delaware. Temporary disabled parking placards are valid for 35–90 days and require re-evaluation by a medical professional. Permanent placards are valid for up to three years, can be renewed online or by mail, and only require self-certification of your disability.

Delaware disabled license plates

Disabled license plates incur a standard vehicle registration fee cost. Disabled license plates are only available for drivers with permanent disabilities. They can be renewed along with the vehicle’s registration.

disabled parking signs on ground
Image by gregroose at Pixabay: How do I get a disabled parking qualification in DE?

Delaware disabled veteran license plates

Disabled veterans in Delaware may also be eligible to receive disabled veteran plates. Applicants simply need to fill out the Application for Special DAV-HP License Plates form, stating that they have a verified disability certified by the Veterans Administration. The application incurs a one-time $10 fee and must be submitted in person at any Delaware DMV office.

Visitors to the state of Delaware can also use their disabled parking permit or placard from their home state to avail of reserved disabled parking, provided the placard or permit is valid and is correctly displayed within/on the vehicle.

What conditions qualify for disabled parking in Delaware?

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles can issue a disabled parking permit for the following verified conditions:

  • Limited walking ability due to neurological, arthritic or orthopedic conditions
  • Lung disease
  • Not being able to walk 200 feet without resting
  • Class III or IV cardiac condition
  • Requiring the use of a cane, brace, crutch, wheelchair or other assistive device to move
  • Requiring a portable oxygen device
  • Being a disabled veteran (as discussed above)
  • Being over 85

There may be other conditions than those mentioned above that could qualify for a disabled parking permit or plates; these can be discussed with a medical professional during your evaluation consultation.

How do I get a disability placard in Delaware?

Applying for a Delaware disabled parking placard or license plate is a simple and easy process. You need to have your condition certified by a licensed physician in your state – this can be done in person or via telemedicine (i.e. remotely). During the short consultation, the physician will discuss your medical history and your current medical condition to make an evaluation of your health status.

The physician will certify your application form to verify your disability. You must submit this certification, along with a completed Application for Special License or Special Parking ID Placard for Persons with Disabilities (Form MV474), in person at a local Delaware DMV office or by mail. Following this application, you should receive your disabled parking permit/license plates shortly.

bethany beach delaware
Image by Josefina Lacroze on Unsplash: What are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Delaware?

What are the disabled parking laws in Delaware?

You must correctly display your disabled parking permit by hanging your placard from the rearview mirror when parked, and removing it when the vehicle is in motion.

The disabled parking laws in Delaware are designed to make life behind the wheel easier for disabled drivers. Those who abuse these laws are subject to various fines and penalties. It is illegal to provide false or fraudulent information during the application process, in order to falsely obtain a permit. There are also penalties for violating disabled parking rules in Delaware, such as parking in a disabled parking place without the necessary permit or plates.

There is a $100 fine for the first offense, which rises to a $200 fine for the second and subsequent offenses. Further abuse of disabled parking rules may lead to imprisonment for up to 30 days.

It’s encouraged to contact local law enforcement to report any violations of disabled parking regulations and rules. Please include the license plate number of the offending vehicle, along with a detailed description of what you observed so that it can be investigated. This ensures that those with a disabled parking permit or plates are free to use the parking spaces reserved for them.

Featured image by 12019 on Pixabay

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Connecticut

The beautiful New England state of Connecticut is a great place to live, but how does it stack up when it comes to disabled parking? Don’t worry – drivers will find the application process for a disability parking permit in Connecticut to be simple and straightforward.

Depending on the nature of your disability, the state issues both temporary and permanent disability placards, which you’ll hang on your rearview mirror whenever you’re parked. The state of Connecticut’s disabled parking regulations allow permit holders to park in any of the state’s accessible spaces on either public or private property.

But how do you know if you qualify for either a temporary or permanent permit? Here’s a handy guide to qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Connecticut, as well as some info on how you can apply.

What conditions qualify for disabled parking in Connecticut?

If you’re newly disabled or have just moved to CT, it helps to know which conditions qualify for a disabled permit. These conditions are outlined by the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Generally, any serious health issue that impacts your mobility will qualify, whether that’s on a short-term or permanent basis. To obtain medical approval for a temporary or permanent placard, you’ll need to have one or more of the following conditions:

  • Legal blindness
  • The need to use a portable oxygen tank
  • Limited use of one or both legs, or an inability to use either leg
  • A muscular or neurological condition that limits your ability to move
  • Inability to walk more than 200 feet without needing to stop
  • Severe walking limitations due to a neurological, orthopedic, or orthopedic condition
  • Heart issues that are classified as a Class III or IV cardiac condition by the American Heart Association
  • Lung disease
doctor with phone conducting telehealth consultation
Image by Ivan Samkov on Pexels: A medical professional can help you determine your eligibility for a disabled parking placard in Connecticut.

