3 Ways To Make Sure Your Disabled Parking Permit Is Visible At All Times

So, you’ve gone through the application process for a disabled parking permit in your state, your permit has finally arrived, and you’re ready to use it. We’re sure you’re ready to make the most of your disabled parking permit, and that you realize how much easier it can make driving for those who are disabled. However, it’s super important to correctly display your permit while occupying a disabled parking place, otherwise you may run into problems with law enforcement, even risking a fine or other punishment.

Even if you have an obvious or visible disability, it’s important that you never forget to clearly display your permit. Below, we’ll go through the correct ways to make sure your disabled parking permit is visible at all times so you can avoid any issues with the law. (Quick note: If you’re looking to use your disabled parking permit while visiting another state, make sure to check out your destination state’s relevant parking rules and regulations – read this blog for more information!)

How do I display a disability placard?

We already know that when parked in a disabled parking space, your stationary vehicle should clearly display your permit. So, if you’re wondering “Where do I put my disabled parking permit, exactly?”, there are numerous ways to ensure you’re within the law.

Dr Handicap - wheelchair — *Image by stevepb on Pixabay: What are the rules for displaying a disabled parking placard?*

Hang your placard from your rear-view mirror

Typically, most states offer disabled parking placards or permits that can be hung from your rear-view mirror. Disability placards are often hooked at the top, allowing you to easily attach them to the mirror.

Simply park your vehicle and before leaving, make sure you display the placard by hanging it in this way. Never drive with your placard hanging like this, or you may risk obstructing your line of vision, which can be dangerous.

Clearly display your permit on your vehicle’s dashboard

Alternatively, you can usually leave your disabled parking permit in an obvious location on your dashboard – just make sure it can be seen easily from the outside, so that parking attendants can quickly look in and spot it.

Get disabled parking plates

Many states offer disabled parking plates for those with permanent disabilities. The benefit of these is that they are constantly visible, as they are attached to the outside of your vehicle and therefore you don’t need to worry about constantly ensuring they’re displayed when you park. However, while many states offer this option to disabled drivers, it often incurs a fee, whereas placards or regular permits may not. This is worth taking into account too – although the fee is minimal, it could be an obstacle for some applicants.

Disabled veterans can usually apply for disabled parking plates – the cost of these varies per state. It can be anywhere from $1 to $20. You will typically be given the option to personalize your disabled parking plates too, should you want to do so, but be aware that this also incurs an additional fee.

It’s important to take into account the rules for displaying a disabled parking placard. If you’re a disabled driver with a permit, never allow someone else to use your permit, even if you share a vehicle, as this is a breach of the law. The benefit of having a placard rather than plates is that you can use your placard even if you are driving another car.

Your disabled parking permit will always allow you to park in reserved disabled parking, but some states go even further in what they offer to disabled drivers (such as free metered parking), so make sure to check the rules out in your own state to see what you are entitled to.

Dr Handicap - disabled parking sign on wall — *Image by StephanieAlbert on Pixabay: How do I display a disability placard so that I can legally park in disabled spaces?*

Uh-oh, I forgot to put my disability placard up and got a ticket!

This is unfortunate, but mistakes happen. If you simply forgot to put your disability placard up and were issued a fine, you generally have two options: simply pay the fine and be more careful in future, or contest it. However, whether this is possible really depends on the state.

Your best bet would be to contact local law enforcement and explain the situation to them, showing them your valid disabled parking placard. Each state differs in their approach to this, so it really has to be handled on a case-by-case basis. In some states, the court may waive the fee or cancel the ticket, but other states may not be so lenient.

The important thing is to try to develop a method for remembering to hang up your placard each and every time you park. By making it a habit, you’re sure to remember to always display your disabled parking permit correctly and avoid any problems.

Featured image by Nicolas Torres on Unsplash

Why Handicap Parking Permits Allow You To Skip Lines At The DMV

Waiting in line at the DMV is time-consuming and inconvenient at the best of times and downright infuriating at the worst. DMV offices are usually busy, and lines are long and slow-moving. It can take a long time to get to the top of the queue in order to submit your disabled parking permit application.

The vast majority of people would rather not have to wait in line at all. Luckily, in most states, it is possible to avoid waiting in long lines at your local DMV office. The best way to do this is to submit your disabled parking application forms online, which many states now allow residents to do. And in states that do not yet allow online applications, submissions by mail are the norm.

Did you know that with the help of the Dr. Handicap online clinic, you can avoid waiting in line at the DMV by having Dr. Handicap mail your completed application on your behalf? Below, we explore this and other ways you can avoid wasting time in long lines at your local DMV.

What Is The DMV?

DMV stands for Department of Motor Vehicles. Each state has its own DMV that is responsible for administering driving tests, registering vehicles, and issuing disabled parking permits.

