Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In North Carolina

Today we’re here to talk about the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in North Carolina.

As well as discussing the qualifying conditions, we’ll also answer some important questions such as… Who qualifies for disabled parking in North Carolina? What medical professionals can certify a disabled parking application in North Carolina? How do I get a handicap placard in North Carolina? What are the North Carolina disabled parking laws?

Read on for all you need to know.

Who Qualifies For Disabled Parking In North Carolina?

You will qualify for a North Carolina disabled parking permit if you have a qualifying disability and you are a resident of the state.

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In North Carolina

So, what disabilities qualify for disabled parking in North Carolina? You will qualify for a disabled parking permit in North Carolina if you are disabled in one or more of the following ways:

  • You cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistive device.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume of one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest Uses portable oxygen.
  • You have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association. You are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • You are totally blind or your vision with glasses is so defective as to prevent the performance of ordinary activity for which eyesight is essential, as certified by a licensed ophthalmologist, optometrist, or the Division of Services for the Blind.
north carolina at night
Image by MarkThomas on Pixabay: Who qualifies for disabled parking in North Carolina?

What Medical Professionals Can Certify A Disabled Parking Application In North Carolina?

The following medical professionals can certify an application for a disabled parking permit in North Carolina:

  • Licensed physician
  • Licensed physician assistant
  • Licensed nurse practitioner
  • Licensed ophthalmologist
  • Licensed optometrist or the Division of Services for the Blind
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs

For temporary placards only, medical certification can be made by a licensed certified nurse midwife.

What Types Of North Carolina Disability Placards Are Available?

The following different types of disabled parking permits are available in North Carolina:

  • Permanent disabled parking placard
  • Permanent disabled parking license plates
  • Temporary disabled parking placard
  • Disabled Veterans license plates (available to people whose disability is military service–related)

Any organization that is certified by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency that regularly transports disabled persons may apply for a permanent disabled parking permit.

How Do I Get A Handicap Placard In North Carolina?

You can get a handicap parking placard in North Carolina by following these steps:

  • Have an online medical consultation at Dr. Handicap online clinic. The examining medical professional will certify an application form and email it to you within 48 hours.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Submit the application form to:
    North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
    3148 Mail Service Center
    Raleigh
    NC 27697-3148

How Much Does A North Carolina Disabled Parking Permit Cost?

In North Carolina, both permanent disabled parking placards and temporary disabled parking placards cost $5 each (each permit holder can own up to two placards). Disabled parking license plates cost $36.

When Do North Carolina Disabled Parking Permits Expire?

  • North Carolina permanent disabled parking placards expire after five years.
  • North Carolina temporary disabled parking placards expire after one to six months (stipulated by the certifying medical professional).
north carolina road
Image by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay: How do I get a handicap placard in North Carolina?

Do I Need Recertification When Renewing My North Carolina Disabled Parking Permit?

Yes, you need new medical certification when renewing all types of North Carolina disabled parking permits. (Medical recertification is not required for persons 80 years of age or older at the time of renewal.)

You may renew your Permanent disabled parking placard up to 90 days prior to the placard’s expiration date. Permit holders are mailed a renewal application.

What Are The North Carolina Disabled Parking Laws?

  • Permit holders may park in any designated disabled parking space and for unlimited periods in time-restricted parking spaces.
  • Permit holders may not park in areas that are designated no stopping, parking, or standing, or which are reserved for special types of vehicles.
  • Placards must be hung from the rearview mirror or placed on the driver’s side dash if there is no rearview mirror.
  • The placard registration card must remain with each placard while in use.

Featured image by mam5032 on Pixabay

How Do You Renew Your Colorado Handicap Parking Placard Online?

Residents of Colorado who suffer from reduced mobility which affects their ability to park and drive should consider applying for a Colorado disabled parking permit. A disabled parking permit allows the driver to park in specially-designed and well-located parking spaces, avoiding unnecessary stress behind the wheel.