What if you’ve been injured, unwell, or recently had surgery that makes it hard for you to move normally? Don’t worry – as long as you meet one of the above requirements on a temporary basis, you’ll still be eligible for assistance.

The above qualifying conditions apply to disabled drivers, passengers, and motorcyclists (who are eligible for a motorcycle license plate with the International Symbol of Access). They also apply to minors, who may not be able to drive themselves but still require assistance as a passenger.

If you’re unsure as to whether or not you qualify, the best option is to ask your doctor or speak with a licensed telehealth practitioner.

How do I prove my disability?

To ensure disability permit holders have a genuine need, your application will need approval from a medical professional. This is to stop people from applying for disabled parking permits when they don’t actually need one.

Within the state of CT, your condition can be certified by any one of these licensed health care workers:

  • Physician or physician’s assistant
  • Optometrist
  • Ophthalmologist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
  • A member of the Connecticut Board of Services and Education for the Blind

If you were disabled as a result of your military service, a VA disability certificate may also be accepted. Your local VA health service can tell you more about the process. Veterans may also qualify for disabled veterans plates, which also often allow the driver to park in metered parking for free or for longer than the specified amount of time. 

What is the cost to apply for a disabled permit?

In Connecticut, there is no fee for permanent disabled parking permits. Temporary permits have a $5 application fee, which will need to be paid again if your permit expires and you reapply. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months from the date of issue.

Is there a cost if you lose your placard? The situation is the same as with application fees: permanent permits are replaced for free, but temporary permits are charged a $5 fee.

connecticut nature
Image by Christopher Luther on Unsplash: A disabled parking placard will make it easier for you to safely explore the beauty of Connecticut.

How do I get a disability parking permit in CT?

Once you’re sure you qualify, download the Temporary Permit or Permanent Permit form, depending on which one is applicable. You can also pick up the forms in person at the DMV.

You’ll complete Part A of the application form yourself, while Part B needs to be completed by a medical professional, as mentioned above. They’ll certify that you have a genuine need for a disabled parking permit and will sign off on your form.

Then, return the form in one of the following ways:

Mail: Department of Motor Vehicles
Disabled Parking Permit Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT  06161

Fax: 860-263-5556

Email: [email protected]

Note that temporary permits can’t be emailed or faxed in, since they require an application fee. Both temporary and permanent placards can be applied for in person, but you’ll first need to make an appointment with your local DMV branch. If your temporary permit expires, you can’t renew it, but you can reapply for another one.

After approval, you’ll receive your new Connecticut disabled placard, making it possible for you to safely and easily park anywhere in the state. 

Featured image by Alex Jones on Unsplash

Is Plantar Fasciitis A Qualifying Condition For A Disability Placard?

Plantar fasciitis is a foot condition that affects more than two million Americans every year. Almost 10% of Americans will experience plantar fasciitis at some time during their lives. Plantar fasciitis can last for a short period of time or linger as a long-term, chronic condition.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful and debilitating condition. A person who is suffering from plantar fasciitis can find themselves immobile – so is plantar fasciitis a qualifying condition for a disabled parking permit? Read on to learn more.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot and heel pain in American adults. The condition occurs when the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toe bones becomes inflamed, sensitive, and achy.

What Are The Symptoms Of Plantar Fasciitis?

The pain caused by plantar fasciitis is usually most acute when a person moves after a period of resting, such as when they get out of bed in the morning or stand up after sitting for a period of time. For this reason, plantar fasciitis pain can be especially acute after driving.

The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is a stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near the heel. This pain can also be triggered by movement and exercise.

person using crutches to walk
Image by kaboompics on Pixabay: Is plantar fasciitis a qualifying condition for a disability placard?

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis usually occurs when the plantar fascia becomes damaged, often by wear and tear. The plantar fascia is the fibrous tissue that runs between the heel and the toes. It connects the heel bone to the toes, supports the arch of the foot, and acts as a shock absorber when we walk.

If the plantar fascia is put under repeated stress and pressure, it can stretch, and small tears can accumulate. This stretching and tearing can cause irritation and inflammation.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

  • Excessive bodyweight
  • Age (plantar fasciitis is most common in older people)
  • Doing a lot of exercise that places stress on the heel (such as long-distance running or dancing)
  • Occupations that require a lot of standing
  • Abnormal walking gait
  • Having flat feet or a high arch

How Does Plantar Fasciitis Affect Daily Life?

A person who is suffering from plantar fasciitis will be affected in several ways. They will have to endure chronic pain, including the possibility of acute pain episodes throughout the day.