DMV is the most common name for this branch of state government, with 23 states and the District of Columbia using it. The next most common names are Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), which is used in five states, and Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which is used in three states.

person using tablet — *Image by* *pexels* on *Pixabay: Dr. Handicap can help you avoid lines at the DMV.*

What Is A DMV Disability Placard?

A DMV disability placard is another name for a disabled parking placard. It is also sometimes called a disability permit, a handicap parking placard, or a disability decal.

All of these names refer to the same permit. Each state issues its own version of a DMV disability placard, which entitles its holder to park in designated disabled parking spaces and often to park in metered, on-street spaces free of charge.

How Do I Get A Handicap Placard From The DMV?

You can get a handicap placard from your local DMV by submitting an application form. The form needs to be filled in by the applicant and by a licensed medical professional who has verified the applicant’s disability and suitability for disabled parking.

Can I Get A Disabled Permit From The DMV Online?

In several states, you can now apply for your disabled parking permit online. California has introduced a fully online application process, for example, and it has proven to be a massive success.

Unfortunately, not all states have introduced a fully online application process yet, so you should check with your local DMV to find out if it is possible where you live.

Can I Renew My Handicap Placard Online?

In the states that allow online disabled parking applications, you can also apply to renew a handicap placard online.

Why Handicap Parking Permits Allow You To Skip Lines At The DMV

The best ways to skip lines at the DMV are to apply fully online or to mail in your application. If you already have a permanent handicap parking permit and you need to renew, you usually do not need new verification from a medical professional, so you can just mail an application form directly to your local DMV.

person waiting — *Image by* *JESHOOTS-com* on *Pixabay: Waiting in line at the DMV is time-consuming.*

Dr. Handicap Can Help You Avoid The Lines At The DMV

The Dr. Handicap online clinic can help you to avoid lines at the DMV by mailing your application to your local DMV if that service is available in your state.

At the clinic, you will have a remote video consultation with a medical professional, who will fill in the necessary sections of your application form. This means you can complete the entire handicap parking permit application process from the comfort of your own home.

What If You Are Visiting The DMV In Person?

Some states require that you submit applications for certain types of permits in person. If your state does not allow online or mail applications and you must visit the DMV in person, you can request assistance at the customer service desk. All DMV offices will assist any disabled customers and ensure that they receive any help they need.

Featured image by John Diez on Pexels

How Do I Renew My Handicap Placard In Colorado?

Colorado has a well-run and efficient handicap parking program. There is copious handicap parking infrastructure across the Centennial State. Colorado’s rural parts, areas of natural beauty, and major cities are all well serviced by handicap parking spaces.

Disabled Parking In Colorado

A Colorado disabled parking permit entitles its holder to avail of handicap parking infrastructure across the Centennial State and beyond. Getting a disabled parking permit in Colorado is a simple procedure. The application process is quick and easy.

People tend to have many questions about disabled parking in Colorado, such as… What are the qualifying conditions for handicap parking in Colorado? What kinds of Colorado disabled parking permits are available? How do you apply for a disabled permit in the Centennial State? And how do you renew a handicap permit in Colorado?

Today we will answer all of these important questions and more.

person in wheelchair on road — *Image by Jon Tyson* *on Unsplash: You qualify for a disabled parking permit in Colorado if you use a wheelchair.*

Who Qualifies For A Disabled Parking Permit In Colorado?

To qualify for a Colorado disabled parking permit a person must have one of the following disabilities:

They cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.
They cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistive device.
They are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that their forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg on room air or at rest.
They use portable oxygen.
They have a cardiac condition that is classified in severity as class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
They are severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

What Kinds Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Colorado?

The following types of disabled parking permit are available in Colorado:

Three-Year Placards or Plates – for people with permanent, extended, or temporary disabilities.
Temporary Placard – for people with short-term disabilities.
Disabled Veterans Plates
A Remuneration-Exempt Disability Placard – for people who have lost fine motor control in both hands, or are unable to reach a height of 48 inches from the ground due to lack of finger, hand, or upper extremity strength or mobility, or are unable to reach a parking meter due to the use of a wheelchair or other ambulatory device.

How Do I Get A Handicap Placard In Colorado?

To get a Colorado handicap parking permit, you can go to the Dr. Handicap online clinic and have a telemedicine consultation with a Colorado medical professional.

The following medical professionals can verify an applicant for disable parking in Colorado:

Licensed physician
Commissioned Medical Officer of the U.S. Armed Forces, the U.S. Public Health Service, and/or the U.S. Veterans Administration
Advanced Practice Nurse
Physician Assistant
Podiatrist
Chiropractor (short-term permit only)
Physical Therapist (short-term permit only)

Once your disability has been verified, you and the medical professional will complete the relevant sections of an application form and submit it to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. The application form can be submitted by post, in person, or through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website.

