Traveling can be challenging for anyone, especially those needing extra accommodations. The terms of placards have been made to accommodate these needs. When understanding how handicapped parking permits work, it’s essential to have all the information at hand. One crucial aspect to consider is the need to carry your handicap placard while traveling. More importantly, traveling the states with an out-of-state handicap placard. This placard serves as undeniable proof from your state that you have a disability and require accommodations.
Flying
When traveling, remember to bring your handicap placard to demonstrate your need for accommodations. This provides guaranteed proof from your state that you are a disabled person and will allow for the proper aid. Suppose you feel uncomfortable bringing your placard or are worried you may lose it. In that case, you can always request a temporary travel permit in the state you fly to (except for international trips). These permits are free and do not require a doctor’s signature, assuming you have a valid placard.
Driving/Parking
All 50 states generally allow for the use of a handicap placard from another state. However, there are exceptions to this that vary per state. It is important to research the state(s) you plan to travel to/through/in and contact the local authorities or DMV to ask about their specific rules.
Can I use my handicap placard in a rental car?: Yes, your placard allows you to transfer between vehicles. This includes rental cars, friends, family, and taxis (if needed).
Consequences
It is illegal to park in a designated handicap parking space without a proper handicap parking permit or license plate. Penalties for violations vary from state to state but can include fines of several hundred dollars or more, community service, and other penalties imposed by the authorities.
State by State
Have you ever wondered, “Can I use my handicap placard in another state?” we’re here to answer you. Yes!
Generally, all 50 states allow disability placards from other states. However, there may be exceptions to this rule that vary per state. It is important to research the specific rules of the state(s) you intend to travel to and contact the local authorities or Department of Motor Vehicles to inquire about their specific regulations regarding out-of-state handicap placards. Below we’ve compiled a list of the major differences within states to the benefits of handicapped parking placards. Although this list offers a concise overview, it’s always best to double-check the rules yourself, as they may be subject to change or have additional requirements. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure a hassle-free experience while traveling with your handicap placard.
Alabama: Any US state can park with its placard.
Alaska: Any US state can park with its placard. All parking must be paid for, and the timing is strict to what is posted.
Arizona: Any US state can park with its placard.
Arkansas: Any US state can park with its placard.
California: Most areas require a disabled visitor to have a 90-day travel placard from the California DMV. Offers free and meter-exempt parking for unlimited time (normally not exceeding 24 hours). This includes green curbs (time-limited) and residential parking areas.
Colorado: Any US state can park with its placard. Parking varies by city. It is recommended that you contact the local authorities to discuss restrictions.
Connecticut: Any US state can park with its placard. You must pay for all parking but without time limits.
Delaware: Any US state can park with its placard.
Florida: Any US state can park with its placard. Metered parking is free for the first 4 hours, and free parking in most lots is permitted (look at specific lot rules).
Georgia: Any US state can park with its placard.
Hawaii: Any US state can park with its placard. You can park at metered parking for 2.5 hours or the maximum time allotted, whichever is longer. Payment is still required.
Idaho: Any US state can park with its placard. Metered parking is free without a time limit; free parking will vary by lot.
Illinois: Any US state can park with its placard. Parking meters are free of charge without a time limit, except for areas of 30 minutes or less.
Indiana: Any US state can park with its placard.
Iowa: Any US state can park with its placard.
Kansas: Any US state can park with its placard. Parking meters are free of charge for a maximum of 24 hours.
Kentucky: Any US state can park with its placard. You get an extra 2 hours longer than the maximum time allotted.
Louisiana: Any US state can park with its placard.
Maine: Any US state can park with its placard. You can part at metered parking for free up to twice the maximum time allotted.
Maryland: Any US state can park with its placard. Metered parking is free of charge for up to twice the time allotted, not exceeding 4 hours.
Massachusetts: Any US state can park with its placard. Some areas require payment at metered parking, while others are free of charge (check locally if the area you travel to is exempt).
Michigan: Any US state can park with its placard.
