Disability Parking in Colorado

You always see the blue spots at the front of the parking lot, right by the entrance. Everyone knows that to park there, special qualifications need to be met. The only way to access these spots is to receive permission from the state. In gathering that permission, additional steps must be taken including a consultation with the doctor. It isn’t across the board, either. There are different types of disabled parking permits. Some are permanent, some need to be renewed every few years, and others are only temporary. Each state has its own rules and guidelines when it comes to who gets a parking permit and for how long. The process usually isn’t particularly difficult, but it can be time-consuming. Luckily, there are plenty of useful resources at the disposal of anyone looking for a parking permit and not wanting to waste too much time or make too many trips.

Why Does Someone Need a Disabled Parking Permit?

The answer to this question is two parts. The first part is obvious, the second part is far less obvious.

First, it’s right there in the name. If the person is physically disabled, it is hard for that person to get around. They might be on crutches because they broke their leg. Maybe this person is 83 years old and has terrible arthritis. For this reason, they should be able to park as close to the building as they can. If they acquire a disabled parking pass, they’ll be able to do that.

Second, and less obvious, have you noticed the big gap there usually is between two disabled parking spots? Look back at the picture above. You can see there is a space with blue lines crossing through it, about three feet wide between each space. This is because many vehicles that obtain disabled parking permits transport people in wheelchairs.

It can be hard enough to get out of a car if you are completely physically capable and someone parks too close to your car. You might have to squeeze, but you can manage. Someone in a wheelchair isn’t going to be able to do that. So it is important to keep in mind if you do end up getting a disabled parking permit. That doesn’t mean that you can just throw your car in the gap between disabled parking spots if they are all taken.

Why Write About Colorado Specifically?

Well, if there was a federal policy in place that applied to all states, it would not be necessary to write about any states in particular. However, this is not the case and the rules are state by state. Colorado has some of its own rules which do not overlap with other states.

There are certain factors which do apply across most states, though. These mostly deal with acquiring the permit itself. Most states will require the following:

You must have a physical disability or a respiratory problem
You must go to a doctor who will fill out a form confirming the above

Some states make it easier than other states. Where does Colorado fall on this list? The state is somewhere in the middle of the pack, on the easier side you could say. They do not make people from out of state get a temporary traveling handicap permit, for example.

House Bill 18 – 1285

A more recent development on the disabled parking front in Colorado is House Bill 18 – 1285. This bill changed one important rule regarding disabled individuals and paying for parking. Originally, disabled individuals would need to pay for parking the same as anyone else. However, this new bill makes it so certain individuals no longer need to pay for parking if they fulfill any of the following criteria, available on Colorado’s state website:

Limited fine motor control with both hands
Unable to reach a height of 48 inches off the ground due to lack of finger, hand, upper strength, mobility
Unable to access parking meter due to use of wheelchair

This rule is unique to Colorado, although it’s likely that other states will implement similar policies eventually.

What Does Colorado Consider ‘Disabled’?

Several criteria are contributing to whether or not a person can be eligible for a disabled parking permit. To be qualified you only need to meet one of these requirements.

Limited Mobility (Cannot walk more than 200 feet at once)
Assisted Mobility (Person needs a cane or other device to assist movement)
Respiratory Problems (Severe enough to limit mobility significantly)
Oxygen (Utilizing an oxygen mask)
Cardiac (More severe cardiac conditions can qualify)
Other (This covers arthritis, neurological problems, etc.)

If you do meet one of the criteria above, you’ll be able to apply for a disabled parking permit. Naturally, depending on where you fall specifically will end up determining what kind of disabled parking permit you’ll receive.

What’s a Placard?

The placard is the thing that you hang on the rearview mirror, notifying other vehicles that you have a handicapped parking permit. Police officers need to identify whether or not the vehicle is authorized, the placard makes life easier for them.

That’s an important note to make; many police like to be able to give away easy tickets. There are few tickets easier to give than if someone is parked in a handicap parking spot without a permit. It is important not to park in a disabled parking spot without a permit, and if you do have a permit make sure your placard is hanging and in clear view.

The placard will be provided by the state, and if you ever need a replacement you can order one through the state’s website.