Do Permanent Handicap Placards Expire?

Colorado does not have a permanent handicap permit. The handicap permit available to people with a permanent disability is the three-year permit, which, as the name suggests, must be renewed every three years. However, it is only necessary to get a medical professional’s signature for renewal every third time (so every nine years).

When Does A Disabled Parking Placard Need To Be Renewed In Colorado?

A Colorado three-year permit must be renewed every three years. A Colorado short-term placard must be renewed after 90 days and can be renewed only once.

How Do I Renew My Handicap Placard In Colorado?

Can I renew my handicap placard online in Colorado? Yes, you can renew your Colorado handicap parking permit online at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website.

To renew your permit, just complete an application form. There is no fee to renew placards, but fees may apply when renewing a license plate. New medical professional verification is required when renewing if you have an extended, temporary, or short-term disability. As mentioned above, permanently disabled people need verification every third renewal.

person using laptop to renew disabled parking permit online — *Image by Thomas Lefebvre* *on Unsplash: Online placard renewal in Colorado is a quick and easy process.*

Can I Replace A Lost, Stolen, Or Damaged Permit In Colorado?

If your Colorado disabled parking permit gets lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. A replacement permit can be obtained by applying through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website.

Are Colorado Disabled Parking Permits Valid Outside The State?

Colorado handicap permits are valid in all other US states. They are also valid in the following foreign countries:

UK
EU
Canada
Mexico
Japan
Australia
New Zealand

Featured image by Cassie Gallegos on Unsplash

What Is A Disabled Driver Decal?

Disabled drivers in America benefit hugely from owning a disabled parking permit. A disabled parking permit is a legal document that entitles its holder to use disabled parking spaces in whatever jurisdiction they are in. Disabled parking spaces are located in every part of the US. Being able to avail of disabled parking helps to even the playing field for people with disabilities.

Disabled parking infrastructure must adhere to the Americans With Disabilities (ADA) guidelines. ADA guidelines stipulate how many disabled spaces need to exist in a given area, where these spaces need to be located, and who can use these spaces. The ADA regulations are designed to benefit the lives of disabled drivers and to help them to live independently and to get around freely.

As a disabled driver, it is helpful to know as much as possible about the disabled parking system. Knowing the details of the rules and regulations of the disabled parking program makes life easier for disabled permit holders.

There are several different types of disabled parking permit available. What type of disabled parking permit is best suited to a person’s needs will depend on several factors, such as what vehicle they drive, whether they regularly travel in more than one vehicle, what type of a disability they have, and how long their disability will last.

Dr. Handicap - Blue Handicap Parking Space — *Image by* *paulbr* on *Pixabay: A disabled driver decal can be affixed to a license plate.*

Are Disabled Parking Rules The Same In Every State?

The general gist of the disabled parking rules is similar in every state. This is because all states must adhere to ADA regulations. However, each jurisdiction implements their own independent disabled parking program, and some differences exist in the specific details of each state’s program.

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permit Are Available?

The most common types of disabled parking permit, which are available in the majority of states, are:

Permanent disabled parking permit (in the form of a placard, license plate, or decal)
Temporary disabled parking placard
Disabled Veterans license plate or decal
Organizational disabled parking placard

What Is A Disabled Driver Decal?

A disabled driver decal is a type of sticker that is durable and can withstand the elements. It is a version of a disabled parking permit that can be affixed to a license plate or to a vehicle that cannot hold a disabled parking placard, such as a motorcycle or boat.

Who Can Get A Disabled Driver Decal?

A disabled driver decal can be obtained by any person who qualifies for a permanent disabled parking permit. This includes people who qualify for a Disabled Veteran’s disabled license plate.

How Many Handicap Stickers Can You Get?

In most states, you can get several disabled parking decals if you need to. You can get a handicap sticker for each of the vehicles that you own.

How Does A Disabled Driver Decal Differ From Other Forms Of Disabled Parking Permit?

A disabled driver decal is a type of disabled parking permit, so it entitles its holder to all of the same benefits as any other type of disabled permit. The benefit of a decal is that it can be affixed to a license plate or to a vehicle that does not have a license plate, such as an off-road vehicle or boat. It can also be affixed to a vehicle that is not suited to displaying a disabled placard, such as a motorcycle.

Is A Handicap Sticker Valid In Every State?

A handicap sticker from any US state is also valid in every other US state. US disabled driver decals are also valid in several foreign countries, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, the EU, and Great Britain.

How Do You Get A Handicap Sticker?

You can get a handicap sticker from your local disabled parking authorities. In most jurisdictions, this will be the local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Dr Handicap - disabled parking permit — *Image by* *gregroose* on *Pixabay: A disabled driver decal entitles its holder to park in any disabled parking space in America.*

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled License Plate Decal?

