6 Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Permit

Handicap parking permits are designed to help individuals with conditions that impact their ability to walk short distances. The type of disability can range widely, from vision loss to a cardiac condition. Wondering whether your disability would count as a qualifying condition for a handicap parking permit? Read on for more info!

1. Loss of mobility

One of the most common reasons people seek out handicap parking permits is because they’re faced with a loss of mobility. This means that an individual is unable to walk short distances (usually without the use of an assistive device like a cane, walker, or wheelchair). The distance you’re able to walk without resting helps demonstrate your need for a permit. In some states, if you’re unable to walk more than 50 feet without taking a rest, you’ll qualify. In other states, it can be as much as 200 feet. Either way, if you can demonstrate to your physician that you’re unable to comfortably walk long distances, they’ll likely approve of you obtaining a disabled parking permit.

There are many conditions that can cause limited mobility. For example, chronic illnesses like lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and asthma can all result in an inability to walk far distances. Many people who suffer from arthritis (whether it’s osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, or gouty) also experience loss of mobility. Additionally, if you have Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, you’ll likely have symptoms of impaired motor functions, which can greatly affect your ability to walk.

There’s also a chance that you’re experiencing loss of mobility because of a serious injury. Some of these injuries can happen to the spinal cord, which results in tremors or muscle weakness and even paralysis - all of which can impact your ability to walk or move.

Lesser-known disabilities can also cause loss of mobility, including severe allergies, vitamin B12 deficiencies, or radiation poisoning. Talk with your doctor or a licensed physician at DrHandicap.com to help you determine if your disability would help you qualify for a disabled parking permit.

1. Limited or no use of arms

Handicap placards can be issued to people who have limited or no use of one or both of their arms. If you have a deformity or have had an arm amputated, you’ll be able to get a disabled parking permit. There are also conditions that can limit the use of your arms, such as spasms or joint disorders. Some states even permit hand disabilities to be qualifying conditions. Additionally, if you’re missing a limb, some states allow you to skip the full medical certification process. With a disability like this, you can just show up at the DMV and apply for a handicap placard right there without a signature from a physician.

1. Use of a prosthesis

If you use a prosthesis for any of your limbs (including hands, feet, arms, or legs), you can qualify for a disabled parking permit. Even if your prosthesis allows you to walk or run long distances, some states still consider having one to be a disability. Closer parking places could help eliminate some of the discomfort that comes from wearing a prosthesis, so it does make sense to apply for a handicap placard because of this reason.

1. Limited vision

There are different vision requirements for each state, but most states do consider limited vision to be a qualifying condition. Some DMVs insist you need to have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less with correcting lenses in order to qualify. Even if you are unable to drive because of your limited vision, you could still benefit from applying for a handicap placard. This is because the placard would allow you to park closer to businesses or retail locations even if you’re just the passenger, not the driver of the vehicle.

1. Cardiac conditions

Cardiac conditions can include a variety of diagnoses, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and more. There are four classifications of cardiac conditions as defined by the American Heart Association. If you’ve been placed in Class I or II, you only experience mild symptoms and can still take part in physical activity. Individuals in Class III or IV have significant limitations. Are usually unable to participate in any physical activity. Day-to-day activities can cause fatigue or palpitations, and there is often a great deal of discomfort. People in these two classes will likely have no problem getting their physician to approve of a disabled parking permit because of their limiting condition.

1. Lung or pulmonary disorders

These disorders include conditions like asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, COPD, and others. These types of medical issues often make it extremely challenging for individuals to walk long distances. Many people who suffer from these conditions also require the use of portable oxygen, which can result in added difficulties while trying to get around. This is a great indicator that the person could benefit from a handicap placard.

There are many other conditions, injuries, and disabilities that can help you qualify for a handicap parking permit. Even if your disability is an “invisible” one (that others can’t see just by looking at you), you should talk to a physician to see if you can benefit from getting a disabled parking permit.

What Do The Different Colors On Disabled Parking Permits Mean?

While being entitled to a disabled parking permit might seem like a simple distinction between those who are disabled and those who are not, it’s not so straightforward when you get into the nitty-gritty of the rules and regulations. There are a few different colors of disabled parking permits, and when you first apply for one, it can be tough to figure out which one you’re meant to get. So what do the different colors on disabled parking permits mean? And how do you know which one is right for you? Image by arembowski on Pixabay: What color is a temporary disabled parking permit? Usually they are blue, red, or light blue. Before we get into the specific colors of disabled parking permits, let’s look at how to go about getting a permit. If you have a physical or mental disability, chances are you’ll be entitled to a handicap parking permit, no matter which state you live in. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the list of qualifying conditions - that is, the medical conditions that qualify a person for a permit - is different for each state.