Conclusion

Colorado is not much different than any state when it comes to acquiring a disabled parking permit. The criteria they have does not diverge much, if at all. The only notable difference is the result of the recent House Bill 18 – 1285. If you are seeking to get a disabled parking permit in Colorado, a lot of the process can be done online at the state’s website, linked above. It is important, upon acquiring a permit, that you follow the rules associated with it or risk losing it.

How to Get a Disabled Parking Permit in Colorado

Depending on where you live in the United States, the process of getting a disabled parking permit varies. It can even vary between counties and municipalities. It can sometimes be unclear what specific steps need to be taken to acquire a disabled parking permit. Further, it might be unclear what the requirements are to even qualify for a permit. This article will detail how to get your hands on a disabled parking permit in Colorado. Also, there are some useful resources on the Internet which can offer additional information.

Qualifying

The first important question that you should be asking if you are considering a disabled parking permit is: am I allowed to get one? Certain criteria must be met before you can begin the process of acquiring a permit. In Colorado, to get a permit one of the following things must be true:

Cannot walk more than 200 feet without needing a break
Require a wheelchair, cane, prosthetic, etc.
Arterial oxygen tension less than 60mm/hg at rest
Need to use an oxygen apparatus
You have a class III or IV cardiac condition
Arthritis or another, similar condition is limiting your ability to walk significantly

DMV

What you’ll want to do next is pay a visit to your local Motor Vehicle Agency.

There, you’ll be able to get your hands on a form labeled DR2219. This form needs to be filled out and submitted.

Physician’s Approval

You won’t be able to get a disabled parking permit without receiving approval from a medical professional. You can go to your doctor and let him or her know that you are attempting to acquire a permit. The doctor will be able to run the associated tests to determine whether or not you qualify.

Remember the DR2219 form mentioned above? Don’t forget to bring this to your doctor’s appointment. There is a section of the form that must be filled out by a physician. Virtually any physician licensed to practice medicine in Colorado or a nearby state will be able to get you a permit, potentially a permanent one. Doctors like physical therapists can also provide permits, but these will likely only be temporary.

Classification

During your doctor’s visit, they are going to give your permit a classification. This will be based on their examination, what they find will determine the classification of your permit. There are 4 types of classifications.

Permanent disability (lifetime condition such as paralysis)
Extended disability (doctor expects the condition to last more than 30 months)
Temporary disability (doctor expects the condition to last less than 30 months)
Short-term disability (90 days or less)

Back to Paperwork

At this point in the process, if you have been approved by a physician and they have assisted you in filling out your DR2219 form, there will be more paperwork to fill out.

You’re going to want to apply for handicap license plates and a placard. In filling out the paperwork you’ll need to identify the classification you were given by your physician. The classification will determine how many sets of plates you are eligible and how many placards. Every classification will get you entitled to at least one pair of plates and one placard, even if you don’t have a vehicle. Only the ‘short-term’ classification will not be enough for you to get plates.

Once the paperwork is done, head back to the DMV to get all of that submitted. You’ll need to come equipped with multiple forms of identification. In addition, make sure you have the title of your vehicle or your registration. You mustn’t forget to bring all of the required documents.

If you’ve gotten the physician’s approval and filled out the DR2219 form, you should be all set to get your parking permit.

Renewal

Similar to most other states in the US, if you wish to get a renewal on your plates or placard, you’ll need to set up another appointment with your doctor. Naturally, your classification will determine how often you need to renew. Most classifications require renewal every three years, although there are exceptions.

FAQ

Do I need to go to the DMV in person?

Yes, but you can apply for the permit through the mail. Everything else needs to be verified in person.

If I have a permit, do I still need to pay for parking?

Yes, you will still need to pay, unless you meet special criteria with regards to House Bill 18 – 1285 which is listed here.

Is there a time limit on handicapped parking spots?

No, there is no time limit. Now, you don’t want to go and abuse that and leave your car there for days at a time. But you can leave it as long as it needs to be there.

Will I get in trouble if I abuse my privileges?

Of course, you will, and breaking some of the rules which are detailed in the paperwork you will receive and be noted on the placard most likely can result in a fine of up to $5,000.

What if someone steals my placard or plates?

If this happens to you, you should notify the police immediately and subsequently notify the DMV. They will be able to issue you new plates and placards, but they’ll want you to have filed a police report.

Conclusion

Colorado is not much different than most states in terms of acquiring a disabled parking permit. You could put this state in the middle of the pack in terms of difficulty; there are states where it is easier and states where it’s more strict.