Colorado has a well-run disabled parking program, and users are welcome to avail of their services through the online system. This system makes managing your disabled parking permit more convenient, as it reduces your need to travel to and from appointments or application centers in-person. In this blog, we will be discussing everything you need to know about CO disabled parking permit renewal, including how to do so online. 

Image by Amit Bansal on Unsplash: How do I renew my disabled parking permit in Colorado? Read on to find out.

How Do You Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit In Colorado?

Before we delve into the renewal process, it is important to recap on how to get your first disabled parking permit in Colorado. To apply for your first disabled parking permit in Colorado, you need to do the following things:

  1. Complete a consultation with a licensed Colorado physician who can certify your disability (and complete this section of the application form). Dr Handicap can help you to arrange this consultation virtually, through telemedicine. 
  2. Apply using Colorado’s online system, along with any other documents or information required. Alternatively, you can complete the ‘Person with Disabilities Parking Privileges Application’ form which can be found online. You will need to submit this in person at your local County Motor Vehicle Office (or potentially via post, please contact the office to ensure this is the case at the time of your application).
  3. Receive your placard – only after you have the physical permit in hand can you begin to use disabled parking places. Please do not occupy these spaces prior to receiving your placard, even if your application is being processed. 

How Do You Renew Your Colorado Handicap Parking Placard Online?

Once you have your placard, it is important to keep an eye on its expiry date. Renewing it with plenty of time to spare ensures you will always have a valid placard, and will not run into trouble. 

Can you renew a handicap placard online in Colorado? Yes, you can! To renew your Colorado disabled parking permit online, you can simply use the online system and request a replacement of your disabled parking placard. According to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles; “Persons with Disabilities Placards may be replaced to the original applicant with the same expiration date as the originally issued placard without a new verification from a medical professional”.

However, if you are replacing your placard as it has been lost, stolen, or damaged (and your placard is nowhere near the expiry date), you must ensure that you surrender the damaged placard for replacement. You must also give a copy of the DR 2574 Registration Receipt for the placard you are looking to replace, to validate your replacement request. Renewals are free of charge for placards, but plates incur a fee.

Image by Darwin Vegher on Unsplash: What do I do with an expired handicap placard in Colorado?

How Do I Renew My Disabled Parking Permit In Colorado?

In the above section, we have gone through the requirements and the process for renewing a Colorado disabled parking permit. Luckily, Colorado’s online system makes the process of renewing your permit more streamlined and efficient than in some other states.

Now that we have discussed the basics of applying and renewing a Colorado disabled parking permit, an important thing to point out is that you may or may not require re-certification from a medical professional upon renewal. The rules for this vary depending on whether you have a permanent, temporary, extended, or short-term permit.

  • Permanent placards require renewal every three years. However, you require medical certification only initially, and then every third renewal – so each nine years. Self-certification suffices for the first and second time you renew.
  • Extended placards require re-certification every three years – including the initial application and the first time you renew. 
  • Temporary placards work the same way as extended placards, and you will need an initial medical certification as well as an additional one with every renewal. Self-certification does not apply for either temporary or extended placards.
  • Short-term placards last up to ninety days typically, and require medical certification initially as well as after this ninety-day period. These can usually be renewed only once.

Ensuring you are aware of the renewal requirements for the type of placard that you have means that the process is likely to go much more smoothly and be stress-free. The type of placard you receive depends upon your medical condition – therefore, it is important to speak to a medical professional upon renewal in case there have been any changes to your condition since the first time you were granted a permit. We hope that the information in this article helps you to navigate the online renewals process when the time comes to renew your Colorado handicap parking permit. 

Featured image by Mike Scheid on Unsplash

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In New Mexico

Are you a resident of New Mexico with a disability? Do you frequently drive, and find it difficult to find a suitable parking space for your vehicle? Or, perhaps you are just curious as to what disabilities qualify for disabled parking in New Mexico? At Dr Handicap, we are here to answer all your disabled parking related queries, so strap in and let us help you get to grips with the New Mexico disabled parking laws.

