Disabled Parking permits are very important to the handicapped. All 50 states honor disabled permits from other states. Obtaining a disabled license plate or placard is not difficult but the issuing guidelines and use of the permit are closely regulated to prevent abuse.
The authorizing requirments vary by state. A licensed Physician’s signature works everywhere but many statea also accept applications signed by a surgeon, chiropractor, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or certified nurse. You may also be eligible if any of the following conditions exist:
Heart Problems
Circulatory Disease
Lung Disease
Difficulty Walking long distances
If you have been diagnosed with a disease or have disorder that limits the use of lower extremities
Visual Problems such as low vision, partial-sightedness, or blindness
If you have had of one or both lower extremities or both hands surgically removed
Since Disabled Permits are issued at the state and local level, read the West Virginia application carefully
You do not have to own or drive the vehicle to use your placard.
A temporary disabled parking placard is typically lasts six months. A permanent disabled parking placard is applicable for 2 to 5 years.
Some states renew permanently disabled placards. Other states require you to fill out an application for every renewal. Most states also do not require re-certification if you are declaired permanently disabled. Don't forget you must notify the DMV when you change address.
The permit must be hung on the rear view mirror of any vehicle used to transport the disabled person(s). The permit number must be visible from the front of the vehicle. Stickers cannot be covered and license plates must be permanently attached.
When you have obtained your disabled placard (either a temporary or permanent) or your disabled license plates, some of the places you can park include:
If the parking spot has the International Symbol of Access. (wheelchair icon)
Next to a blue curb authorized for handicap parking
Many parking meters on the street
Any public places that offer free disabled parking.
Besides parking privileges, most states require service stations have to refuel a disabled person’s vehicle at self-service rates except in cases where the service facility has only one employee on duty.
You cannot park:
In spaces marked with a crosshatched pattern next to a parking space with the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol). These spaces are for wheelchair and wheelchair lift admission.
Next to red curbs, those indicate no stopping, standing, or parking.
Next to yellow curbs, those are for commercial vehicles to load and unload passengers or cargo.
Next to white curbs, those are for loading and unloading passengers or depositing mail in a nearby mailbox.
The charges for a permanent parking placard, temporary or travel placard are usually very low. The most expensive part is typically the medical visit to have the necessary forms signed.
