California Vehicle Code Section 4461 VC: Unlawful Use Of A Disability Placard

Because parking spots in the Los Angeles area can often seem like a rare and valuable commodity, some people may be tempted to misuse a disability parking placard (also referred to as a handicap parking placard). However, unlawful use of a disability placard is a criminal offense under California Vehicle Code Section 4461 VC that can result in significant penalties for those convicted.

A defendant can be prosecuted for unlawful use of a disability placard in each of the following scenarios:

1. Lending a validly issued disability placard to someone who is not authorized to use or own such a placard.
2. Knowingly allowing another person who is not entitled to use a disability placard to use one.
3. 4. Driving someone else’s car that has a valid disability placard. Then parking in a reserved handicap parking spot. Driving someone else’s car that has a valid disability placard. Then parking in a reserved handicap parking spot.
The restrictions in California Vehicle Code Section 4461 VC do not apply to anyone actively transporting someone who is disabled.

2. Related Offenses

Other similar or related offenses include:

1. Forging or Falsifying Vehicle Registration - California Vehicle Code Section 4463 VC
Forging or Possessing a Fraudulent Public Seal - California Penal Code Section 472 PC
2. Providing False Statements to the DMV or CHP - California Vehicle Code Section 20 VC
3. False Information to a Peace Officer - California Vehicle Code Section 31 VC
3. Examples

A man borrows his mother’s car to run some errands, including picking up her prescriptions. His mother is disabled. Has a valid handicap parking placard. The man cannot find a parking spot so he parks in a handicap spot for 10 minutes while he quickly runs into the drugstore and picks up the prescriptions. The man could be charged with misuse of a disability placard in violation of California Vehicle Code Section 4461 VC.

In another example, the same man is again driving his mother’s car which has a valid disability parking placard, however this time he is taking his mother to a doctor’s appointment. The man drops his mother off at the front of the medical center. Then parks the car in a specially marked handicap spot. In this scenario, the man would not be guilty of misuse of a disability placard because he was actively transporting someone who was disabled.

4. Defenses to Unlawful Use of a Disability Placard

As described above, if the defendant was actively transporting a disabled person at the time he or she used a disability placard, he or she would not be guilty of unlawful use of the placard. In addition, if another person uses the defendant’s valid placard without the defendant’s knowledge, the defendant would not be guilty of this offense. One must knowingly misuse or allow someone else to misuse a placard in order to violate the statute.

5. Penalties

Unlawful use of a disability placard can be treated as either an infraction or a misdemeanor. If this charge is reduced to an infraction, the penalty would be a court fine between $250 and $1,000. If charged as a misdemeanor, the defendant can be sentenced to up to six months in jail in addition to court fines and any other conditions of probation that a judge may consider appropriate. In addition, the court can impose a $1,500 civil penalty.

6. Criminal Defense for Unlawful Use of Disability Placard Cases

Unlawful use of a disability placard is a criminal offense that can expose those convicted to a variety of criminal penalties. If you or someone you know have been charged with unlawful use of a disability placard, it is very important that you speak with a knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer right away. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who is highly regarded by judges, district attorneys and law enforcement officers as a skilled criminal litigator. Mr. Kraut works tirelessly to ensure his clients receive the best representation possible and often his early involvement and intervention in a case can prevent a criminal filing altogether.

For more information about unlawful use of a disability placard, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael Kraut at the Kraut Law Group located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.

Carolina Handicap Placards

Most major parking lots in North Carolina will have one or a few blue-painted parking spaces close to a building’s entrance, along with a wheelchair ramp, which are reserved specifically for disabled drivers. These licensed drivers are allowed to apply for special parking placards which give them access to these spaces; anyone else caught parking in a handicap spot will face fines and a possible towing of their vehicle. This program exists to spare people who have limited mobility the trouble of crossing great distances to get to their destinations once they park their cars.

What Defines a Disabled Driver?

Handicaps and disabilities, for the purposes of qualifying for a handicap parking placard, are defined by the DMV by how they affect a person’s mobility. Someone who is unable to move on foot more than 200 feet without having to take a break is considered disabled, as is someone who relies on special equipment such as crutches, canes, braces, prosthetics, or wheelchairs to get around.

Diseases which affect other organs in the body can ultimately restrict our motion as well. Lung disease and heart conditions can make it difficult for people to get around, as can blindness or overall arthritis. If you are not sure if your mobility impairment qualifies you for a disabled license plate or placard, ask your doctor.

Applying for a Handicap Placard or License Plate

To apply for a permanent handicap dashboard placard or license plate, complete an Application for Disability Parking Placard and have it signed and verified by a medical professional. Your doctor will determine the realistic length of your disability. This is to prevent abuse of the system by individuals who recover from their disabilities yet continue to use their placard for special parking privileges. Some conditions qualify for a permanent disability, while others may be recovered from in a matter of months. There is a small fee for each placard a person applies for, and each driver is limited to two placards total.

