If you live with pain or disability, you already know that handicap parking isn’t a perk: it’s a necessity. And with 61 million US adults living with some type of disability, it’s crucial that those spots go to those who need it most. This is where handicap stickers or handicap placards for your car come in. These placards can make it much easier to get in and out of public places—and fortunately, the process of getting one can be relatively easy as well. If you’ve found yourself wondering how to get a handicap sticker or placard, we’ve put together a quick handicap sticker guide. Read on to see if you qualify and how to take action. Who Qualifies for a Handicap Sticker? To get a new handicap sticker or placard, you must have a medical condition that qualifies as a disability. Often, people associate handicap stickers with more noticeable conditions like mobility impairment, including the inability to walk without the use of a support tool like a brace or wheelchair. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, speak to a medical professional.
Whether or not your condition is on this list, your local laws may allow your state to grant you a disability parking permit. The process for getting a handicap sticker or placard can vary by county or by city, just like the process of getting a driver’s license. The Department of Motor Vehicles in your area will issue the permit according to state requirements, so it’s a good idea to check with them for details. However, most areas will require the same steps, so here are some general guidelines. First, start by talking to your primary healthcare provider, who can help you understand whether or not your condition qualifies for a handicap sticker on your car. If they believe it does, they will submit paperwork documenting your condition. Once you have the support of a medical professional, you can check with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your area. Many states offer online or mail-in applications, though some still require that you visit in person. Depending on your region, you may also need to pay a small fee. After you’ve applied, you’ll have to wait a few weeks while your request is being processed. Once it’s complete, you’ll typically receive your placard in the mail. And when the expiration date comes, don’t stress out too much worrying about how to get a replacement handicap sticker or placard. Most states offer grace periods and make the re-application process relatively smooth. As you begin considering how to get a handicap sticker, don’t forget that a parking placard can only be used by the person it was issued to. And if you’re looking into a placard in combination with a disabled driving test, check out our guide, as well as our best tips on finding accessible parking when there’s not enough to go around.
Letting others “borrow” a placard, even if it is for a service such as running an errand on your behalf, is a misuse of the placard. Misuse of a placard can lead to cancellation of a permit, fines for both yourself and the one “borrowing” or using it, community service, as well as other potential penalties. Can I Park Anywhere With a Handicap Placard? Accessibility permits allow for parking in designated spaces that have been identified with specifically colored striping and signage. Some parking may be available in public spaces, such as metered parking or garage parking, but these opportunities may be limited by the facility. Many cities and states offer free parking to accessibility permit- holders with a DMV-issued waiver. The accessibility permit does not allow for parking in any zone which state law or ordinance has set aside or reserved for specific types of vehicles, such as emergency or business operation vehicles, including street vending vehicles.
Spaces that prohibit stopping or parking any or all vehicles are also not available to accessible parking permit holders. Parking in the loading and unloading area of an accessible parking space that is already occupied by a vehicle is also prohibited; this area is designated by yellow crosshatch striping. What Do I Do About a Handicap Permit When I Travel? Many states offer reciprocity for accessibility permits, but some do not. It is important to check with the local DMV that provided the permit. In many cases, traveling with an accessibility license plate across state borders is acceptable, as the plate is permanently attached to the vehicle and is a part of the vehicle’s registration. Traveling across state borders with an accessibility placard is generally acceptable, but some states do require an additional traveler’s permit. It is important to check with the local DMV of the intended destination. An accessibility placard should include the International Symbol of Access (the image of a person in a wheelchair) and the symbol must be at least three inches in height. The symbol should be white on a blue background (unless temporary or otherwise designated).
The placard should have an identification number, a date of expiration, as well as a seal or identification mark from an issuing authority. If you’re traveling outside of the U.S., each country has its own standards of accessibility for persons with disabilities. It is a good practice to extensively research the destination country and any specific laws that might pertain to you. It is also important to check with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs to ensure that all international driving permits are met, and that you understand all driving laws so that you can drive abroad safely. What Do I Do if My Handicap Placard Is Lost or Stolen? The loss of an accessibility permit can create difficulties, so it is best to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Fortunately, the replacement process is much more simple than the application process in many states. It is important to meet the local DMV requirements during the replacement process, as applications may vary by state.
To get a handicap parking permit online follow the link.
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