While there is an 80% generalized crossover, each specific list is decided and approved by the state’s DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). A qualified physician will ascertain whether you are eligible, before giving you a signed affirmation of your disability. This process can be done either in person or online. After you have this documentation completed, you bring it to your local DMV and begin the application process. This should all be very straightforward, as the important part is already done; you won’t be asked any further questions or tested in any way once you have the signed letter from your physician. There is usually no fee to avail of a disabled permit, but again, this is state-dependent. What Is The Difference Between Red. Before outlining which colors mean what, it is important to note that each state does things a little differently when it comes to disabled parking permits.

So make sure you check in with your own state’s DMV if you have any particular questions or concerns. Generally, though, when it comes to colors, most states follow a similar pattern. There are essentially three different colors of parking permits: red, blue, and light blue. These are the most common assigned colors in the majority of states. Red placards are for people with temporary disabilities. Are issued as temporary permits. The kind of patients who might require a red placard include heavily pregnant mothers or people with broken bones who have incapacitated movement. These types of permits are usually issued for a period of six months or so. Blue placards are for people with permanent disabilities, such as someone who requires a wheelchair or has lost the use of one of more limbs. Though these permits are issued on a permanent basis, they are still subject to renewal laws. The timeframe of this renewal depends on the state. Light-blue placards are for “wheelchair users only” designated parking spaces.

Again, these are issued on a permanent basis, but the renewal period varies from state to state. What Does A Green Disabled Sign Mean? On top of the above permit colors, you might also see a green disabled sign or placard. While these are much less common than the red, blue, and light-blue variants, they are still something to be aware of. Green parking placards are issued to organizations that transport disabled individuals. Again, these are subject to renewal; the time period varies from state to state. Who Can Use A Disabled Parking Permit? Whatever the color, it’s important to remember that the only person who can use a disabled parking permit is the person who it was issued to. They must be in the vehicle, as either passenger or driver, when availing of disabled parking spaces. It is an offence for family or friends to take advantage of the placard when the owner isn’t with them, and could result in fines, prosecution, and the loss of the handicap parking permit. Placards are always limited to one per person, no matter which state. Disability isn’t always black and white, whether you’re talking about conditions or placards. But don’t stress too much about the color of placard you’ll be getting. Your physician and you will discuss whether your disability is temporary or permanent, and you’ll be assigned the correct placard color from there. Any placard allows you to avail of disabled parking; just remember to keep it up-to-date and renewed so you don’t run afoul of the law. Red, blue, or light blue - the color doesn’t matter. What matters is the freedom the permit gives you to get around your home city.

Disabled Person Parking Placards & Plates - California DMV

You might meet all requirements for a DP notice or DP License Plates if you have disabled versatility for any of these reasons: 

You have lost the utilization of at least one lower limits, or two hands. 

You have an analyzed infection that generously hinders or meddles with portability. 

You can't move without the guide of an assistive gadget. 

You have explicit, archived visual issues, including lower-vision or fractional sightedness. 

Bulletins versus Tags 

DP bulletins and DP License Plates award you similar stopping advantages. The thing that matters is that tags should remain forever fastened to the vehicle for which they are given, making them ideal for an impaired driver's very own utilization. Notices, then again, can be moved starting with one vehicle then onto the next, making them a decent choice for a parental figure who ships a crippled individual. 

Sorts of DP bulletins: 

Extremely durable stopping notice for super durable incapacities. Legitimate for a very long time. Terminates on June 30 of each odd-numbered year. You are simply permitted to have one super durable bulletin at some random time. 

Transitory stopping notice for brief handicaps. Substantial for as long as 180 days (a half year) or until the date noted by your passing authorized clinical expert on the application (whichever time span is more limited). Can not be restored in excess of multiple times in succession. 

Travel stopping notice for California inhabitants who as of now have a super durable DP stopping bulletin, DP License Plates, or Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plates. Substantial for 30 days from the date the notice is given by DMV. 

Travel stopping notice for out-of-state people who intend to go in California and have an extremely durable incapacity or potentially DV License Plates. Legitimate for as long as 90 days or until the date noted by your authorized clinical expert on the application (whichever time period is more limited). 