The qualifying conditions for a disabled driver decal differ slightly state by state. But the main qualifying conditions are:

An inability to walk 200 ft without needing to stop to rest
An inability to walk without the aid of an assistive device or another person
A heart condition
Lung disease
Any condition that necessitates the use of portable oxygen
Legal blindness
An orthopedic, arthritic, or neurological condition that curtails mobility

How Do You Apply For A Disabled Driver Decal?

The easiest way to apply for a disabled driver decal is online through the Dr. Handicap online clinic. Dr. Handicap will set up a consultation with a licensed physician in your state, who will examine you to verify your condition and fill in the relevant sections of your state’s disabled permit application forms.

Featured image by Shutterbug75 on Pixabay

How Do I Get A Handicap Sign In Front Of My House?

A lot of disabled drivers write to us asking things like, “How do I get a handicap parking space in front of my house?”. This is a very understandable question, because having a handicap sign designating a disabled space near your house can make life a lot easier.

All public parking lots and streets in the United States are required by law to contain a certain number of disabled parking spaces. This is stipulated in the Americans With Disabilities Act. But even still, as most disabled drivers can attest, it is sometimes difficult to find an available handicap space.

If you live in a built-up urban area, it can be even tougher to find a disabled parking space near your house. Even in an area with a large number of disabled spaces, during busy periods it can often be the case that all disabled spaces are in use. This poses a big problem for disabled drivers whose homes are in such areas.

Getting home after a long day at the office to find that the disabled spaces near your home are all occupied is stressful and (to say the least) inconvenient. So, to avoid such events, a lot of disabled drivers want to know… How do I get a handicap sign in front of my house?

Dr Handicap - disabled parking spots — *Image by Norexy art* *on Pexels: Residential handicap parking spaces are available in many municipalities.*

Can I Get A Disabled Parking Space Outside My House?

Whether or not you can get a disabled parking space outside your house depends on where you live. In most states, and municipalities within states, it is possible to get a disabled parking space in close proximity to your house if it is essential.

Many areas, such as the Chicago metropolitan area, have an official Residential Disabled Parking program. To find out the specific situation in your area you should contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

What Are Residential Handicap Parking Signs?

Residential handicap parking signs are signs that designate a parking space as “disabled” and only useable by the person who holds the relevant residential handicap parking permit. These spaces only exist in some municipalities.

Can Any Disabled Parking Permit Holder Park In A Residential Handicap Parking Space?

If a disabled parking space is designated specifically as a residential handicap parking space, the only people who can park in it are people who hold a disabled parking permit and a residential handicap parking permit.

The sign above a residential handicap parking space will usually have a permit number on it that will match the number on the residential handicap parking permit of the person who can use it.

Not all states have this system in place. In some states, a disabled parking space will be installed near a disabled permit holder’s home, but it will be available for any disabled parking permit holder to use.

Does Your Residence Have A Private Residents’ Parking Lot?

If your residence has a private residents’ parking lot, it will be required by law to have a certain number of disabled parking spaces. If this is the case it may be more difficult to get a handicap parking space on the street outside your residence.

How Do I Get A Handicap Sign In Front Of My House?

Many areas have an official program that deals with applications for Residential Disabled Parking. In these areas, you will need to apply through this official program. Each area’s application process is different, so you should contact your local DMV for further details.

In areas that don’t have an official Residential Disabled Parking program, you can still make a request to your local DMV. These requests are usually honored, and new disabled spaces will be installed as near as possible to your address. However, in areas with no official Residential Disabled Parking program, the new spaces will usually be available for use by all disabled permit holders, and not just residents.

What Do I Need To Show To Get A Handicap Sign In Front Of My House?

To get a handicap space in front of your residence you will need to show:

Your disabled parking permit
Proof that you live at your address
Proof that you do not have a viable alternative parking arrangement

Dr Handicap - residential street — *Image by Aung Myint on Unsplash: It is usually possible to get a disabled parking space outside your house.*

Do I Need To Pay To Get A Handicap Sign In Front Of My House?

Depending on where you live, there can be various costs involved in getting a handicap space in front of your home. These can include:

An initial application fee (usually between $20 and $100)
An annual maintenance fee (approximately $25 annually)
Installation costs (in places where no official Residential Disabled Parking program exists)

How Long Does It Take To Get A Handicap Sign?

Once your application for a handicap sign in front of your house has been accepted, it usually only takes a few weeks to a month to have the sign installed.

How Do I Get A Disabled Parking Permit?

The quickest way to get a disabled parking permit is to have an online consultation with a licensed medical professional. This can be done through the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Dr. Handicap will put you in contact with a licensed medical professional who will verify your disability and certify the forms that you need to submit to your local DMV in order to acquire a disabled parking permit. It is a simple, quick, and easy process!

Featured image by gregroose on Pixabay