Driving Restrictions for Handicapped People

Disabilities come in many forms. People with disabilities are not prevented from getting a drivers license, so long as the disability does not affect their ability to drive safely. Many types of disabilities will not remove a person’s ability to drive completely, but may place certain restrictions on what they can do (such as a paraplegic driver requiring hand controls for their brakes and accelerator). These restrictions will be identified when you apply for your license.

Handicap Placards: Do's And Don'ts (2021)

For people with limited mobility, getting from the furthest spot in the parking lot to the door of your local grocery store or community service center can take enormous energy. Whether you broke your leg and are waiting for it to heal or you have a permanent, invisible disability, the last thing you need to worry about is finding a parking spot.

You also shouldn’t need to worry about higher car insurance rates; the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits insurers from charging more solely on the basis of disability. However, if your vehicle has been modified with adaptive equipment or you drive a wheelchair van, you may pay higher rates.

Placard holders may also want to opt for additional coverage, like roadside assistance, which can be helpful for a driver or passenger with a disability. And if your car has special equipment, you may need extra coverage to protect it. But these add-ons don’t have to break the bank. If you compare rates across insurance providers, you can find cheap car insurance that meets your needs. With Insurify, you only need to provide your information once, and you’ll get customized quotes from up to 20 different insurance companies. That way, you can save time and get the best deal.

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What are handicap placards--and how do they work?

What are handicap placards? Handicap placards allow drivers. Passengers with disabilities to park in handicap parking spaces. Not all people with disabilities can get a disabled parking placard--your healthcare provider will likely need to certify that you have a disability that limits your mobility. But this requirement is waived in some states for people with a visible disability who apply in person at their local Department of Motor Vehicles.

Once you have a parking pass, you can display it in your vehicle or someone else’s vehicle in which you are a passenger. Typically, it hangs from the rearview mirror or is displayed on the dash. This will prevent you from getting ticketed for parking in a handicap spot or next to a blue or green curb.

How do handicap placards work?

Though handicap placards work a little bit differently in each state (and some states use stickers, not placards), there are generally three types of personal handicap placards:

Permanent handicap placards, which are typically valid for 2-10 years Veterans with severe disabilities placards, which are typically valid for 2-10 years. As the name implies, these placards are specifically for U.S. military veterans with disabilities. Temporary handicap placards, which are typically valid for six months. These placards are for those with short-term disabilities, like a broken leg that requires a wheelchair or cast.

In most states, each one looks different so that they’re easy to identify, but all placards display the international symbol of access. Your doctor will need to specify whether your disability is temporary or permanent on your application. If it’s temporary, there will be a limit to the number of times you can renew it. If you have a permanent disability, you’ll still need to renew your placard regularly, though less often. You also have the option to get disabled license plates instead of a handicapped placard, which isn’t an option for people with temporary disabilities.

“But you don’t look disabled!”

Not all disabilities are visible. To be eligible for a handicap parking placard, a person needs to have a disability that affects their mobility, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be visibly unable to walk. Respiratory issues, lung disease, needing portable oxygen, cardiac conditions, and vision impairments can also qualify someone for a handicap placard. You might not be able to tell if someone has one of these disabilities, but they can still benefit from the parking privileges that come with having a handicap parking permit. If you see someone parked in a handicap space with a handicap placard, rest assured that they have a good reason to do so.

How do I apply for a handicap placard?

The process of getting a disability parking placard varies slightly from state to state, so you should consult your state’s DMV website for details. Here’s how the process works in California:

Fill out the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates for you or your family member with a disability. Ask your medical doctor or other healthcare provider to complete. Sign the “Medical Provider’s Certification of Disability” portion of the form. Pay the $6 fee for a temporary placard (there’s no fee for a permanent placard). Mail your completed application. Once you receive your placard, you can start parking in handicapped spots. Fees are low in most states, ranging from $0 to $20. In some states, such as New York, the DMV doesn’t issue the handicapped placard. Instead, you bring your application form to the office of the city clerk.

Yes. As long as you are always either a driver or passenger in the other person’s car, you’re allowed to use your handicap placard in a vehicle you don’t own or even drive. This holds true for rental cars as well. That’s one advantage of having a handicap placard rather than handicap license plates; you can move a placard freely from one vehicle to the next.

Can someone else use my handicap placard?

It’s illegal to use someone else’s handicap placard if they are not in the vehicle with you, so you can’t give your handicap placard to someone else to use. If law enforcement catches you improperly using a handicap placard that isn’t yours to park in a handicapped space, a police officer could charge you with an infraction or a misdemeanor. If convicted, you could spend up to six months in county jail or pay fines of up to $1,000.