A disabled parking placard will allow you to occupy disabled parking spaces at many destinations in the state, which can be a huge relief for disabled drivers. Knowing that you will be able to access suitable parking spaces wherever you are going can ensure you feel more comfortable and relaxed on any journey you undertake. You will no longer need to walk long distances to the entrance of the store, for example, and if you need to use a wheelchair ramp, there are reserved aisles for this purpose, so you have plenty of space.

The benefits of a disabled parking permit are clear – but what are the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit in New Mexico?

Who Qualifies For Disabled Parking In New Mexico?

Image by Raban Haaijk on Unsplash: What are the New Mexico disabled parking laws?

According to the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, the following medical conditions make you eligible for a permit and you may apply for a permit if you:

  • cannot walk 100 feet without stopping to rest
  • cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane or crutch or without assistance from another person, a prosthetic device, a wheelchair or other assistive device
  • are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced respiratory volume, when exhaling for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty millimeters on room air at rest
  • use portable oxygen
  • have a severe cardiac condition
  • are so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurologic or orthopedic condition that you cannot ascend or descend more than 10 stair steps

One important distinction to make when it comes to New Mexico parking permits is the difference between permanent and temporary placards. If you suffer from one of the above conditions on a long-term basis and are unlikely to recover in future, the physician will most likely promote you as a candidate for a permanent placard.

If your condition is short-term or requires future evaluation to see if it has improved, you may receive a temporary placard. A temporary placard can last for up to 12 months, and the physician will decide how long you should have your temporary permit for when they add their certification to your application form.

If your condition does not change prior to the expiration of your placard you can apply for a new permit, but you will require re-certification from the physician in order to prove that your condition has not improved. This can be done using the same form as for your original application.

What Disabilities Qualify For Disabled Parking In New Mexico?

As you can see, most qualifying conditions are those which severely restrict the individual’s mobility. However, if you have a condition which impacts your ability to drive and park, it may be worth discussing these with a licensed medical physician, who could use their expertise to evaluate whether you may still be eligible for a permit. It is worth recognizing that many serious medical conditions are invisible, and just because your condition or illness is not visible all of the time does not mean you don’t qualify. Rules also vary on a state-by-state basis, so it is important to do your research prior to applying to make sure you are familiar with the regulations surrounding disabled parking in your state. 

How Do I Get A Handicap Placard In New Mexico?

Image by Steven HWG on Unsplash: If you suffer from reduced mobility, you should consider applying for a New Mexico disabled parking permit!

To apply for your New Mexico disabled parking placard, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Complete your online consultation with a licensed New Mexico physician with the help of Dr Handicap.
  2. Complete the form ‘Application For Certificate Of Eligibility For Parking Placard’, including your physician’s certification.
  3. Apply for your permit in-person at any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division, using your completed form and bringing your ID.
  4. Receive your placard. You are now free to legally occupy disabled parking spaces in New Mexico (but please remember to always ensure you display your placard correctly, in such a way that it is easily seen by parking attendants to avoid any issues).
  5. Ensure you renew your placard prior to its expiration, so that you can continue to use disabled parking spaces without any hassle.

Featured image by Joonyeop Baek on unsplash: How to apply for a handicap placard in New Mexico

What Is A Travel Parking Placard And How Does It Affect Disabled Drivers?

Disabled drivers are usually comfortable with local rules around disabled parking, but things can get confusing when visiting other states or countries. When traveling abroad or out of state, disabled drivers may not be entitled to the same parking freedoms as they are at home. So when do disabled drivers need a travel parking DP placard?

Essentially, you need a travel parking DP placard when you wish to use a state’s disabled bays. A travel parking placard allows disabled drivers to use disabled parking for an allotted number of days. Almost all U.S. states recognize disabled parking permits, but each state does have its own rules and regulations. The requirements for disabled permits for visiting motorists vary from state to state. Sometimes, an out-of-state or international permit will be fine, but in other cases, a temporary permit may be required. We recommend checking with the local DMV advisors about the requirements specific to the state you’re traveling to before using their disabled parking facilities.