Minnesota: Any US state can park with its placard. You can park for free in metered parking spots unrestricted by time unless specified.
Mississippi: Any US state can park with its placard.
Missouri: Any US state can park with its placard.
Montana: Any US state can park with its placard.
Nebraska: Any US state can park with its placard.
Nevada: Any US state can park with its placard. Parking needs to be paid for and within the hours/time given.
New Hampshire: Any US state can park with its placard. Metered parking is free, but the timing varies by city.
New Jersey: Any US state can park with its placard (not New York City Streets). You must pay metered parking; however, you can exceed the time limit if you pay the maximum fee.
New Mexico: Any US state can park with its placard.
New York: Any US state can park with its placard. Parking on NYC streets is prohibited by any placard holder who does not have a specific parking permit.
North Carolina: Any US state can park with its placard. You are given unlimited time on time-restricted street parking.
North Dakota: Any US state can park with its placard.
Ohio: Any US state can park with its placard. You get an extra 2 hours exceeding the parking period permitted.
Oklahoma: Any US state can park with its placard.
Oregon: Any US state can park with its placard. Parking is allowed without a time limit on roads and metered spots for free.
Pennsylvania: Any US state can park with its placard. You are allotted an extra hour to the maximum time allowed.
Rhode Island: Any US state can park with its placard.
South Carolina: Any US state can park with its placard. Metered free parking is granted, with no limit on time.
South Dakota: Any US state can park with its placard. You can park in time-limited spots without the time restriction.
Tennessee: Any US state can park with its placard. You can park at metered parking spots for free and without a time limit.
Texas: Any US state can park with its placard. You can park free of charge in metered parking spots without a time limit.
Utah: Any US state can park with its placard. You can park in metered spots free of charge for reasonable amounts of time.
Vermont: Any US state can park with its placard.
Virginia: Any US state can park with its placard. You can park free of charge for 4 hours in metered spots and time-restricted road spots.
Washington: Any US state can park with its placard. You can park anywhere free of charge for the maximum stated time.
West Virginia: Any US state can park with its placard. You may park for unlimited time for street parking where there is a maximum.
Wisconsin: Any US state can park with its placard. You can park anywhere on the road with time-limited parking (30 minutes or more) for unlimited time (a 24-hour maximum is generally enforced).
Wyoming: Any US state can park with its placard.
As this list summarizes the main rules for traveling to each state with your placard, you should always check yourself. Additionally, you can print and use the document linked below so officers know you are a visitor. This notice explains that your placard is out of state. It does not replace a handicap parking placard or valid documentation that you are disabled.
Display: Window Parking Notice + Valid Placard on your window
The exception to these is a disabled ISA (International Symbol of Access – which means there is a handicap symbol) license plate. These plates allow parking within any state as they cannot be transferred easily from car to car.
Need a Placard/Plate?
To obtain a handicap parking permit, the process usually begins by consulting with your primary healthcare provider. They can guide you on the specific requirements and determine if your condition qualifies for a permit. Your healthcare provider will also be responsible for submitting a letter or completing the necessary forms to verify your illness or disability. So, it’s essential to ensure their support in advance. HandicappedParking.com can ensure this part of the process is handled for you; you only need to complete a questionnaire and meet over the phone with one of our trusted doctors.
After consulting with your healthcare provider, you will need to visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or local tax collector office. Depending on your state, you can apply for the permit online or schedule an appointment with DMV staff. In either case, you must complete paperwork outlining your situation and provide official medical documentation as supporting evidence.
It is important to note that the fees associated with obtaining a handicapped parking permit can vary across states. While some states may offer placards free of charge, others may require a nominal fee (the most we’ve seen is $38; most often, these fees are $5-15).
Taking these steps – consulting with your healthcare provider, understanding the process through your state’s DMV website, and being prepared with the required paperwork and medical documentation – will aid you in obtaining a handicap parking permit.
So what are you waiting for? We’ll complete the entire process for you; all we need from you is a bit of information and some of your time.
