Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Placard In California

There are many benefits to having a disabled parking placard in California. Not only does a disability placard give you access to convenient parking (including spaces which accommodate adapted vehicles), it can help in other ways, too. Those with a disability placard in their vehicle can also park for free in metered parking areas, in green curb spaces without a time limit, and in areas designated for residents or merchants.

The rules and regulations surrounding disabled parking in California are fairly similar to those of other U.S. states. Let’s go through these regulations today, and discuss the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in California.

What disabilities qualify for disabled parking in California?

There are many qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in California. These include (but are not limited to):

Loss of use of one or both hands
Severe vision impairment
Restrictions by a specific lung disease
Lack of mobility due to a disorder or disease
Loss of use of one or both legs
The inability to move without assistance from a cane, walker or other mobility aid

The medical professional who evaluates you for a disabled parking placard will discuss your medical history and your condition, and may also accept other conditions than those mentioned above as qualifications for a placard.

san francisco city view at night — *Image by picjumbo.com on Pixabay: Want to know more about disability placard application California? Keep reading!*

Disabled Veteran License Plates are also available for those who complete the Disabled Veteran Certification on the Miscellaneous Certifications (Form REG 256A). The three qualifying conditions for this are:

Permanent blindness
Loss of use of one or more limbs
Inability to move without an assistive device

How do you qualify for disabled parking in California?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles issues several varying types of license plates and placards. These include:

Permanent placards – Your permanent disability must be verified by a physician. This placard expires after two years.
Temporary placards – Must be verified by a physician. This placard expires in six months, or the date specified by your physician.
Disabled person license plates – Only available for people with a vehicle registered in their name.
Disabled veteran license plates – Only available for people who meet specific requirements related to their service.
Travel placards – Available to disabled people who are leaving or entering the state for a certain period of time (although, in general, disabled parking placards from other states are often widely accepted in California too).

It’s important to remember that there are rules to follow when it comes to using your disabled parking placard. Placards must be clearly displayed on your vehicle’s rear-view mirror when parking in designated disabled parking or metered parking zones, and must be removed when the vehicle is in motion. You cannot park next to yellow or white curbs, as these areas must be kept clear. You must also never park in spaces marked with cross-hatch patterns beside disabled parking spaces, as these spots are reserved for wheelchair and lift access.

golden gate bridge on sunny day — *Image by Pixabay on Pexels: How do you qualify for disabled parking in California?*

How do I get a disability placard in California?

Applying for a disability placard in California need not be complicated. With Dr Handicap, you can organize an online consultation with one of our licensed physicians, and the evaluation can be done via telemedicine. This is often a much more comfortable and inexpensive way of accessing a consultation. We have California-based physicians who are qualified to assess patients for disability placard applications. Your physician will give you the necessary certification following the session, which will be used in the application process.

You can either apply in person at a California Department of Motor Vehicles Office, or by mail using the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (Form REG 195). This must be accompanied by your medical certification following your consultation with a licensed physician. Payment should also be submitted at this stage, if applicable to your case. Permanent placards and travel placards are both free, but temporary placards cost $6.

Permanent handicap placards are renewed automatically, without the need for any further evaluation from the physician. However, temporary handicap placards require re-application after expiry, and this will require a physician’s re-certification.

With many qualifying conditions for a disabled parking placard in California, and a simple application process, Dr Handicap can help you to organize your online consultation online, from the comfort of your own home. Having a disability permit in California enables you to access designated disabled parking spaces, and has other benefits too, including free parking in metered areas. This can be a game-changer for disabled drivers, making parking less of a stressful endeavor.

Featured image by Roberto Nickson on Pexels

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

Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit In Alabama

Let’s talk about the process of getting a handicap parking permit in Alabama. Read on for all you need to know, including which qualifying conditions entitle a person to get an Alabama disabled parking permit, what types of permits are available in Alabama, and all the application requirements.

How Do You Qualify For Handicap Parking In Alabama?

To qualify for handicap parking in Alabama, you must hold a valid handicap parking permit. Residents of Alabama can get a permit issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicles Division.

People who hold disabled parking permits from the following jurisdictions also qualify to use handicap parking in Alabama:

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

Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit In Alabama

So, what qualifies you for a handicap placard in Alabama? The following disabilities qualify a person to get a disabled parking permit in Alabama:

An inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
An inability to walk without the use of a walking assistance device
A cardiac condition that is classified in severity as Class III or Class IV by the American Heart Association
An orthopedic, arthritic, or neurological condition that limits mobility
Lung disease to the extent that forced respiratory expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
Portable oxygen tank usage

disabled parking in alabama — *Image by Zach Searcy on Unsplash: How do you qualify for handicap parking in Alabama?*

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Alabama?

