Can A Caregiver Use A Handicap Parking Permit?

Many disabled parking permit holders have caregivers. These may be family members, friends, or professional caregivers. Caregivers provide invaluable assistance to millions of disabled Americans.

Often, caregivers assist disabled permit holders to get from A to B, accompanying them on outings and assisting with transport. So can a caregiver use a handicap parking permit? And if so, under what circumstances?

Can A Caregiver Use A Handicap Parking Permit?

The caregiver of a disabled person does not qualify to get a disabled parking permit for themselves unless they also have a qualifying disability. A caregiver can use a handicap parking permit, however – but only under specific circumstances.

person in wheelchair with caregiver
Image by Judita Tamošiūnaitė on Pexels: Can a caregiver use a handicap parking permit?

Under What Circumstances Can Disability Carers Use Handicap Placards?

The caregiver of a disabled person can use a handicap placard if:

  • The person they are transporting is a handicap parking permit holder
  • They are currently accompanying the permit holder
  • The permit holder is in possession of their permit

Basically, because a caregiver does not qualify for a permit unless they themselves have a qualifying disability, they can only use the permit that is held by the person they are caring for, and only when they are transporting that person.

Who Can Use A Disabled Placard?

Only the official holder of a disabled parking permit can use that permit. The caregiver of a permit holder can use the permit holder’s permit on their own vehicle when they are transporting the disabled person.

Who Is Allowed The Special Privileges Of A Disabled Plate Or Placard?

A disabled parking permit gives its holder special privileges. This is to make the life of the permit holder easier by making public buildings, and amenities more accessible. These privileges include the use of the handicap parking infrastructure and the use of merited parking spaces for free. These privileges are only for disabled permit holders.

What Privileges Do Disabled Permits Allow Their Holders?

Disabled parking permits entitle their holders to the following privileges:

  • Permit holders are entitled to park in designated disabled parking spaces (spaces marked with the International Symbol of Access)
  • In most jurisdictions, permit holders are entitled to park in metered, on-street spaces for free and for an extended or unlimited amount of time
  • Permit holders are often entitled to have a disabled space installed in front of their home

Is There A Disabled Parking Permit For Caregivers?

There is no such thing as a disabled parking permit for caregivers. However, most states have an “Organization” or “Institution” disabled parking permit. These are for organizations or institutions that regularly transport disabled people.

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available?

Each state issues its own disabled parking permits. All states issue versions of the following types of disabled parking permits:

  • Permanent disabled parking permit
  • Temporary disabled parking permit
  • Permanent disabled parking license plate
  • Disabled Veterans license plate
  • Organization or institution disabled parking permit

Who Issues Disabled Parking Permits?

Disabled parking permits are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in each state.

two people traveling in car
Image by Darwin Vegher on Unsplash: Is there a disabled parking permit for caregivers? No, but there are circumstances under which they can use disabled parking.

How Do You Apply For A Handicap Parking Permit?

You can apply for a handicap parking permit by submitting an application form to your local handicap parking authorities, usually the local DMV. The form should be signed by a state-licensed medical professional. You can have a consultation with a professional at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Permit?

The qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit vary slightly by state. In most states, the following list of qualifying conditions apply:

  • An inability to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
  • An inability to walk without the use of or assistance from an assistance device
  • Lung disease
  • A cardiac condition
  • An arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that severely impairs mobility
  • The use of portable oxygen
  • Legal blindness

Who Can Verify An Application For A Handicap Parking Permit?

In most states, the following state-licensed medical professionals can verify an application for a disabled parking permit:

  • Physician
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Advanced practice nurse
  • Chiropractor
  • Optometrist
  • Surgeon

Where Are Handicap Parking Permits Valid?

Handicap parking permits from all states are valid in the following jurisdictions:

  • All US states
  • All US overseas territories
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • EU
  • UK
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Japan

Featured image by Stefano Intintoli 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

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