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What Disabilities Qualify for Handicap Parking? Understanding Eligibility Criteria

Learn which disabilities qualify for handicap parking permits and how to apply. Understand the eligibility criteria for accessible parking.

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Understanding Handicap Parking Regulations

With nearly 29% of Americans living with a disability today, access to handicap parking is more important than ever.

So, what disabilities qualify for handicap parking? This is a great question to ask (and answer) if you've:

  • Recently been in an accident
  • Have a temporary disability or assistive device
  • Will be traveling to another state with a handicap parking permit

You might, for example, be wondering: What disabilities qualify for handicap parking in Texas or what disabilities qualify for handicap parking in California?

These qualifications are established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This guide will help you discern which disabilities qualify for handicap parking permits and how to apply for them.

Eligibility Criteria for Handicap Parking

The eligibility criteria for handicap parking varies from state to state but typically encompasses both permanent and temporary disabilities as well as mobility issues and special conditions, such as pregnancy complications.

  • Permanent disabilities: Lung disease and heart disease can both impact your ability to walk long distances and qualify as permanent disabilities in most states, as do loss of one or both legs or both hands. If you carry portable oxygen, this also qualifies. Your healthcare provider can help you determine what permanent disabilities might impact your eligibility for a disabled parking permit.
  • Temporary disabilities: While some health issues are long-term or permanent, temporary disabilities, such as a broken leg or knee surgery, qualify for handicap parking. Likewise, back surgery and cancer treatments will also meet requirements in most locations. A severe ankle or knee sprain may also meet the criteria.
  • Specific conditions: Some pregnant women may have mobility restrictions that qualify for parking permits. This category may also encompass people at a general risk of falling.
  • Mobility impairments: If you cannot walk without crutches, a cane, a wheelchair, or another supportive device, you will likely qualify for handicap parking in your state.
  • Visual impairments: Vision issues documented by an eye doctor, such as low vision or partial sightedness, may qualify, although the disabled parking placard is often used for another driver who is transporting the individual with visual impairments.
  • Other health issues: Arthritis, neurological issues, short-term memory loss, and other impairments may also help you qualify for a handicap parking permit.

Application Process for Disability Parking Permits

The application process for handicap parking permits varies from state to state. In most cases, the applicant will complete one section, and a medical professional will verify the condition before the form is submitted to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most forms are now completed online, although paper options remain. 

State-Specific Variations in Application Procedures

Variations in application procedures can include eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, temporary permits for visitors, and more. For example, a special license plate costs $20 per year in Georgia. In Minnesota, it's free to apply for a permanent or long-term disabled parking placard, but there is a $5 fee for temporary certificates.

Most states require that you apply for your own permit, while some may allow a support person to apply on your behalf.

Reciprocity also varies: You cannot use a New Jersey permit in New York, but New Jersey accepts permits issued by other states and Canadian territories. Some states allow visitors to apply for temporary permits, while others forego this requirement. 

This means it is very important to pay attention to your state’s laws and those of any state you may be planning to visit.

Guidelines for Using Handicap Parking Permits

Once you receive your handicap parking permit, it's essential to use it well and wisely. The good news is that you can use the permit in any car in which you are a driver or passenger. You do not need to own a vehicle to use your disabled parking permit.

Proper Display of Handicap Permits

Make sure you follow your state’s guidelines for properly using your handicap permit, whether this means hanging it from the rearview mirror in the center of the windshield or applying a sticker to your license plates. Your permit must be clearly visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle. However, it shouldn't be used over the rearview mirror while the vehicle is in motion. You can receive ticket violations for this infraction.

Finally, when the permit expires, you should destroy it or return it to your state’s DMV.

Authorized Parking Spaces

You can park in any designated space marked with striping and signage for handicapped or disabled parking. This may include: 

  • Parking meters
  • Spots in parking garages
  • Spaces at medical facilities
  • Neighborhood parking spots

You cannot park in spaces reserved for emergency vehicles.

Responsibilities of Permit Holders

You are responsible for the lawful use of your parking permit, and misuse can lead to cancellation, fines, or other penalties. This means you should never let a friend or relative use your permit to avoid paying for parking or having to look for parking in a busy area. You must follow all of the rules set by your state’s DMV.

Violations and Penalties

Depending on your state, the penalties for misuse of a handicap parking permit can include the following: 

  • Fines and fees
  • A misdemeanor charge for using someone else’s permit
  • A seized permit
  • Towing in the case of parking violations

Fines for parking tickets related to lack of a permit can be steep.

Legal Consequences for Violations

You might get more than a slap on the wrist when you violate the regulations of your disabled parking permit. In some states, you can lose your license for up to one year. 

Likewise, in many states, it's a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, and community service may also be required. In other words, use your parking permit with care!

Don’t Forget Your Car Insurance 

A handicap parking permit won't do you much good if you don’t have car insurance. EverQuote offers a fast, free, and easy way to shop for car insurance and get quotes for home, renters, and life insurance. We also offer the latest information on special licenses in various states.

If you're still curious about what disabilities qualify for handicap parking in Florida or what disabilities qualify for handicap parking in New Jersey — or other states — you can check out state-specific DMV sites for more details.