People with the condition usually find walking difficult, and therefore their ability to get around without needing to stop to rest frequently or without using an assistive device can be severely curtailed.

Plantar Fasciitis And Disabled Parking

The disabled parking program exists to provide people with disabilities with improved access to public and private areas, buildings, and amenities. So, can you get a disability placard for plantar fasciitis?

Is Plantar Fasciitis A Qualifying Condition For A Disability Placard?

Yes, you can get a disabled parking permit for plantar fasciitis! In all states, a person will qualify for a disability placard if:

People with plantar fasciitis will often qualify for a disabled parking permit because they satisfy one or both of these conditions.

What Types Of Disability Placards Are Available For Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can last for a relatively short period of time or it can be a chronic, long-term condition. This means that a person who suffers from the condition can qualify for either a permanent or temporary disabled parking permit, depending on how long the condition lasts in their case.

feet outside of car window
Image by Greyerbaby on Pixabay: How does plantar fasciitis affect daily life? The condition can make it difficult for you to get around.

Is Plantar Fasciitis A Permanent Disability?

If plantar fasciitis lasts a long time, it can be considered a permanent disability and qualify a person for a permanent disabled parking placard or license plate.

Plantar Fasciitis Disability Rating

If your plantar fasciitis is military service-related, you may be eligible for a Veteran’s Association disability rating for foot pain of 20% if one foot is affected, or 30% if both feet are affected.

How Can I Get A Disability Placard For Plantar Fasciitis?

You can get a disabled parking permit for plantar fasciitis by having a video consultation with a doctor at the Dr. Handicap online clinic. Once your condition has been verified, the doctor will send you a certified DMV application for your state.

Featured image by andreas160578 on Pixabay

Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit In Alaska

For drivers with disabilities, having a disability placard can make life much easier. This is particularly important for disabled drivers in Alaska, since the state’s frigid climate means snow, ice, and below-freezing temperatures can make mobility and accessibility even more challenging.

If you live in Alaska and have a disability, you may qualify for a disabled parking permit. Alaska handicap parking laws allow drivers with a permanent or temporary disability permit or license plate to legally park in any disabled parking space, as long as their permits are valid and haven’t expired.

If you or someone you love lives in “The Last Frontier,” here are the qualifying conditions for a handicap parking permit in Alaska, plus all you need to know about how to apply.

What qualifies for a handicap placard in Alaska?

Alaska’s Division of Motor Vehicles outlines the qualifying conditions for a disability permit, and to qualify, you must meet at least one of their requirements. However, some of them can apply to a range of different health conditions.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, book a telehealth consultation with a health professional to discuss your situation, or visit your family doctor. Because medical approval is required for disabled parking permits in Alaska, a doctor is best placed to examine your medical history and determine which of the requirements you would be eligible for.

car driving on road in alaska
Image by Roman on Unsplash: Driving and parking in Alaska will be much safer with the help of a disability placard.

Here are the requirements within Alaska:

  • You’re unable to walk more than 200 feet without needing to stop or rest
  • Health issues due to lung disease
  • You require the use of a portable oxygen machine or tank
  • You’re unable to walk safely without the help of an aid, such as a cane, crutches, a wheelchair, the help of a carer, or you require the use of a prosthetic device
  • You have a Class III or Class IV heart condition, as set out by the American Heart Association
  • You have a medical condition that makes it challenging or impossible to walk. This could be related to arthritis, orthopedic issues, or neurological conditions.

You don’t need to have a permanent health condition to qualify for a permit, as Alaska offers temporary placards with a validity of six months. This is to assist drivers who have a short-term mobility limitation, due to conditions such as surgery or illness. For temporary disabled drivers, your medical professional will give set start and end dates, which lets the DMV know how long you’ll need access to a disability placard.

Temporary disabled drivers will be given a placard to display on their rearview mirror, while those with permanent disabilities will have either a placard or a special disability license plate.

If you’re a carer for someone with a disability, who is unable to drive themselves, you can apply for a permit on their behalf. A carer can drive and park in any disabled parking space, but only when they’re with the person they’re caring for. Organizations and medical facilities can also qualify for a permit to use when transporting disabled clients or members.

Note that veterans are also able to qualify for a special disability placard within Alaska. To qualify, you’ll need a letter from Veterans Affairs affirming that you have a disability that relates to your time in the service. Veterans are also eligible for disabled veterans’ license plates.

How do I get a handicap parking permit in Alaska?

Don’t worry – Alaska makes its application system straightforward and simple to understand! First, obtain a copy of the Alaska DMV handicap form, known as Form 861. You can find it online or at your local DMV office.

Complete Part I of the form yourself, outlining your personal contact details. Part II needs to be completed by an authorized medical professional – this is simply to prove you have a genuine need and to prevent people from taking advantage of the disability permit system.