The following types of disabled parking permits are available in Alabama:

Long-term disabled parking placards
Long-term disabled parking license plates
Temporary disabled parking placards
Organizational disabled parking plates

How Long Are Alabama Disabled Parking Permits Valid?

Long-term Alabama disabled parking placards and plates are valid for five years. Temporary disabled parking placards are valid for six months. Organizational disabled parking plates are valid for five years.

Who Can Verify An Application For A Disabled Parking Permit in Alabama?

Only an Alabama state-licensed physician can verify an application for an Alabama disabled parking permit. You can have a consultation with an Alabama state-licensed physician at the Dr. Handicap online clinic.

Alabama Handicap Placard Requirements

Alabama handicap parking placards must be clearly displayed hanging from the rearview mirror when a vehicle is parked in a disabled space in Alabama. When a vehicle is moving, handicap placards must be safely stowed in a place where they do not interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.

How Do You Get A Handicap Tag In Alabama?

To get a handicap tag in Alabama, you must have a consultation with an Alabama state-licensed physician who will verify your disability. This can be done remotely by signing up to the Dr. Handicap online clinic. Once your disability has been verified, the physician will sign your application form, which you will then complete and submit to your local County Licensing Office.

How Do You Replace A Disabled Parking Permit in Alabama?

You need to renew your Alabama disabled parking permit once it expires. To renew your permit, submit an application form to your local County Licensing Office.

When renewing a temporary disabled parking placard, you will need to get your application signed by an Alabama state-licensed physician. Long-term disabled permit holders can self-certify their disability when renewing.

small alabama town — *Image by* *12019* on *Pixabay: What qualifies you for a handicap placard in Alabama?*

Is Disabled Parking Free In Alabama?

Disabled parking permit holders can park in any designated disabled parking space in Alabama for free.

Alabama Disabled Parking Infrastructure

Alabama is well-stocked with ADA-compliant disabled parking infrastructure. Disabled parking spaces in Alabama are signposted with a sign that sits at least five feet off the ground and displays the International Symbol of Accessibility.

Can You Park Free At A Meter With An Alabama Disabled Parking Permit?

Disabled parking permit holders cannot park in metered, on-street spaces for free in Alabama. Even if you display a permit, you’ll need to pay to park in these spaces.

Featured image by Zach Farmer on Unsplash

Qualifying Conditions For A Handicap Parking Permit In Arizona

A handicap permit can make a world of difference for disabled drivers. It ensures you have priority for easily accessible parking wherever you go. Applying for your handicap permit in Arizona does not need to be a long or difficult process. The Arizona Department of Transportation can issue both handicap license plates and placards. These can be temporary or permanent, and in Arizona, unlike other states, you can qualify for a disabled parking placard or license plate if you are hearing impaired.

Read on for our guide to qualifying conditions for a handicap parking permit in Arizona, and for more info on how to begin the application process.

How do you qualify for handicap parking in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Transportation can issue disability placards and license plates for people with the following conditions, among others (check with your local DMV office for more information):

Not being able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
Cardiac conditions
Neurological, arthritic, or orthopedic conditions
Restrictive lung disease
Needing a mobility device like a wheelchair, crutch, brace or cane
Requiring portable oxygen
Hearing impairment

You can read more about the general qualifying conditions on this page. If you’re a veteran, you may also qualify for a Veteran License Plate for Arizona residents. In order to qualify, your disability must be service-related and verified by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

disabled parking symbols and signage — *Image by Robert Ruggiero on Unsplash; How do you qualify for handicap parking in Arizona?*

How long does it take to get a disability placard in Arizona?

Getting a disability placard in Arizona is a simple and straightforward process if you have a qualifying condition. Wondering how to get a handicap placard in Arizona? Just arrange an online consultation with one of our licensed medical professionals through Dr. Handicap. During this online consultation, the doctor will go through your medical history and will verify that you qualify for a disabled parking permit. They will also help you to fill out the necessary forms for your application, which you can then submit to your local DMV office.

After they have explained this process to you, your application has been submitted to the DMV, and you have paid any applicable fees, you will quickly receive your disability placard/license. If you do not qualify for a disabled parking permit after meeting with one of our online medical professionals, your consultation fees will be refunded.

What are the Arizona handicap placard laws?

In Arizona, you can receive either a disabled parking placard or a disabled parking license. The placard must be clearly visible at all times, either on the dashboard of your vehicle or hanging from the rearview mirror. If the placard is not visible (even if it is elsewhere in your car), you may receive a fine, so it’s important to display it clearly. The license plate needs to be firmly attached to your vehicle at all times.

