In the state of Arkansa, there are programs and laws put in place to protect and assist those who deal with disabilities every day. There are many people who look to these opportunities to help them commute safely and allow them to drive and use public transportation so that they can lead independent lives. A disability parking permit in the state of Arkansas allows people to benefit from this having easier access to commercial, residential and government buildings. If you’re looking to learn more about the fastest way to apply for a disability parking permit in the state of Arkansas, this guide will help you.
Who Qualifies for a Disability Parking Permit in Arkansas
If you’re interested in applying for a disability parking permit in the state of Arkansa, there are some qualifications you but meet. The state of Arkansas has different requirements than other states, so it is important to know what these qualifications are before applying. Acquiring a disability parking permit in the state of Arkansas is easy for those who need it thanks to it being a free process. This gives people who need access the necessary benefits get them without too much trouble. If you are an individual with any of the following conditions, you may apply for a disability parking permit.
An Arkansas resident with a disability that has been certified by their physician can apply for a disability parking permit. They must meet with their doctor and have them fill out the Licensed Physician’s Certification Form 10-336 to certify that the individual applying has a permanent disability. Examples of qualifying conditions include:
- Being unable to walk at least a 100 feet without stopping
- Having a restricted use of their lungs caused by lung disease, specifically with a forced expiratory volume (FEV) for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter or your arterial oxygen tension is less than 60mm/hg at rest
- Having a spinal cord injury, genetic ambulatory disorder, amputation, spina bifida, or multiple sclerosis that impairs their ability to walk
There are other general requirements and similar conditions that are eligible, but if you meet any of these qualifications, then you should look into applying for a disability parking permit. Temporary disabilities are eligible as well, as long as they meet the general or special qualifications.
Important Steps to Apply for a Disability Parking Permit
Before you head over to the Arkansas Revenue Office to apply for your disability parking permit, you should make sure to bring your social security card, driver’s license or state issued identification card with your application. They will be required to apply, and failure to bring them along will keep you from filing your application that day. You can get your hands on the Application for Persons with a Disability License Plates (Form 10-366) by going to your nearest Arkansas Revenue Office and getting a paper copy or by printing out the form from the internet.
There are two sections to fill out, the first by you and the second by your doctor. You must make an appointment with your doctor to have them fill out this portion of the form. After you complete and sign the application, you must bring it to your local Arkansas Revenue Office. The state requires you to file the form in person, which means that you must be able to physically go to the Arkansas Revenue Office.
Length of Validity for a Disability Parking Permit in Arkansas
There are two different possible validity periods that a person can be issued a disability parking permit in the state of Arkansa. These validity periods vary from other states, so it is important to be aware of when your expiration date is in the even that you must renew your placard. Individuals may be issued a temporary placard or a permanent placard.
Temporary placards are valid for up to 3 months. These placards cannot be renewed, and the person who is issued this kind of placard can only have two placards given to them. Both of these placards will have the same expiration date.
Permanent validity is available for individuals for a duration of 4 years. These individuals may renew their placard after 4 years, but they don’t need to meet with their physician to be certified again. If you receive a temporary placard, you won’t be able to renew it. Temporary placard holders will have to re-apply and be certified again by a physician.
What to Do With Your Disability Parking Permit
The best place to keep your placard after you receive it is in your car. This will help you avoid misplacing it. Once you have your placard and are ready to use it, you must know where to place it to avoid being ticketed for a parking violation or potentially have your car impounded. Individuals who are found to be in a parking space that is meant for individuals with a disability parking permit and do not have one displayed may be fined between $100 and $1000 and could potentially have their car impounded. It is very important to remember to place this placard in a visible place before leaving your vehicle in a handicap parking space.
Before you leave your car after parking in a disabled persons parking space, make sure to display your disability parking permit placard by hanging it on your rearview mirror. Alternatively, you can place your placard on your dashboard so that it can be seen from your windshield.
This placard must be visible at all times when parked in a handicap space, but the placard must be removed when driving as you can receive a ticket for having an obstruction in your windshield.
Conclusion
The fastest way to acquire a disability parking permit in the state of Arkansas is to meet with your doctor so that they can fill out the portion of the application necessary for you to be eligible to apply. Without this certification, your application will be denied. To ensure that you get through the process quickly and smoothly, set up an appointment with your doctor and head to the Arkansas Revenue Office today!