Tips For Finding Accessible Parking Spots In New Hampshire

In the picturesque state of New Hampshire, known for its stunning landscapes and welcoming communities, accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a priority. One crucial aspect of this accessibility is ensuring the availability of parking spaces designed for people with mobility challenges. Let’s take a look at the various facets of accessible parking in New Hampshire, including the relevant laws, tips for finding handicapped parking in Concord, the application process for accessible parking permits, disabled spaces in parking garages, and street parking options for individuals with disabilities.

Accessible Parking Laws in New Hampshire

Understanding the laws governing accessible parking is the first step in creating an inclusive environment for everyone. New Hampshire follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, which mandate the provision of accessible parking spaces for individuals with disabilities. The law specifies the minimum number of accessible spaces required based on the total number of parking spaces available in a given location.

It’s crucial for businesses and public facilities to comply with these regulations to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to services and amenities. Violations of accessible parking laws can result in fines, emphasizing the state’s commitment to maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment.

Finding Handicapped Parking in Concord: Tips and Locations

Concord, the capital of New Hampshire, is a vibrant city with a rich history. Navigating its streets is much easier when armed with knowledge about accessible parking options. To find handicapped parking in Concord, consider the following:

  1. Research Parking Locations: Before heading to Concord, research parking locations that offer accessible spaces. Many public facilities, including shopping centers, government buildings, and medical centers, provide designated parking spots for individuals with disabilities.
  2. Use Mobile Apps: Take advantage of technology by using mobile apps such as Disabled Park designed to help locate accessible parking spaces. These apps often provide real-time information about available spots, making it easier to plan your visit.
  3. Arrive Early: If possible, arrive early to secure an accessible parking space. Early arrivals increase the likelihood of finding an available spot and ensure a more convenient experience.

Accessible Parking Permits in New Hampshire: How to Apply

Individuals with disabilities in New Hampshire can obtain accessible parking permits, allowing them to utilize designated parking spaces. The process for obtaining a permit is relatively straightforward:

  1. Eligibility Criteria: Determine your eligibility for a disabled parking permit in New Hampshire. Individuals with qualifying disabilities, as defined by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), are eligible for permits.
  2. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss your need for an accessible parking permit. They will assess your condition and provide the necessary documentation to support your application.
  3. Complete the Application: Obtain the accessible parking permit application from the New Hampshire DMV website or visit a local DMV office. Complete the application, providing all required information and attaching the supporting documentation from your healthcare provider.
  4. Submit the Application: Submit the completed application to the DMV, either in person or by mail. Be sure to include any required fees, and check the DMV website for the most up-to-date information on fees and submission methods.

NH Parking Garages with Disabled Spaces

Parking garages are integral parts of urban landscapes, and New Hampshire offers accessible options for individuals with disabilities. When utilizing parking garages, consider the following:

  1. Check for Designated Spaces: Before entering a parking garage, check for signs indicating the location of designated accessible parking spaces. These spaces are typically situated close to elevators or ramps for easier access.
  2. Contact Garage Management: If you have specific questions about the availability of accessible parking in a particular garage, don’t hesitate to contact the management. They can provide information about the number of spaces, their location, and any additional amenities.

Street Parking for People with Disabilities in New Hampshire

While parking garages are common in urban areas, street parking is prevalent in many neighborhoods. Here are some tips for individuals with disabilities seeking street parking in New Hampshire:

  1. Check for Street Signs: Look for street signs indicating accessible parking spaces. These spaces are typically marked with the International Symbol of Access and may have time restrictions that differ from regular parking spaces.
  2. Be Aware of Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local parking regulations, as they can vary by city and neighborhood. Understanding these regulations ensures compliance and a smoother parking experience.

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New Hampshire is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all its residents and visitors, and accessible parking plays a vital role in achieving this goal. By understanding accessible parking laws, utilizing available resources, obtaining the necessary permits, and being mindful of parking options in specific locations like Concord, individuals with disabilities can navigate the state with greater ease and independence. Whether in parking garages or on the streets, New Hampshire strives to make mobility accessible for everyone, ensuring that the beauty of the state is enjoyed by all.

Featured image by Seth Dewey on Unsplash

Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In New Hampshire

If you’re a driver with a disability who lives in New Hampshire, you may be eligible to apply for a disabled parking permit. Not all conditions qualify for a permit, so to make it easier to determine whether you’re eligible, we’ve put together a handy guide. Below we’ll go through the most common qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in New Hampshire, and distinguish between those who qualify for a permanent placard and those who qualify for a temporary one. So, let’s start with the main question: what qualifies you for a disability placard in New Hampshire?

Who qualifies for a disabled license plate in New Hampshire?

There are several conditions that qualify for a disabled parking placard in almost all US states, and the Granite State is no different. In New Hampshire, these conditions are referred to as “walking disabilities” as they generally reduce or affect a person’s mobility. These are conditions or disabilities that interfere with daily life and may make driving and parking more difficult.

According to the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles, a person is eligible for a disabled parking permit if they:

  • Cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
  • Are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one (1) liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
  • Use portable oxygen
  • Have a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as class 3 or class 4 according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, or other medically disabling condition
disabled parking sign
Image by Yomex Owo on Unsplash: How do I get a disability placard in the state of New Hampshire?

As you can see from the list above, these are general categories under which many disabilities or medical conditions can fall, so if you’re at all unsure of your eligibility for a disabled parking permit, we’d recommend speaking to a licensed medical professional in New Hampshire. During this consultation, your physician can assess whether you would benefit from a permit. Dr Handicap can help with the organization of this consultation via virtual chat, so you don’t even need to leave your home to complete this step of your application.

Depending on the severity and the longevity of your medical condition, your physician will decide whether you should receive a temporary or permanent placard. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months, whereas permanent ones will last a maximum of five years, but if you are renewing your driving license before this date, you will need to renew your permit at the same time. Even permanent placards have an expiry date, so be sure to renew prior to this to avoid any issues.

If you prefer plates that are attached to the outside of your vehicle, you can apply for these if you have a permanent disability.

How do I get a disability placard in the state of New Hampshire?

Now that we’ve gone through the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in New Hampshire, it’s time to answer another important question: how does disability parking placard application in New Hampshire work?

online consultation with doctor
Image by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash: What qualifies you for a disability placard in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has a well-developed disabled parking program, so the application process is fairly simple. Once you’ve filled out the New Hampshire Application for Walking Disability Privileges form (available from the DMV website) with all the relevant information, you need to get your physician’s certification. The physician with whom you complete the necessary medical consultation will fill out their part of the form, stating that you have a disability that qualifies for disabled parking and giving the details. Once the entire form is filled out, you’re ready to submit your application.

To submit, you will need to mail the completed form and the relevant fee to the State of New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Motor Vehicles in Concord. You can alternatively hand in the form and the fee at your local DMV office. At the time of writing, both temporary and permanent placards incur a $5 fee, while plates cost an additional $8.

We hope that this post has made the application process for a New Hampshire disabled parking permit more clear, and that it has shed some light on the accepted qualifying conditions in the Granite State. Remember, Dr Handicap can help you to organize your medical consultation via telemedicine, so get in touch with us today!

Featured image by Suraj Gattani on Unsplash

A Guide To Disabled Parking In New Hampshire