It’s often assumed that a disabled individual is someone confined to a wheelchair but this isn’t true. Yes, there are many disabled people who require things like mobility bathrooms from Practical Bathing. However, there are also many invisible disabilities too. A disability is defined as a “physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities” so many disabled people are still able to do things like drive. With this being said, a lot of people who become disabled are unable to work due to their condition and lose their source of income. This is why a lot of people get disability insurance (click here if you’re wondering what is disability insurance?) in order to protect themselves, should this happen. For disabled individuals, there are a number of things which can help to make their lives a little easier. For example, those who are visually or hearing-impaired might want a service dog to help them day to day. For that, they should look here. But a disability plate or placard is another of these things and it is needed to legally park in reserved parking spaces marked with the International Symbol of Access:
No fee is required to add a disability symbol to selected plates where indicated (other special plate fees still apply). Parking spaces marked with this symbol are only for use by a vehicle displaying a valid disability plate or placard, and only when transporting the person who was issued the plate or placard.
To obtain a disability plate or placard, applicant must have one or more of the following conditions: unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest; unable to walk without assistance from another person or from a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair or other prosthetic or assistive device; lung disease with forced respiratory, expiratory volume for one second, if measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest; uses portable oxygen; cardiac condition with Class 3 or 4 functional limitations as by American Heart Association standards; or severely limited in ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.
Disability plates are also available to organizations for vehicles primarily used to transport physically disabled persons on new and used WAVs.
Plate – Plate is assigned to one vehicle. It remains valid for as long as the medical condition continues. The applicant must be an owner on the vehicle title.
Placard – Placard is assigned to the applicant, for use in any vehicle, and may not be transferred to, or used by, another person. Permanent placard is valid for 5 years (provided the medical condition continues) and may be renewed. Temporary placard is valid for 6 months. At the end of 6 months, if the medical condition continues, a new application is required.
Some common questions . . .
– Can anyone purchase a disability plate or placard?
– What is the cost of the plate or placard?
– When will I receive my new plate or placard?
– What do I do with my old plates?
– I’m ready for a disability plate or placard. What do I do now?
Can anyone purchase a disability plate or placard?
No. Applicant must have one or more of the following conditions: unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest; unable to walk without assistance from another person or from a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair or other prosthetic or assistive device; lung disease with forced respiratory, expiratory volume for one second, if measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest; uses portable oxygen; cardiac condition with Class 3 or 4 functional limitations as by American Heart Association standards; or severely limited in ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.
Applicant must complete Application Form #96-0104, and it must be signed by a physician or hospital administrator.
Disability plates are also available to organizations for vehicles primarily used to transport physically disabled persons.
What is the cost of the plate?
No fee is required to add a disability symbol to selected plates where indicated (other special plate fees still apply).
When will I receive my new plate?
All Desert Title locations have standard issue disability plates and placards in stock, so you can take them with you the same day you apply for them.
What do I do with my old plates?
You can send your old plates back to MVD or simply discard them.
I’m ready for a disability plate or placard. What do I do now?
Just come into any Desert Title location, pick up an application and have it completed and signed by your doctor, and we will quickly take care of you. There is no appointment needed.