The most crucial part of the process is going to be receiving approval from your physician. If you qualify according to the qualifications listed above, you won’t have much trouble getting your hands on your permit. It might take some time for the state to process all of your information and paperwork, but that would be true in any state.

Once you receive doctors approval, the extent of finishing the process will just be to show up at the DMV which can be a pain in the neck, but a few hours at the DMV is worth it if you need the permit.

Disabled Parking Guide for Colorado

Perhaps you are planning a trip to Colorado and you would like some clarification on their rules regarding handicapped parking. Or, maybe you were recently injured and you are going to be acquiring a disabled parking permit and would like to know some of the rules associated with it and what to expect. Each state varies, generally, although some are more unlike the rest. California, for example, has some rules specific only to that state. In Colorado that is not the case. The state follows similar rules to most other states.

Travelers

If you are on vacation from another state, you are going to have no problems accessing handicap parking spaces in Colorado. That is, as long as your permit is valid in the state where it was issued. If you have a permit that you acquired in Iowa, but it expired 4 months ago, you are as invalid in Colorado as you were in Iowa.

Some states require you to register for a travelers permit at a department of motor vehicles. Many of the states that require this will also allow you to do it online, making things a little bit easier. Luckily for you, Colorado does not require a traveler’s permit.

Parking Lots

Perhaps you would like to get a better idea of what the layout is going to be in the parking lots in Colorado. Will you be able to access disabled parking spaces anywhere in the state? Will every business have at least a spot or two for you to be able to access?

The answer to both of those questions is yes. However, this is not a unique aspect of Colorado. You see, many of the rules associated with handicap parking are determined by the state. That is why there can be a bit of variance between two states, and something everyone should be careful about.

When it comes to businesses having handicap accessible parking, this is not a state rule, but a federal rule. According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), any business or public facility must have handicap parking spaces proportional to the total number of parking spaces available. If the parking lot fits 1 to 25 cars, then there will need to be at least one accessible handicap parking space as well as one van-accessible handicap parking space. Van-accessible means that there is room beside the spot so a person in a wheelchair can get into and out of their vehicle. If the lot holds 26 to 50 cars, it requires two accessible spots and one van-accessible. It goes on like that, as the lots get bigger they require more accessible and van-accessible spots. Since this is a federal law, it applies to every state in the country so you can expect at least two spaces minimum anywhere you go.

Acquiring

If you are looking to acquire a permit in the state of Colorado, it is pretty straightforward. There aren’t a whole lot of hoops you need to jump through. Here is a great resource you’ll be able to utilize to get your permit a little bit easier.

Anytime you need to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles, you may potentially be setting yourself up for a pretty bad day. Most people have had a bad experience at the DMV. Some people have only had bad experiences at the DMV. Perhaps you needed 6 points of identification but you only remembered to bring 5 points. Maybe someone who was helping you out was rude. Maybe the place was crowded and you ended up being there for 4 hours when it should’ve only taken about 20 minutes. Regardless, applying online is going to be the best move in terms of expediency and efficiency.

Online

There has never been an easier time to go through the acquiring process for a disabled parking permit. The Internet is the primary reason for this. Every step required to get your permit can now be completed online. You’ll even be able to get a doctor to evaluate your medical records over the computer or your smartphone. If you need to speak to a doctor, they are available via video chat. Most will be able to determine whether or not you are eligible through this video call. You can be sure that your information will be kept safe, it is a very secure process. Finally, the forms and documents will be emailed over to the DMV. You don’t even need to go there!

This type of convenience is great for everyone. It is especially great for someone who has some type of disability where it is extremely difficult to get around. Online registration for a disabled parking permit probably makes the most sense for the most people.

Paying for Parking

There is one part of Colorado that sets it apart from many other states due to a house bill that was passed a few years ago. This new law determined that if a person has a certain set of disabilities, they will not have to pay for parking. You need to get additional clearance from the state to have access to this type of permit. It is only available for people whose disability makes it hard enough for them to access parking meters. There are a few other factors involved. Most states do not offer this option to people who have disabled parking permits.

If you are interested in finding out if you are eligible for this special permit, you will probably want to bring it up to your doctor during the consultation to determine your likelihood of acquiring a parking permit. If the doctor agrees that you should be able to get that special permit which exempts you from paying parking fees, there will be some additional paperwork to submit to the DMV.