Part II can be completed by one of the following medical professionals:

  • Physician or physician assistant
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Podiatrist

They’ll sign off on your form, indicate which requirement you meet, and provide their occupational license number.

person submitting application online
Image by John Schnobrich on Unsplash: You can download the forms you need for your Alaska disability permit online and a caregiver can help you, if necessary.

Part III of the form is for DMV use only, so leave that blank. Then, submit the completed form at your local DMV office or by mail:

Division of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Special Disability Parking Permit
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101
Anchorage, AK 99503

There is no charge for either a disabled placard or license plate. However, if you need a second set, you’re required to pay a $100 application fee.

And what about handicap placard renewal? Permanent placards need to be renewed every five years. Temporary placards are usually valid for six months, but you can easily reapply if you have a genuine need.

With your Alaska disability placard, you can enjoy the rugged, dramatic beauty of the state safely. Download your application form and get started – once you submit your forms, your placard will arrive quickly and you’ll be good to go!

Featured image by Jacob Vizek on Unsplash

Can I Renew A Temporary Handicap Permit?

Today let’s talk about whether you can renew a temporary permit, and if so, how to go about the renewal process.

Temporary disabled parking permits are available for people who have a disability that is not expected to last permanently. These permits entitle people with temporary disabilities or mobility issues to use disabled parking infrastructure for a specified period of time.

So what happens if a person’s temporary disability lasts longer than expected? Many people have disabilities that are not permanent but that still affect them for an extended and indeterminate duration of time. How long is a temporary handicap placard good for? And can you renew a temporary handicap permit? Read on to find out.

Is Handicap Parking A Federal Law?

Yes, handicap parking is a federal law. Handicap parking rules and regulations are stipulated by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

While all disabled parking programs in the US adhere to federal ADA regulations, each state implements its own disabled parking program with its own specific details. Often, even jurisdictions within states vary in the fine details of their disabled parking rules and regulations.

person with injury and crutches
Image by Victoria_Borodinova on Pixabay: Can I renew a temporary handicap permit? Read on to find out!

Who Issues Handicap Parking Permits?

Handicap parking permits are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or its equivalent in each state. Applications should always be made to your local DMV or tax collector’s office.

What Types Of Handicap Parking Permits Are Available?

Each state has its own list of available types of handicap parking permits. However, all states have versions of the following types of permits:

  • Permanent disabled parking permit (for people with permanent disability, usually valid for up to five years)
  • Permanent disabled parking license plate
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Organizational disabled parking permit (for organizations and institutions that transport disabled people)
  • Disabled Veterans license plate (for people whose disabilities are mostly military service-related)

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Temporary Handicap Parking Permit?

The main list of qualifying conditions for a temporary disabled parking permit includes:

  • Any condition that causes a temporary inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • Any injury that causes a temporary inability to walk without the use of a walking assistance device such as a cane, crutch, wheelchair, Zimmer frame, or another person
  • Portable oxygen tank usage
  • Temporary blindness or hearing loss
  • Pregnancy

Where Are Temporary Handicap Parking Permits Valid?

A temporary handicap parking permit issued by any US state is valid throughout that state, in all other US states, in all US overseas territories, and in several foreign countries, including:

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • UK
  • EU
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

What Rights Does A Temporary Handicap Parking Permit Afford Its Holder?

A temporary handicap parking permit entitles its holder to park in any designated disabled parking space. These spaces are marked with the International Symbol of Access.

In many jurisdictions, a temporary handicap permit will also entitle its holder to park for free and for unlimited or extended time in a metered, on-street parking space.

How Long Is A Temporary Handicap Placard Good For?

In most states, temporary handicap parking permits are valid for six months.

pregnant woman
Image by Pexels on Pixabay: How long is a temporary handicap placard good for? Usually up to six months.

Can I Renew A Temporary Handicap Permit?

In most jurisdictions, you technically cannot renew your temporary permit. But you can simply apply for a new temporary permit once your permit expires.

The difference is that when renewing a permit, which is possible with most permanent permits, you do not need to get new medical professional certification. However, when applying for a new temporary permit, you will need to get new certification.

What Do You Do With Expired Handicap Placards?

Expired handicap placards can be given back to your local DMV or recycled.

How Do I Renew My Temporary Disabled Parking Permit?

To sum up: renewing a temporary permit is usually not possible, but applying for a new temporary permit is a straightforward process.

The first step is to have a telemedicine consultation with a medical professional. This can be done at the Dr. Handicap online clinic. Once your suitability for a new permit has been verified, the medical professional will sign an application form, which you can then complete and submit to your local disabled parking authorities.

Featured image by Oliver King on Pexels