Can I use my handicap placard in another state?

Most states will honor a handicap placard issued in another state, but you should check the DMV website for the state you are traveling to. In some instances, you may be required to apply for a temporary permit, which would require you to bring a statement from your doctor along with you. If traveling outside of the United States, check local laws in your destination. Some countries, such as Canada, have a reciprocity agreement with the U.S. that will allow you to use your handicap placard.

Handicap Placard: Do's and Don'ts FAQ

Can I use my handicap placard in someone else’s car?

Yes. You are permitted to use your handicap placard in any vehicle in which you are either the driver or a passenger. Just don’t let anyone borrow your handicap placard when you’re not in the vehicle, as this would be a violation of state law.

Do handicap placards expire? Yes. Both temporary. Permanent placards expire. Both temporary. Permanent placards expire. The expiration date will vary by state, but temporary placards typically last six months, and permanent placards typically last two to five years. In some states, like Nevada, they’re good for up to 10 years at a time.

How can I find affordable car insurance?

The easiest way to find affordable car insurance is to compare customized rates across insurance providers. That’s because every insurance company weighs your information a little differently when determining your rate. With Insurify, you can view rates from dozens of providers in one place, which beats the hassle of organizing quotes from different insurance websites. It’s easy to identify the best value with Insurify, and you might be surprised how much you can save.

Finding Cheap and Affordable Car Insurance for Drivers with Disabilities

Drivers with disabilities deserve affordable car insurance. If you want plenty of coverage that doesn’t break the bank, your best bet will be to compare customized car insurance quotes from different providers. You could visit each company’s website and organize your quotes in a spreadsheet, but that can be time-consuming and frustrating. If you want an easy way to compare auto insurance rates apples-to-apples, head over to Insurify. It’s easy to toggle between types of coverage to find a premium that fits in your budget.

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Lindsay Frankel is a full-time freelance writer specializing in personal finance and insurance topics. Her work has been featured in publications such as LendingTree, The Balance, Coverage.com, Bankrate, NextAdvisor, and FinanceBuzz. For the past year, she has written about car insurance for Insurify.

California Handicapped Parking Fraud Laws

You may not think misusing a handicapped parking placard is a big deal. After all, it is not a violent crime and you may not think you’re hurting anybody. However, misusing a handicapped parking placard is taken very seriously in the state of California. In addition to fines, a conviction can result in jail time and a criminal record. If you or a loved one is facing a charge for misusing a handicapped parking placard, we urge you to hire an experienced Wallin and Klarich attorney to fight for you.

Handicapped Parking Fraud - California Vehicle Code Section 4461

In the state of California, a handicapped parking placard is recognized as a blue placard with a white wheelchair symbol issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. A handicapped parking placard can be prescribed by a medical doctor, a nurse practitioner, a certified nurse midwife, a physician’s assistant, a chiropractor or an optometrist. The misuse of a handicapped parking placard is also known as handicapped parking fraud. Under California Vehicle Code Section 44611, it is illegal for a person to:

1. Lend a validly issued handicapped parking placard to another person who is not entitled to use it 2. Knowingly permit another person who is not otherwise entitled to use a handicapped parking placard to use it 3. Display a handicapped parking placard that was not issued to you by the DMV or cancelled or revoked by the DMV 4. Drive another person’s car that displays a valid handicapped parking placard and park in a parking spot reserved for disabled persons

For example, your mother is disabled and has a valid handicapped parking placard. You use your mother’s car (which has the handicapped parking placard) to go to the store for her while she stays at home to rest. You can’t find a parking spot so you park in a handicapped spot for 10 minutes while you are in the store. You can be charged for handicapped parking fraud under Vehicle Code Section 4461. High-volume areas where the misuse of handicapped parking placards is common include mall parking lots, college campuses and business districts. These laws do not apply for people who actively transport disabled persons.

What are the Defenses to a Handicapped Parking Fraud Charge?

The most effective defense to a handicapped parking fraud charge is if you were actually transporting a disabled person at the time of your arrest. For example, you are driving your mother who has been issued a handicapped parking placard to the store. You drop her off at the front of the store. Then park the car in a handicapped parking space. Because you were transporting a disabled person (it does not matter that you were alone when you parked), you cannot be prosecuted for handicapped parking fraud.

What is the Punishment for a Handicapped Parking Fraud Conviction?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, handicapped parking fraud can be charged as an infraction or a misdemeanor. An infraction is punishable by a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000. A misdemeanor conviction is punishable by up to six months in county jail and the same fine. In addition to or in lieu of the original fine, the court may impose a $1,500 civil penalty. A subsequent offense can result in a fine of up to $3,500.