Conclusion

Most of the rules in Colorado are similar to the rules in other states when it comes to handicap parking privileges and how to acquire them. The most notable difference is that Colorado has the option for a special parking permit that makes parking free to the people who qualify for it. Either way, registering online is probably the best way to go about it.

Disabled Parking in Colorado FAQ

Over the past decade, and even before that, Colorado has become one of the most popular destinations in the United States. People are flooding into Denver, more and more each year. Universities in Colorado continue to increase in popularity, businesses are increasingly choosing the state as a base of operations, and there are plenty of reasons for this. It has some of the most beautiful scenery not only in the country, but in the entire world. The Rocky Mountains are magnificent and they run all through the state. The canyons and the red rocks create some of the most breath-taking views you’ll ever see.

With all of these factors taken into consideration, perhaps you are considering moving to Colorado, or maybe you are just visiting, or maybe you already moved there. Now, you are looking to get your hands on a disabled parking permit. What you’ll find is that Colorado is similar to a lot of the other states in terms of how permits are acquired, as well as some of the rules that need to be followed and the rules for out-of-state individuals.

If I am just visiting the state, will my out-of-state permit work?

Yes, Colorado does not require visitors to get a special type of disabled parking permit for their stay in the state. Regardless of what state you are coming from, the permit is still going to be honored. If you are moving to Colorado permanently, then you will need a new permit because moving out of your former state causes the permit to be voided.

Do I need to be in a wheelchair to get a permit?

No. If you are in a wheelchair there is an almost guaranteed likelihood that you’ll be able to get a disabled parking permit. However, it is far from the only way to be deemed eligible.

What are the other ways to be eligible?

There are a few different types of permits, but generally speaking it can be broken into two categories: long-term and short-term. To get a long-term parking pass you need to have some sort of long term condition that makes walking over 200 feet very difficult. It needs to be confirmed by a doctor as well. The condition can be a physical disability and it can also be a condition with the lungs. Respiratory problems can make it very hard for people to get around, even very short distances.

When it comes to short-term permits, these are the type that are acquired due to injury usually. If you break an ankle and you’ll be in a cast for 4 weeks, you’ll be able to get a short-term parking permit. The short-term permits are available for anything that will be less than 90 days.

Where do I begin the process?

The first thing you will want to do is either apply with the state for the permit, or go see your doctor to get clearance. You can also do all of this online. If you decide to do the doctor consultation first, make sure that you tell them your intentions. They are going to need to fill out a part of a form in order for the state to clear you for the permit.

Is doing it online safe?

When it comes to this type of online activity, these networks are very secure and so yes, it is safe. People are increasingly engaging in online consultations with doctors. For this reason, there is some risk in personal information getting out. However, due to the liability on the end of the doctors, they are sure to use the most secure networks possible.

Can my parents or spouse use the permit?

Yes, but only if you are in the car. They cannot take the permit with them for the day and use it as though it is their own. If they do that and they are caught, they will be in the same violation as someone with no permit at all.

If you are disabled and your spouse is the person who gets you around, then they can absolutely use your parking permit in their vehicle while you are inside.

If I am temporarily disabled, can I just use the spots?

No matter what, you need to have some sort of permit to use the disabled parking spots. Even if you broke your leg and you have a giant cast, and you obviously should be allowed to use one of the spots, it doesn’t matter. You must go and get a short-term parking pass before you can start parking in these spots.

What happens if I park in the space without a permit?

It probably would not be worth trying it, even if you are just running into a store for a few minutes. A police officer probably isn’t going to have much sympathy for you if you are using one of these spots when you don’t have to and are not authorized.

The fine that you get can be anywhere from a couple hundred dollars all the way up to five thousand dollars. You might even need to do some community service. Usually the more severe punishments are for repeat offenders. Also, consider the fact that someone might show up who actually needs the spot. It’s best to leave the spots for the people who really need them and are allowed to use them legally.

Do I need to pay for parking?

Most people with disabled parking permits are still going to need to pay for parking. If you have a short-term parking permit, you definitely need to pay for parking. However, a recent law that was passed makes it so people who have more severe disabilities do not need to pay for parking. This is only if it is determined by a licensed physician that accessing the parking meter is sufficiently difficult for them that they will be exempt from paying for parking.