Each American state issues a variety of disabled parking permits. These include permanent license plates and placards, temporary placards, organizational placards and plates, and Disabled Veterans license plates. Each of these varying types of disabled parking permits hold validity in the EU and other European countries. The European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) devised a blanket policy in 1978 for disabled drivers across Europe, which entitles disabled drivers the same rights across all participating countries. The law remains applicable today.

The comprehensive list of ECMT-compliant countries includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Additional countries that recognize the ECMT are Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and the United States.

disabled parking sign painted on ground
Image by Amit Bansal on Unsplash: A travel parking DP placard or travel parking plates enable disabled drivers to park in accessible spots around the world.

When traveling to different countries, it’s important to establish the rules of the local governing body. You should be certain your travel parking DP placard is authorized for the location you are visiting. Generally, the basis of disabled parking bay rules in the EU mirrors that of the U.S. You can find a contact list of commonly requested states below, curated by the US Embassy in the UK.

Remember: always display your placard in clear sight to avoid penalties. Whenever using a disabled driver’s permit, ensure the permit holder is an occupant of the vehicle. Spaces will be branded with the Universal Symbol of Access (the wheelchair symbol). As per the FIA (Federation Internationale de I‘Automobile) Guide, it’s always a good idea to consult the specification displayed on parking signs before parking in a disabled spot.

When traveling across the U.S., disabled parking bays are widely available to those who need them. This is thanks to the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which secures appropriate facilities for disabled people at relevant locations. The sentiment is echoed around many other countries, embracing disabled patrons for a welcoming experience.

The qualifying conditions for a disabled person parking placard in the U.S. vary from state to state. The core group of conditions generally includes:

  • Inability to walk 200 feet without needing to rest.
  • Inability to walk without the use of a crutch, cane, wheelchair, brace, another person, or another assistive device.
  • Sufferers of lung disease.
  • Heart conditions (designated Class III or IV by the American Heart Association) and an arthritic condition.
  • Dependency on a portable oxygen tank.

If you have a qualifying condition and would benefit from the use of disabled bays, you can authorize your vehicle in a few ways. The first is with a disabled person license plate, which is registered and remains fixed to the vehicle. This solution best suits the personal use of a disabled driver. Disabled parking plates also have the advantage of being displayed clearly at all times when using disabled parking – there can be no confusion or forgetting your permit when it’s attached to your vehicle!

The second is a disabled placard, which is transferable to whichever vehicle the disabled person is using. This is a mobile form of accreditation that is perfect for caregivers who help disabled drivers get around. You may also be able to access metered parking without paying or be allowed to park in time-limited spaces for longer than posted.

As a disabled person license plate is restricted to the vehicle it’s registered to, the disabled person will need to obtain a disabled person parking placard to make any temporary transport eligible for disabled parking.

woman in wheelchair in scenic location
Image by Zachary Kyra-Derksen on Unsplash: With a disabled person parking placard, disabled travelers needn’t be restricted by difficult parking.

If you need help obtaining the necessary documentation for disabled parking when traveling, Dr. Handicap may be able to help. If you’re without insurance, not registered with a doctor, or have low mobility, Dr. Handicap’s telemedicine service can be an incredibly convenient and cost-saving way to get the recommendations you need.

Links to other Motor Vehicle Departments can be found on the website of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

  • California
    DMV Placard
    P. O. Box 942869
    Sacramento, California 94269-0001
    tel: (916) 657-8135
  • Florida
    Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
    Motor Vehicles Division
    Neil Kirkman Bldg
    Tallahassee FL 32399-0620
    See also: Disabled Parking Permits for Florida Visitors
  • Illinois
    Secretary of State
    Persons with Disabilities License Plates/Placard Unit
    501 S. 2nd Street, Rm. 541
    Springfield IL 62756
    tel: (217)-782-2709, (217)-782-2434 or (217)-782-3166
  • Massachusetts
    Attn: Medical Affairs Branch
    Registry of Motor Vehicles
    PO Box 199100
    Boston, MA 02119-9100
    tel: (617) 351-2700
  • Nevada
    Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety
    Registration Division
    Special Plate Section
    555 Wright Way
    Carson City NV 89711-0760
    tel: (775) 687-3281
  • New York
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    6 Empire State Plaza
    Albany, NY 12228
    tel: (518) 473-9324
  • Texas
    Vehicle Titles and Registration
    Department of Transportation
    200 E. Riverside Drive
    Austin TX 78704
    tel: (512) 465-7611
  • Virginia
    Department of Motor Vehicles
    P.O. Box 27412
    Richmond VA 23269
    tel: (804) 367-6602