Additional Charges to the Misuse of Handicapped Parking Placards

Depending on the circumstances of your case, an arrest for misusing a handicapped parking placard can result in additional charges.

Producing Counterfeit Handicapped Parking Placards - California Vehicle Code Section 4463(b)

Under California Vehicle Code Section 4463(b)2, it is illegal for a person to do the following:

- Forge, counterfeit or falsify a handicapped parking placard; - Pass or attempt to pass as a false, forged or counterfeit handicapped parking placard as true and genuine knowing that it is false, forged, or counterfeited; or - Acquire, possess, sell, or offer to sell as genuine a counterfeit handicapped parking placard.

A conviction under California Vehicle Code Section 4463(b) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 and up to six months in county jail.

Causing Another Person to Display a Counterfeit Handicapped Parking Placard - California Vehicle Code Section 4463(c)

Under California Vehicle Code Section 4463(c)3, it is illegal to fraudulently display or cause another person to display a forged, counterfeit or false handicapped parking placard. A conviction under Vehicle Code Section 4463(c) is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000 or up to six months in county jail and the same fine. In addition to or in lieu of the original fine, the court may impose a $2,500 civil penalty.

Forging or Possessing a Fraudulent Public Seal - California Penal Code Section 472

Under California Penal Code Section 4724, it is illegal to forge or possess a fraudulent public seal, including one that appears on a validly issued California DMV handicapped parking placard. Depending on the circumstances of your case and past criminal history, forging or possessing a fraudulent public seal can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor conviction is punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. A felony conviction is punishable by 16 months, two years or three years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Making False Statements to the DMV or CHP - California Vehicle Code Section 20

Under California Vehicle Code Section 205, it is illegal to knowingly make a false statement or knowingly conceal any material fact in a registration document that you file with the California DMV. This includes an application for a handicapped parking placard. A conviction for making false statements under Vehicle Code Section 20 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine.

Giving False Information to a Peace Officer - California Vehicle Code Section 31

Under California Vehicle Code Section 316, it is illegal to provide false information to a peace officer. This includes providing a peace officer with a forged or counterfeit handicapped parking placard or claiming that another person’s handicapped parking placard is your own. A conviction for giving false information to a peace officer under Vehicle Code Section 31 is a is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine.

Call Wallin & Klarich Today

If you or a loved one is facing a charge for misusing a handicapped parking placard, it is critical that you speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience in defending persons charged for all types of misdemeanor offenses. Our attorneys will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case. With offices in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Tustin, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich Southern California criminal defense attorney near you no matter where you work or live. Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.

How Do I Renew My Handicap Placard

Disabled drivers in Texas love the freedom and convenience that comes from having a handicap placard, making it easy to park safely. However, one thing you need to know is that your placard doesn’t last forever! It will need to be renewed, as you can’t legally park in handicap spots with an expired placard.

Don’t worry, though - the process for online handicap placard renewal in Texas is simple, as you simply need to download the appropriate forms. However, to submit the application itself, you’ll need to either mail it in or visit the local county tax assessor-collector’s office. You’ll then be issued with your renewed placard, giving you permission to park in designated spots for people with disabilities and some exemptions from local and state government parking meters.

Wondering “How do I renew my handicap placard in Texas online?” This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the process.

Can I renew my handicap placard online in Texas?

Unfortunately, you can only partially renew a handicap placard online in Texas. You can find the form you need and complete it digitally, but it will then need to be submitted via mail or in-person.

First, you need to know if your placard is temporary or permanent, as the process differs for each. If you have a red placard, it is temporary and usually expires in around six months. These are designed to be used by drivers with temporary disabilities. If your placard is blue, it’s permanent and will need renewal every four years.

How much does it cost to renew a handicap placard in Texas? Luckily, the process is very affordable. For temporary placards, there’s a $5.00 fee, but there’s no charge for permanent placards.

Temporary placards

If you have a red temporary placard for your Texas vehicle, know that temporary placards can’t actually be renewed - they’ll need to be replaced. Because they’re only valid for a set period of time, they’re designed for short-term disability use, such as by someone recovering from surgery.

However, you might still need a placard after your first one expires. In that case, you’ll want to download and complete the Application for Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard and/or License Plate (Form VTR-214).

The form includes a section that needs to be completed by a medical professional, certifying that you have a disability and require a placard. You’ll want to also be familiar with the list of disabilities that qualify for the placard.

You’ll then need to submit the form, along with your vehicle identification details, plus the $5.00 administrative fee. This can be paid via personal check, money order, or cashier’s check. Once approved, you’ll be issued your placard. As with the permanent placard, it will need to be clearly displayed on your vehicle when parked.

