A disabled parking permit is a tool that can be quite useful for you in your day to day life. If you qualify for this permit, you are probably already facing a few challenges, but if you follow this easy guide, obtaining a permit will not be an additional challenge. If you are in the process of obtaining a disabled parking permit and you live in the state of Arizona, there are several steps that you must consider.
Do You Qualify?
The state of Arizona has a few general requirements in order for you to qualify to obtain a disabled parking permit. These include:
- You cannot walk 200 ft without rest
- You are restricted by lung disease to substantially lower expiratory volume and a low arterial oxygen tension volume.
- You are severely limited to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
- You use portable oxygen.
- You are unable to walk without the assistance of a brace, cane, assistive device, or another person.
- ● You have a cardiac condition with class 3 or 4 functional limitations as by American Heart Association Standards
- You have a disability placard from another state
- You are registered as a 100% disabled veteran
If you meet any of these conditions, you can proceed in filling out an application. Consulting a physician is recommended for this process as well, as you will need some form of documentation of certification.
How to Obtain Medical Certification
As part of the application, you will need to have a physician certify that you are medically disabled and legally qualify for the permit. So, you will need to visit a doctor in your area who is willing to examine you and certify on the paperwork that you have a disability.
If a doctor can certify that you have one of the conditions listed above you will qualify for a permit. The application process also allows you to forgo a medical certification if one of the last two conditions apply.
There is a further verification process for these last two steps, however, so make sure that you have your documentation for either of these conditions readily available.
How do you obtain and submit the paperwork?
The best way for you to obtain an application for a disabled parking permit in Arizona is online. you can download and print the application off of the AZDOT, Arizona Department of Transportations website.
The application can then be submitted by mail or you can turn it in at one of the Department of Motor Vehicles locations. Make sure that you submit all of the necessary documents. There is no application fee for disabled parking in Arizona.
After Receiving the Permit
Once you have your Arizona disabled parking permit, you need to use it accordingly. The placard is to be hung from the rearview mirror or placed on the dashboard so that it is visible to parking authorities.
The placard must be removed when driving because it can obstruct your view of the road. Make sure that you do this every time that the vehicle is in motion. You never know what can happen if you do not have a full view of your surroundings.
You also want to make sure that you understand which type of permit you have received. If you have a temporary permit, it can expire, unlike a permanent permit, however, both types of permits must be renewed.
How to Renew a Permit
A permanent placard is valid for five years, and a temporary placard is valid for 6 months. This means that you will need to sign a renewal certification in the presence of a state official every five years to receive a new permanent permit.
You will need to resubmit an application with a new certificate from a physician that qualifies you for handicapped parking when your temporary or permanent placard expires. Arizona only recognizes the validity period that is listed on the medical certificate.
This means that medical certificates, even for permanent permits may also have to be renewed.
How to Get a New Permit after Losing One
If you lose your placard at any time during its five year period, you do not need to submit another application. Instead, you need to complete and sign the application for a replacement disability access license plate and/or placard.
This paperwork needs to be submitted to the local county office and can take a period of between two and four works to be verified. Unfortunately, you will not be able to use handicapped parking spaces during this time.
Where are the Arizona County Licensing Offices Located?
Individuals in Arizona who are seeking a disabled parking permit or plates are in luck, as there are numerous County Licensing Offices available throughout the state. You will need to do some research before submitting it to any office, as you are supposed to send your application to the office that is closest to you. There is one available in every county.
Can You Report Handicapped Parking Space Abuse?
Once you have your permit, it can be frustrating to see individuals parking in the spaces you need without having a placard or permit visible. If you suspect that someone has been abusing the system, you can contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Be sure to write down the vehicle’s license plate number and a description of what you observed when making the report.
Conclusion
By following this guide, you can receive your disabled parking permit in the state of Arizona and use it correctly. Remember to keep it visible at all times when parking and to remain up to date with your renewals and physician visits.
Remember also to follow all of the laws and restrictions pertaining to the use of this permit and the road. Safety is an important issue for all motorists to consider.
Make sure that when you apply for this permit that you have all of your paperwork in order. Remember that there is no fee to apply for this permit in Arizona.