Arizona issues permanent and temporary disabled parking permits. It’s important to renew your permit in time, before it expires. Whether you receive a permanent or temporary permit is determined by your qualifying condition. However, even permanent permits technically expire, and must be renewed. Luckily, renewing is a simple process that can be done at your local DMV office, provided that you do so before your permit’s expiration date.

Your Arizona handicap permit allows you to park in handicap parking with the universal disabled parking sign. This is also known as the International Symbol of Access, and it is a blue square with a wheelchair overlaid. This may either be painted onto the ground on the parking spot itself, or printed on a sign marking the space.

Be sure to make yourself aware of the applicable parking meter rules of your local town or city, as each place has different rules surrounding metered parking. For example, some places in Arizona may offer free metered parking for the specified time for that parking meter, whereas others may allow you to pay your allotted time at that meter and then stay an hour for free. Arizona also recognizes out-of-state disabled parking permits, so visitors are afforded the same rights at Arizona disabled parking permit holders.

For more information on handicap parking permits in Arizona and in other states, be sure to check out the wealth of information on our website and our blog!

Featured image by Quintin Gellar on Pexels

Who Can Park In Handicap Parking In Texas?

The Texas disabled parking program exists to equal the playing field and make the lives of disabled people easier. All jurisdictions in the Lone Star State are well-equipped with ADA-compliant disabled parking infrastructure. The Texas disabled parking rules are firm but fair, and this enables the program to run smoothly.

Accessible Parking In Texas

The Texas disabled parking program caters to residents of the state who have both short-term and long-term disabilities. It also caters to visitors to Texas who have a disability and a disabled parking permit from their home state.

What Are The Texas Disabled Parking Rules?

People who are new to accessible parking in Texas tend to have several questions. Who can park in handicap parking in Texas? What qualifies for handicap parking in Texas? What is the fine for parking in a handicap spot in Texas? Below, we will answer these important questions and many more.

houston city texas — *Image by Vlad Busuioc on Unsplash: Who can park in handicap parking in Texas?*

Who Can Park In Handicap Parking In Texas?

Handicap parking spots in Texas adhere to standards set out in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Handicap spots are located in every jurisdiction and are marked with a signpost emblazoned with the International Symbol of Access.

The following people can park in handicap parking in Texas:

Texas disabled parking permit holders
Holders of disabled parking permits issued by all other US states and overseas territories
Holders of disabled parking permits issued by Canada, Mexico, EU, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan

Can Handicap Permit-Holders Park In Metered, On-Street Spots In Texas?

In Texas, disabled parking permit holders can park for free in metered, on-street parking spots for an unlimited amount of time.

What Is The Fine For Parking In A Handicap Spot In Texas?

The fine for illegally parking in a handicap spot in Texas ranges from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $750.

How Do You Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Texas?

To get a Texas disabled parking permit, visit the Dr. Handicap online clinic. At the clinic, you will have a telemedicine consultation with a medical professional who will verify your suitability to use disabled parking.

Once your suitability is verified, you will be emailed a signed application form that you can complete and submit to the Texas DMV.

What Qualifies For Handicap Parking In Texas?

In Texas, a person qualifies for disabled parking if they have any of the following disabilities:

They cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
They cannot walk without the use of or assistance from an assistance device, including a brace, cane, crutch, another person, or a prosthetic device.
They are restricted by lung disease to the extent that their forced respiratory expiratory volume for one second, measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters of mercury on room air at rest.
They use portable oxygen.
They have a cardiac condition classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the American Heart Association.
They are severely limited in their ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
They have a foot disorder that limits or impairs their ability to walk.
They have another debilitating condition that, in the opinion of a physician licensed to practice medicine in Texas or a state adjacent to Texas, or authorized by law to practice medicine in a hospital or other health facility of the Veterans Administration, limits or impairs their ability to walk.
They have visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses.
They have visual acuity of more than 20/200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less.

view over river in texas — *mage by Carlos Alfonso on Unsplash: What qualifies for handicap parking in Texas?*

Who Can Verify An Application For Handicap Parking In Texas?

The following medical professionals can verify an application for disabled parking in Texas:

Physician
Podiatrist
Optometrist
Physician’s assistant
Advanced practice nurse

The professional must meet one of the following conditions:

They are licensed in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, or Oklahoma
They practice medicine in a U.S. military installation based in Texas
They practice medicine in a hospital or health facility of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In Texas?

Permanent disabled parking placards (blue) – valid for four years
Temporary disabled parking placards (red) – valid for six months
Permanent license plates
Disabled Veterans license plates
Institutional permanent placard (blue)

Featured image by 12019 on Pixabay