Permanent placards

Your blue placard is permanent, which means it’s good for a lifetime of driving. That doesn’t mean you can get it and forget about it, though, as the state of Texas requires these permits to be renewed.

To do this, you’ll need to download the same form mentioned above, Form VTR-214. You’ll then submit the form to the county tax office, along with a copy of your original application form. You only need to complete page one, as a doctor isn’t required to complete the medical section. No longer have the original? That’s okay, as you can also submit your current permanent placard as proof.

Veteran placards

Often, veterans are also in need of permanent placards, due to injury or disability experienced while in service to the country. To apply or renew your veteran placard, you’ll instead want to complete the Application for Disabled Veteran License Plates and/or Parking Placards, which can be downloaded online.

To qualify as a veteran, you’ll need to be receiving compensation from the government as a result of your disability, and you’ll also need to have been honorably discharged from the service.

What if my Texas handicap placard is lost?

If your permit is lost or stolen, this is sure to be a stressful situation, but not to worry - it can be replaced. To replace it, you’ll need to take your completed form VTR-214 to the county office. For this reason, we recommend always keeping your placard paperwork in a safe place, in case it’s needed. Without the completed paperwork, the state might not be able to replace your placard and you might need to go through the application process all over again.

With the above information, it should be easy to complete the required paperwork and renew your placard. If you’re not sure if you’re still eligible for a placard, or if you’ve just moved to Texas, Dr. Handicap can help with HIPAA-compliant telehealth consultations, making it much simpler to apply or renew your Texas placard online.

The great state of Texas has so much to offer, so don’t let a disability slow you down when it comes to traveling and seeing your state. Once your placard is renewed, you’ll be ready to travel, drive, and explore.

Disability License Plates & Placards In California

If you are a driver with a disability, you can apply for a disabled parking placard or license plate from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The placard will allow you to use designated disabled parking places and has several other parking benefits. Read below for more information about disabled parking regulations and disabled parking placards, including how to apply for one. Permanent placards and plates. A disabled placard or license plate allows you to park in certain places, but some parking is still off limits. In marked disabled spaces, such as those with: - A wheelchair. In striped areas next to handicap parking spaces. At red, yellow, or white curbs. Permanent handicap parking permits are available ONLY if you have a permanent disability that is certified by a medical professional. Permanent placards, if you are a permanently disabled driver. Disabled person (DP) license plates, if you have a vehicle registered in your name.

Veterans who are 100% disabled may be eligible for Disabled Veterans License Plates and be exempt from vehicle registration fees. If you are temporarily disabled, you can apply for a handicap placard that is valid for no more than 6 months. Indicate how long the placard should be valid. Once the placard expires, you can reapply up to 6 times in a row. You will need medical certification each time. You have a permanent disability. You are traveling outside of your home state. CA resident traveling outside of the state. Up to 90 days, if you are visiting CA from another state. You'll need to have application completed by a medical professional. If you plan to apply in person, the California DMV strongly encourages you to make an appointment in advance. The application process will be the same regardless of the type of disability placard or license plate you choose to obtain. Medical certification completed ON the application by one of the following: - Physician or surgeon.

Chiropractor (ONLY for disabilities related to the use of lower extremities or hands). Optometrist (ONLY for visual conditions). NOTE: You DO NOT need medical certification if you already have a permanent placard or license plate. Mail all of your application materials to:. To apply in person for your handicap parking permit, you need to first make an appointment with your local CA DMV office. The completed Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (Form REG 195), including medical certification. Payment for the required fee; please see "Fees for Disability Placards" below for fee information. NOTE: You DO NOT need medical certification if you are appearing in person AND your disability includes a lost leg or both of your hands. Disabled parking placards still expire, even if they are permanent. Renewal processes differ depending on the type of placard you have. Permanent disabled parking placards expire every 2 years, specifically on June 30 in odd-numbered years. Permanent placards are automatically renewed 2 times and mailed to you. On the next renewal you will need to reapply by filling out a new Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195). You will not be required to have a new medical certificate. Beginning in 2023 applicants for the permanent disabled parking placards will be required to return a renewal notice by mail every 6 years and will not require a medical certification. Submitting it by mail to the address on the form, or in person at your local CA DMV office. You must reapply for a disabled parking placard if your temporary placard expires and you still need it.

The date noted by the certifying medical professional on the application. What are DP license plates? California disabled parking license plates (“DP plates”) work the same as a permanent disability placard. The California DMV also issues disabled veteran license plates (“DV plates”). Became disabled while on active service with the U.S. Who can use handicapped parking privileges? Note that handicapped parking plates and tags may not be used by anyone else for any reason - not even by someone else who is also disabled. When is someone considered disabled? Where can handicapped people legally park in California? In parking spaces with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol). Next to a blue curb authorized for persons with disabilities parking. Next to a green curb (limited time parking) with no time limitation. In an on-street metered parking space at no charge. In an area that otherwise requires a resident or merchant permit. Full-service gas stations must also refuel the vehicle at self-service rates unless there is only one employee on duty.

