Disabled Parking In California: All You Need To Know

Disabled parking permits in California are subject to the same laws and restrictions as in the rest of the United States. Although California's handicapped parking laws are similar to those in most other states, there are a few notable differences. Here's all you need to know about California's handicapped parking.

Conditions that must be met in order to qualify

Disabilities that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance in California include heart disease, rheumatoid and arthritic conditions; respiratory problems; illnesses that necessitate the use of a portable oxygen tank; Lupus; numerous chronic inflammatory conditions; problems with vision or hearing; acute sunlight sensitivity; and the need for wheelchairs, crutches, or a Zimmer frame. Disabled parking in California is up to the medical practitioner doing the examination and filling up the medical certificate to decide whether or not the individual qualifies.

Different Types of Disabled Parking Badge

The California Department of Motor Vehicles oversees the state's handicapped parking permit program. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) distributes a variety of handicapped parking permits and plates. There are three types of placards available: a permanent placard, a temporary placard, and a travel placard. For those with persistent disability, there are permanent plates and signs. Placards for those who only require them for a short length of time, such as those who are recuperating after a surgery or pregnant women, are offered on a temporary basis. In California, temporary placards are only good for six months. They may, however, be renewed a total of six times. It will be necessary to submit a fresh doctor's certificate for each renewal. Permanently handicapped persons traveling beyond their native state are eligible for travel placards. The validity of a travel placard varies depending on whether the holder is a California resident going outside the state or an out-of-state resident traveling inside the state.

A travel placard is required if you enter California from another state or country, however law enforcement in California usually always accepts foreign placards or license plates that identify the owner as having a disability.

Fees & Charges

New or replacement permanent disability placards and travel placards are free of charge in California. However, a short-term placard would set you back $6. It costs $21 to get a new handicapped person license plate after your first one is given to you for free.

Places in California where you may park with a placard indicating you are disabled

As long as you have a California disabled parking placard or plate, you are permitted to park in any disabled parking space (marked with blue curbs or the international wheelchair symbol), in short-term "green curb" spaces for an unlimited time, in spaces designated for residents or merchants, and at metered spaces for free. Parking in striped areas next to disability spots, in red, yellow, or white curb spaces, or in private spaces identified with a name or license plate number does not entitle a person with a disabled placard to do so.

In California, how to apply for disabled parking

There is a medical examination that must be completed before a California handicap parking permit may be issued to an applicant for the first time. A doctor's office or telemedicine facility may perform this procedure in person. An application for a parking placard will be completed by a medical expert after they have determined that you are eligible. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) receives your application. In person or by mail, this may be done.

Pre-arranging a time to drop off your application is highly recommended if you want to do it in person. An application form may be downloaded from the California DMV website and filled out by a medical practitioner, and then sent (along with any required payment) to the California DMV. A medical certificate is not required if you are applying in person and are an amputee.

Disabled placards, even permanent ones, have a two-year expiration date in California. On the third renewal date, you must reapply for a new certificate, but this time you don't need a medical practitioner to fill it out for you. If your address changes, you must send a Notice of Change of Address form to the California DMV.

After six months, if you have a temporary disability parking placard, it will be removed. To get a new one, you will need to fill out a new form. You may reapply up to six times, each time requiring a medical practitioner to complete your application form.

All of the information about disability parking in California may be found right here. It's my hope that it was useful!