Can I use my placard in any car that I own?

Yes, your parking privileges apply to you whether you are in one of your cars or another. Some families have multiple cars so whichever one you are using will be authorized.

Handicap Parking Penalties in Colorado

Is it really that important to park close to the building that you would be willing to park in a handicap spot without credentials to do so? There are some people who look at disabled parking spots and see those as a privilege. They are hardly a privilege; more so a fair and justified solution to a problem. There are people who have a very hard time getting around. Some of these people find themselves in wheelchairs, perhaps bound to a wheelchair all of their lives. Other people are old and have respiratory problems and cannot sustain themselves for long periods of time. And some are physically capable at almost all times, but are dealing with a short-term condition or injury such as a broken leg.

Regardless what the issue is, those people maintain a medical justification for their use of handicap parking spaces. If you are someone who is simply in a rush, that does not mean that taking a disabled parking spot is the right move. What many people fail to understand is how much of an ordeal it can be for certain handicapped people to get in and out of the car. Those spots are designed strategically, with plenty of space between them so there will be more ease getting into and out of the vehicle. If you take the spot simply to be closer to the door of the building, you are doing a disservice to the people who actually need the space.

As far as the police are concerned, plenty of them are probably happy to see someone violate this law. What could be easier for them? They are able to give away a ticket, one that can vary in price but for the most part it will be over 100 dollars. That money goes right to the city or state. Plus, they don’t even need to speak to you and deal with you fighting them about it. You’ll go into the store, get what you need to get, and when you return to your car, you’ll find a ticket on the windshield. It is as simple as that. This is worth taking into consideration when you are considering parking in one of these spots without the proper credentials.

It is important to note as well that simply having some sort of disability that would qualify you for a permit is not enough to take a handicap spot. You need to have a placard or a license plate or both. The only way to acquire either of those things is to apply for it with the state. It is going to require some paperwork to be filled out and you will need to get the approval of a licensed physician. In Colorado, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a physician within the state, it can be from a neighboring state as well. Also, Colorado does not require individuals to apply for a travel permit. In other words, if you are from Montana, for example, but you find yourself in Colorado, your parking permit is still valid despite the fact that it is from another state. Not all states have a situation like this, some require you to fill out paperwork for the new state resulting in a traveler’s permit.

So, if you have broken your leg and you think that you can now park in a disabled parking spot, you are correct but only if you take the proper steps to acquire the permit. If you think that the cast on your leg is enough to qualify you for the spot, you would be mistaken.

Violations

It depends where you are in Colorado, as well as the police officer’s discretion to determine the severity of the punishment if your vehicle is discovered to be in a handicap parking space without proper credentials.

The first and most obvious violation is that you are going to get a fine. The fine is reliant upon several factors including where the spot is, whether or not you have an expired permit, how long the car is there, and where you are in the state. For example, fines are a bit less punishing in Denver, Colorado. Generally speaking, in Denver the fine will be anywhere from $100 to $250. There are times where the fine will exceed $250, but usually that is about as high as it goes. There are other places in the state, however, where under a collection of circumstances you might find yourself paying up to $5,000. So, in an effort to save a little bit of time, you’ll find yourself a few thousand dollars poorer.

If you have a parking permit but it has expired, usually police officers will be a bit more lenient when it comes to the fine. However, it is a case by case basis. It also depends how recently the permit expired. If it was two days ago, you can expect the cop to go easy. If it’s been a few months, you probably won’t be so lucky.

It is also important to remember that if you are, for example, the spouse of someone who has handicap parking privileges, you can only park in those spots if that person is with you. If you are out driving alone, but you are not the person who needs the parking spot, you can be facing a fine.

Finally, in more severe cases or for repeat offenders, community service is a possibility as well. This will be in addition to the fine that you receive, and if the judge determines that community service is in order, you can probably assume that the fine is going to be a big one. If you have an expired placard and you fail to renew it for a long enough time, you might have it revoked altogether. Finally, if you move out of the state of Colorado permanently, your handicap parking permit is no longer valid.

Conclusion

Taking a handicap parking space from someone who needs it is inconsiderate enough. It makes life a lot more difficult for certain people, especially those requiring a wheelchair. That should probably be enough cause to not do it in the first place. But if that isn’t enough, it would be best to keep in mind that the fines for violating these rules can be pretty steep.