Handicapped Veterans (DV) License Plates 

In case you are a handicapped veteran with a passing incapacity, you might be qualified for Disabled Veterans License Plates. DV License Plates absolved you from paying vehicle enrollment and permit expenses. 

Look further into DV License Plates 

Applying for a DP Placard or DP License Plates 

To apply for a DP bulletin: 

Apply internet utilizing the Disabled Person Parking Placard Form Application. 

Or then again 

Apply via mail or in office: Complete and sign an Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195). 

Have an authorized doctor, specialist, bone and joint specialist, optometrist, doctor colleague, nurture expert, or ensured nurture birthing assistant that knows about the illness and additionally inability complete and sign the Medical Provider's Certification of Disability segment of your application REG 195. 

Submit material charges while mentioning an impermanent notice. 

Mail the first finished and marked application to the location on the structure. 

To apply for DP License Plates: 

Complete and sign an Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195). 

Have an authorized doctor, specialist, alignment specialist, optometrist, doctor right hand, nurture professional, or confirmed attendant birthing assistant that knows about the sickness and additionally handicap total and sign the Medical Provider's Certification of Disability segment of your application REG 195. 

Give the current enlistment card in your name (or give the necessary archives to enroll the vehicle in your name). 

Pay the ordinary enrollment expenses due on the vehicle. 

Give up the tags at present on the vehicle. 

Clinical Provider's Certification of Disability 

An authorized doctor, specialist, doctor colleague, nurture expert, or confirmed attendant mid-spouse that knows about the infection and additionally inability should finish and sign the Medical Provider's Certification of Disability part of your application REG 195. 

An authorized bone and joint specialist might ensure the handicap of a lost individual the utilization of one or both lower furthest points, or who has critical limit in the utilization of their lower furthest points. 

An authorized optometrist, doctor, or specialist who has practical experience in eye infections may likewise finish and sign the Medical Provider's Certification of Disability area. 

You needn't bother with a Medical Provider's Certification of Disability under the accompanying conditions: 

You have lost a lower limit or two hands, and you show up face to face at a DMV office and present a finished Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195). 

You as of now have an extremely durable California DP Placard, or DP/DV License Plates relegated to your vehicle, and the tag number is entered to some degree "A" of your application REG 195.

DMV Combats Fraudulent Disabled Parking Placard Usage With Awareness, Citations

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ramped up enforcement efforts into the fraudulent use of disabled person parking placards, issuing 167 citations throughout the state in the month of March.

During the #SaveTheSpace campaign, DMV investigators in 20 enforcement operations from Oroville to San Diego contacted over 2,000 drivers who had parked in disabled person parking spaces to verify the placard by comparing its assigned number with its accompanying registration card, and the identity of the registrant. If the placard’s owner wasn’t present, or if the information on the placard didn’t match the registration card, investigators issued a misdemeanor citation, which includes a fine of $250-$1000, and confiscated the placard.

About 8% of contacted drivers were found to be using a placard fraudulently. Drivers in Pomona and Stockton were particularly high rate offenders, with citation rates at 20% or greater. Overall, DMV investigators have issued 1,831 citations since July 1, 2017.

According to DMV, the most common abusers are individuals who use disability placards issued to family members or friends to avoid parking fees and obtain convenient parking spaces, or drivers without a disability placard or license plate who use the blue zone for parking or loading and unloading of passengers.

Drivers who fraudulently use placards are creating a serious mobility challenge for drivers with disabilities by forcing them to find parking elsewhere, potentially in places that may present accessibility challenges or exacerbate a medical condition.

“(The hashtag) #SaveTheSpace is catching on,” said DMV spokesperson Jaime Garza via email. “I was told that organizations that assist the disabled are starting to use the hashtag in their posts, and not just in California.”

Garza said the public service announcement received positive feedback. The television spot aired more than 600 times on various TV stations throughout the state and was watched nearly 30,000 times on DMV’s social media in March. DMV also created a series of testimonial videos where placard owners could talk about the importance of the campaign, and a poster that social media users were encouraged to download and display in their homes and offices.

Not every disability is visible, and allegations of misuse may be unfounded, but if you suspect someone may be fraudulently using a disabled person parking placard, contact DMV at placard.misuse@dmv.ca.gov, or complete the online reporting form available at www.dmv.ca.gov. If possible, provide the placard’s issuance number, make and model of the vehicle, the license plate number, and the location where the suspected abuse is occurring.