Next to red curbs (no stopping, standing, or parking). Next to white curbs (for passenger loading/unloading or dropping mail in an adjacent mailbox). Disability placards and plates can be obtained by filing a California DMV Form REG 195 Application for Disabled Person or Plates. In the case of a disabled veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs. Who can certify a disability? A licensed physician, surgeon, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or a certified nurse-midwife with knowledge of the disease and/or disability. A veteran with certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs stating that the applicant is a disabled veteran. Can I use an out-of-state disability placard or license plates in California? A disabled person who does not have either can also obtain a temporary travel placard at no cost from the California DMV. The person has disabled plates but is not bringing his or her car to California. A temporary travel placard can be issued for a maximum of 90 days. Misuse of a disabled placard is often charged along with —or instead of—one or more related California offenses.

California's Disabled Parking Rules

Are Handicap Parking Placards Valid in All States? Anyone with a qualifying disability gets special parking treatment in the state of California. To signal that a person qualifies, they are issued disabled person placards, disabled person plates or disabled person badges to use in their cars. The placards were once called "handicapped parking placards" but that is no longer the case. There are rules and regulations in place to make sure that only those with true disabilities take advantage of the benefits of the disabled parking program and to ensure that other drivers follow the laws, too. A disabled person qualifies for a disabled person placard, a disabled plate or a disabled travel badge if their mobility is impaired by a disability. Loss of use of one or more lower extremities. Loss of use of both hands. Specific, documented visual problems. Inability to move without the aid of an assistive device.

Diagnosed disease that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility. Many diseases and conditions can qualify, including heart issues, autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, severe arthritis, and a severe respiratory disease including any condition that requires the use of a portable oxygen tank. Other conditions that qualify include chronic inflammatory diseases, issues with vision or hearing, acute sunlight sensitivity, having a prosthetic limb or any condition that requires the use of a wheelchair, crutches or a Zimmer frame. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) administers the state’s disabled person badge program. A California resident with a permanent disability can get a permanent disabled person license plate or DMV placard to hang from the rear-view mirror of their car. The latter is appropriate when persons other than the disabled person drives the vehicle. People who are disabled for a temporary injury or operation, or pregnant people, can get temporary placards to use for a finite period.

The initial temporary placard is valid for six months, but can be renewed up to six times with a new doctor's certificate. Travel placards are available for permanently disabled people who are traveling outside of their home state. These are valid for 30 days for traveling state residents, up to 90 days for a resident from another state who is traveling in California. Note that if disabled persons travel in California with disabled parking licenses from their own states without obtaining a travel placard from California, they are technically in violation of DMV regulations. However, law enforcement usually honors out-of-state disabled parking badges. Anyone with a disabled person parking placard, plate or badge is allowed to park in any any marked disabled parking space - the spaces marked with the international wheelchair symbol or with blue curbs. They can also park for an unlimited time in short-term spaces marked with a green curb. These badges also allow parking in spaces designated for residents or merchants and at any metered space without paying.

And the badge also triggers assistance at a service station. Attendants are required to fill a disabled person’s vehicle at self-service rates. The only exception is when only one employee is working at the service facility. Note that a person with a disabled person placard does not have the right to park in the wheelchair access areas marked by stripes that is found beside disabled spaces. Nor can they use red, yellow or white curb spaces to park. Private spaces marked with a name or license plate number are also off-limits. A person seeking a disabled parking badge, whether a placard or a license plate, must apply with the DMV and pay the fees when applicable. The first disabled plate and permanent placard are free. Temporary placards cost six dollars each. The applicant must obtain and complete the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates. In most cases, they will also need to have the medical section of the application signed by a licensed physician, surgeon, chiropractor, optometrist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife that has knowledge of the disease or the disability.

Note that a chiropractor can only certify to the disability of a person who has lost one or both legs or who has significant limitation in the use of their legs. However, no medical certificate is required if a person has lost a leg or both hands and submits their application in person at a local DMV office in California. In addition, anyone who already has a Disabled Veteran license place or a permanent California disabled person placard can obtain disabled person license plates without additional medical certification. A disabled veteran with a 100 percent disability rating can apply for Disabled Veterans License Plates. These also exempt them from paying vehicle registration and license fees. Anyone seeking a disabled person license plate must also prove that the vehicle is owned by, and registered to, them by providing appropriate documents. Finally, they must surrender the vehicle license plates before receiving the disabled person plates.