Featured image by Romain Virtuel on Unsplash

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Montana

Montana disabled parking permit holders are entitled to park in disabled spaces in Montana and also in all other US states. Below we’ll outline the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in Montana.

What Qualifies You For A Disability Placard In Montana?

Montana disabled parking permits of all types are issued by the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division. To qualify for a disabled parking permit in Montana you must be a resident in the state of Montana, and:

  • Have a qualifying disability OR
  • Be the parent, spouse, or caregiver of a disabled person OR
  • Be an organization that transports disabled people
montana mountains
Image by Kerry on Pexels: Who qualifies for a disabled license plate in Montana?

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In Montana

You will qualify for a disabled parking permit in Montana if:

  • You cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You are severely limited in your ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • You are so severely disabled that you cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
  • You use portable oxygen.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to the extent that your forced expiratory respiratory volume, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter per second or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest.
  • You have an impairment because of cardiovascular disease or a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified as Class III or IV under standards accepted by the American Heart Association.
  • You have a disability resulting from an acute sensitivity to automobile emissions or from another disease or physical condition that limits or impairs your mobility and that is documented by the licensed physician, licensed physician’s assistant, the licensed chiropractor, or the licensed advanced practice registered nurse as being comparable in severity to the other conditions listed in this subsection.

Who Qualifies For A Disabled License Plate In Montana?

Only people who have a permanent disability qualify to have a disabled license plate in Montana.

How Do I Get A Disability Placard In The State Of Montana?

You can get a disabled parking permit in Montana by applying to the Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division.

The first step is to have a medical consultation. This can be done online at the Dr. Handicap online clinic. Once your disability has been verified, the medical professional will certify a disability parking placard application Montana and email it to you within 24 hours.

You must then complete the form and submit it one of the following ways:

  • By email to: mtDriverHistory@mt.gov
  • By mail to: Motor Vehicle Division, P.O. Box 201430, Helena, MT 59620
  • In person at: Motor Vehicle Division, 302 N Roberts, Helena, MT 59601

How Much Do Montana Disabled Parking Permits Cost?

Disabled parking placards of all types are free in Montana. Disability license plates cost the standard registration fee, which is:

  • Vehicles four years old and under: $217 (for a 12-month registration)
  • Vehicles five to 10 years old: $87 (for a 12-month registration)
  • Vehicles over 11 years old: $28 (for a 12-month registration)

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Montana?

You can get the following different types of disabled parking permits in Montana:

  • Temporary disabled parking placards
  • Extended temporary disabled parking placards
  • Permanent disabled parking placards
  • Permanent disability license plates
  • Disabled Veterans license plates
montana road
Image by MOHANN on Pixabay: What qualifies you for a disability placard in Montana?

Which Medical Professionals Can Certify An Application For Disabled Parking In Montana?

The following types of state-licensed medical professionals can certify an application for disabled parking in Montana:

  • Licensed physician
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Chiropractor
  • Advanced practice registered nurse

When Do Montana Disabled Parking Permits Expire?

Montana disabled parking permits are valid for the following durations:

  • Permanent disabled parking placards are valid for three years
  • Temporary disabled parking placards are valid for up to six months
  • Extended temporary disabled parking placards are valid for up to two years

​​Permits are valid until the last day of the month and year printed on the permit.

How Do I Renew My Montana Disabled Parking Permit?

To renew your Montana disabled parking permit, you must submit a new application form before the expiration date printed on the current permit.

Featured image by Tony Reid on Unsplash