Many Americans face the challenges of dealing with disabilities and balancing a life that is functional in every way. In the state of Arkansa, this is no different. There are many individuals who depend on the measures put in place when it comes to driving and public transportation to assist them in leading independent lives. One such way is by acquiring a disability parking permit, allowing individuals who can benefit from this permit to have easier access to commercial, residential and government buildings. If you’re an individual interested in learning more about when it is a good time to apply for a disability parking permit in the state of Arkansa, this guide can help you take the necessary steps.

Who Qualifies for a Disability Parking Permit in Arkansa

If you’re one of many millions of Americans dealing with a disability then you should make a point of applying for a disability parking permit. The state of Arkansas has different requirements than other states, some more lenient in fact. This makes acquiring a disability permit in the state of Arkansas easy for those who need it, enabling them to access the necessary benefits to help them lead independent lives. If you are an individual with any of the following example conditions or something similar, you should look into applying for a disability parking permit.

In the state of Arkansas, an Arkansas resident with a disability that has been legally certified by their licensed medical doctor can apply for a disability parking permit. Their doctor must 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 individuals who:

  • Can’t walk at least a distance of 100 feet without stopping to rest
  • Have 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
  • Have a spinal cord injury, genetic ambulatory disorder, amputation, spina bifida, or multiple sclerosis that impairs their ability to walk

Other similar conditions are eligible, but if you meet any of these special circumstances or have a condition that is temporary yet serious enough to cause immobility in any way, then you should look into applying for a disability parking permit.

Important Steps to Apply for a Disability Parking Permit

When you apply for your disability parking permit in the state of Arkansa, you will need your social security number, driver license number or state issued identification card at the time of your application submission. State and federal laws require the department to hold social security numbers and medical conditions in strict confidence, but they will be required to apply.

You can get 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.

You must fill out the appropriate section and then have your physician fill out the part of the document stating your disability. After you complete and sign the application with all necessary information, you must bring it to your local Arkansas Revenue Office. Unlike with other states, you may not mail this form as you must present your proof of identification.

Length of Validity for a Disability Parking Permit in Arkansas

In the state of Arkansa, there are two different lengths of time available for a person to be issued a disability parking permit. These validity periods vary from other states. Depending on state of your condition you may be issues a temporary placard or a permanent placard. Temporary placards are valid for up to 3 months and the person who is issued this kind of placard can only have two placards given to them, both with the same expiration date. The other placard a person can receive is a permanent one with a validity period of 4 years.

People who receive a permanent placard must renew their placard after 4 years, but they don’t need to be re-certified by their physician. If you receive a temporary placard, you can’t renew it for a longer time period. If you desire a new placard, you will have to re-apply and be re-certified as needing the disability parking permit.

What to Do With Your Disability Parking Permit

Once you have received your disability parking permit it is important to place it in the correct place to avoid being ticket by traffic officers for a parking violation. The best way for you to avoid this situation is to display your disability parking permit placard by hanging it on your rearview mirror. If this is not an option, then you must place your placard on your dashboard so that it can be seen from your windshield.

This placard must be visible the entire time that you are parked in a disabled parking space. Once you are in motion, the placard must be taken down when you drive as you may also receive a ticket for having an obstruction in your view as you drive.

Can I report Handicap Parking Abuse?

Unfortunatel, there are times where parking spaces, plates, and placards for the disabled are taken advantage of by those who don’t need them. This is a legal violation and can be reported to the state of Arkansas so individuals may be held accountable for their actions.

If you suspect that someone who is not disabled is using a disability parking permit without permission, you may report them. Their vehicle may be subject to impoundment for violating parking laws and they may be required to pay a fine ranging from $100 to $500 for a first offense or $250 to $1000 for two or more offenses.

Conclusion

If you are legally disabled and are able to have your disability certified by a licensed physician, then it is a good time to apply for a disability parking permit. You must visit with a licensed physician in the state of Arkansas to receive the proper certification, and you must present your application in person, but once this process is complete, you will be on your way to receiving these benefits.