Disability License Plates & Placards

Permanent placard will expire in the applicant’s birth month and may be renewed up to 12 months prior to expiration. Prior to this new online service, individuals had to mail an application or visit a DMV office to request the replacement. The DMV receives on average 160 requests monthly for replacement handicap parking permit placards. Handicap parking permits belong in the right hands. I didn’t get one right away because I thought I could handle it, only to be wrong — I needed assistance. We strive to reduce your stress, let us handle the DMV for you! Others require you to go to your local DMV office. If you wish to attend a specific event and want to confirm accessibility, please contact the individual or department sponsoring the event or the Office of Disability Resources. Depending on the handicap parking plate or placard, temporary disability or permanent disability, the validity varies. This partnership with health care providers allows persons with temporary disabilities to complete a placard application, obtain the required certification of disability, and receive their parking placard at the health care facility all in one visit. If you are a resident of Oregon and have a disability, you may obtain a permit for disability parking from the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV). Disability parking is provided to assure that individuals requiring additional space to enter or exit their vehicles have the needed space and provide parking as close to the main entrance of a facility. I was about to exit my car in a disability parking space. A first-time permanent disability parking placard may be obtained at any Secretary of State office. A temporary placard is issued for use in any vehicle which is being operated exclusively by or for the benefit of a person with disability and may only be used when those persons are being transported in the vehicle. For individuals with visual impairments, Disability & Access Services maintains an online list of major buildings with access points, including audible crosswalks. In keeping with our commitment, the University has created a detailed online map which shows the accessibility features for all major buildings and areas including each building’s accessible entrance location, automatic doors, audible traffic signals, and 24-hour campus emergency telephones. The placard will not entitle vehicles that are designated to transport persons with disabilities to be parked in areas where parking is prohibited. Visitors who need accessible parking should contact Parking and Transportation Services at parking@andrew.cmu.edu to arrange use of designated accessible parking spaces on campus. A board certified chiropractor can certify the disability if the applicant has lost the use of one or more extremities. If you have lost or misplaced your placard registration, please request a new one from the DMV by following the steps at the bottom of this page. The second page of the campus parking map includes a list of each parking lot and the types of parking available in each, including Medical spaces. Illinois Secretary of State Offices are located throughout the state and offer a selection of services, including disability license plates and placards, registration and title transactions, reinstatement fees, among other things. Below you'll find information about different types of disability placards, including regulations for handicapped parking, how to apply for disability placards, disabled parking permit renewal, and replacing placards that are lost or stolen.

If you have lost a lower extremity or both hands, you just need to appear in peson at the California DMV and fill out the application for disabled placard or plate form. NOTE: If product was not received within 90 days, please check the "Never Received" box or if product was not received or over 90 days please check the "Lost" box. Do you ski at Taos these days, I see disabled skiers in ski chairs the last few years? Hey Dave, I am a native NM, a graduate of UNM, a pharmacist living in TX with MS. I love to ski too, we probably skied at Taos at the same time. For those who are disabled and living in Nevada, there are options when it comes to parking and driving. In the state of Nevada, only those with a permanent disability qualify for Disabled Person (DP) placards, license plates or permits. A completed Application for Parking Permit for an Individual with a Disability (Form 735-265) signed by a licensed physician. The disability privilege allows a qualifying individual to park in any space marked with the International Symbol of Access. Filing a Social Security Disability Claim can help ease your life as well. Similarly, you can appreciate the benefits of Social Security Disability after filing a claim. Please submit to the Office of Disability Resources any requests for sign language interpreters or real-time captioning at least two weeks in advance using the Interpreter or Captioning Request Form. Prospective students requiring other accommodations such as American Sign Language interpreters or mobility guides can also arrange those through the Admissions Visitor Reception Center. Prospective students and families planning a visit to Boston University can contact the Admissions Visitors’ Reception Center at (617) 353-2318 in order to arrange to meet with an admissions representative in an accessible location. Documentation for longer than one month of Medical parking must come directly from either the Student Health Center or the Disability Resource Center. Please note: If you are attending commencement or a related activity during commencement week, please email the Office of Disability Resources in advance of your arrival to arrange for parking and other needs for that day. If you have additional requests, email our office to discuss. I’ve never been embarrassed to use a placard, and whenever people have stared at me as if I am doing something wrong, I look right past them. Too often, people who are not entitled to park in handicap parking spots use them anyway. Too often, it takes a family member or close friend to suggest the idea because they see that it may be a great help or they may notice your struggles. Many people may not realize that they are eligible for a permit. Complaining is the only way to prevent more and more spots being taken away from people that really need them. You will need a placard to park in spots marked for disabled persons. You may not park for free with a permanent placard unless it has a yellow free-parking sticker.

Accessible parking spaces are available in all of the University Sticker Parking Lots, both indoor and outdoor. Throughout the year, the Boston University Shuttle Bus provides all students, staff and faculty with free on-campus transportation throughout each weekday and on weekends. For a complete map of the Boston University Charles River Campus, please visit BU Maps. Most of the Charles River Campus is located on flat land. The projects currently underway, and others planned in the future, may modify accessible campus routes and impact parking. Travel routes between buildings are on well-kept sidewalks and open walkways. A new route map and computer app allows users to visualize routes and bus stops as well as real-time bus tracking. Wheelchair permits: For wheelchair users. Traveling along Commonwealth Avenue, the shuttle buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts as part of a fully integrated system. People traveling outside of Oregon. Oregon recognizes the disabled parking placards and plates issued by other states or countries, and other states honor Oregon's disability parking placards also. All great points, I engaged a lady the other day parking her grocery cart directly in front of me in a disability spot. If there isn’t, I usually have to get dropped off in the front entrance of the place I’m going to. If you have to walk halfway across the parking lot, you're already expending a lot of energy before you arrive at your destination. Looks can be deceiving, as a lot of things can be covered up by clothes. Insert coins or tokens in a parking meter or accept a ticket from a parking lot machine due to a lack of fine motor control of both hands. Reach above your head to a height of 42 inches from the ground, due to lack of finger, hand or upper extremity strength or mobility. Renewals can be made online, in person or by mail to the Secretary of State address listed above. Renewals can be completed online, by mail or by visiting an Illinois Secretary of State Office. For your convenience Illinois renewals can be completed online at License Plate Renewals on the Secretary of State Website. A physician's statement is not required for renewals. Download and complete the Organization Application for Disabled Persons License Plates and/or Placards and get your physician's signature. Bring the the completed application, your physician’s signature and your old plates to the DMV. If you would rather file the application in person, visit your local DMV Full Service Office. You’ll be able to renew your vehicle registration for a full year. To get a license plate, motorcycle stickers or a combination of these and placards, visit your local DMV Full Service Office or a County Assessor office. Our staff is ready to provide you with exceptional customer service. This temporary identification (ID) card is used until a permanent wallet-size ID card is mailed to the customer. Permanent disability placards are valid for four years and are issued to individuals whose condition is not expected to improve. It is not uncommon for people with a disability or health condition to wait longer than they should before applying for a handicap parking permit for their car.

Note: Visitors with DMV placards or plates may park for free in DMV spaces, Medical spaces, mobile pay spaces or paystations without additional payment, or in time zones (e.g., 10-, 15-, or 20-minute spaces) for longer than the posted time. Sadly, there are instances where Handicap Parking spaces, plates, and placards are taken advantage of by those who don’t need have impairments. If you notice misuse of these spaces, notify local authorities immediately describing the incident witnessed. You can easily report misuse or abuse of accessible parking spaces or disability plates and placards online. Disability parking placards are limited to one per person. A temporary disabled parking permit is also available for a 90 day period, which is good for up to one year. For an applicant who is obtaining a temporary placard certification, the Application for Disabled Parking Placard Form (TC 96-347) may be completed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, chiropractor, or advanced practice registered nurse’s original signature. Current and new (permanent) placard applicants will be required to complete the Application for Disabled License Plate or Parking Placard Form, (TC 96-347), and have signed by a licensed physician, chiropractor, or advanced practice registered nurse’s original signature. Applicants can have their signature notarized at any County Clerk’s branch or downtown office. Since the launch of the online Handicap Parking Permit system, over 6,500 new and renewal placards have been processed online by medical professionals. There is no renewal fee. The DMV charges a fee for this document. Provide Official DMV Placard Registration Information Paperwork. NIC Inc. (NASDAQ: EGOV) is the nation's leading provider of official government portals, online services, and secure payment processing solutions. NIC provides eGovernment solutions for more than 3,500 federal, state, and local agencies across the United States. Although the achievement of complete architectural access is a work-in-progress for a campus as large, diverse, and historic as ours, this map provides the most accurate description of accessibility features available. To the extent possible, curb cuts, which allow users to plan the most efficient path of travel from one area of the campus to another, are marked on the map. In an effort to provide the campus community with as much information as possible, Facilities Management and Planning as well as Government and Community Affairs maintain updated information to provide the campus community with alerts, updates, and other important information. It makes life more complicated because of the tedious strategic planning involved. Life was looking up, I was in a state of equilibrium. Each state in the U.S. Who can you contact in your state and what's the first step? If you just bought your vehicle, or are registering it in Nevada for the first time, follow this list of Registration Requirements or New Resident Guide. Almost ten years ago, my integrity was questioned regarding my chronic illness and disability for the first time. Disabled Veteran Plates are offered to any Illinois resident veteran with a service-connected disability. Where are the Illinois Secretary of State Offices located?