How Do You Get A Disabled Parking Permit in Maine?

Getting a disabled parking permit in the United States can be confusing because there are various laws and guidelines for every state. There are multiple factors you have to consider when finding out where to start – including your state, county, reference, specific disability, and more. If are ready to start the process for getting a disabled parking permit in Maine, you should start by following the steps in this guide.

Do You Qualify?

Since there are certain guidelines that are specific to every state, it is important to know what qualifications you need to obtain a permit unique in Maine. Before starting the process to receive one, you have to confirm that you meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • You cannot walk 200 feet without rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, assistance from another person, or an assistive device.
  • You have lung disease to such an extent that your forced expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter when measured by a spirometer.
  • You use portable oxygen
  • You have a cardiac condition that limits your functions to the extent that they are classified as Class III or class IV in severity according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • Your ability to walk is severely impaired due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.
  • You are recovering from childbirth (temporary placard only):
    • For a cesarean delivery, a temporary placard is only valid for 1 week after you get it
    • For the birth of preterm infant, a temporary placard is valid for up to 6 months

Agencies and organizations that transport disabled clients or patients could also be able to receive a handicap placard.

Where To Turn In Your Application

You can get the Application for Disability Plates/Placards by going to your nearest Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office or you can print the form from their website – there is no fee required.

You will need a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse to fill out sections of the application with the necessary information and sign it in the respective field. Then you will have to fill out the remaining parts of the application and sign where you have to as well. Once you complete the application, you can submit it by using any of the following methods:

  • Bringing it in to your local BMV Office
  • Through fax: 207-624-9204
  • Mailing it to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at:

Disability Clerk

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

If you’re applying for plates, you’ll have to send a copy of your current registration with your application.

How To Use Your Placard

The placard must always be displayed by hanging it from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in a designated space. You cannot drive with the placard hanging up on the mirror because it could get in the way of your view while you are driving.

A vehicle displaying a permanent placard, a temporary placard or a disability registration plate may park in a parking area with a meter without a charge, and can park a length of time that is not more than twice of the time limit allowed.

A person may park in a disability parking space with an access aisle when a disabled person needs the access aisle to enter or exit the vehicle or when no other disability parking space is available. The vehicle must display a disability parking plate or placard, and must be transporting a disabled person. No vehicle should ever be parked in a way that blocks an aisle.

Misuse of an access aisle is considered a traffic infraction and is subject to a fine of $200.00 or more.

How To Renew Your Permit

You have to update or confirm your contact and mailing information with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles every time your handicap placard expires and when your driver’s license or state identification card expires. You will also have to complete the top section of the form you initially completed to receive the placard. 

A blue placard is a permanent placard given to individuals with a permanent condition and red placards are issued to people for up to 6 months for a temporary condition.

Maine handicap plates and placards need to be renewed by the expiration date on the plate or placard and can be done by mail.

Replacing A Lost Placard

If your placard gets stolen or you discover that it is lost, it is quick and easy to receive a replacement. Simply contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or visit your nearest Motor Vehicle Branch office for a rnew one. Your application must be on file and current with BMV. The expiration date of the new replacement placard will be the same as the old placard you had.

Where Are The Maine BMV Offices?

There are many BMV Offices throughout the state and you should have no trouble finding one. They offer a variety of services, including driver license services, disabled parking permits, registration and title transactions, license plate renewals, etc. Here are a few locations and phone numbers for reference, but you should find the location closest to you.

  • Augusta
    19 Anthony Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330
    207-287-3330
  • Bangor
    Airport Mall, 1129 Union Street, Suite 9, Bangor, ME 04401
    207-942-1319
  • Calais
    23 Washington Street, Suite 2, Calais, ME 04619
    207-454-2175
  • Caribou
    14 Access Highway, Suite 2, Caribou, ME 04736
    207-492-9141
  • Ellsworth
    24 Church Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
    207-667-9363
  • Kennebunk
    63 Portland Road, Suite 4, Kennebunk, ME 04043
    207-985-4890
  • Lewiston
    36 Mollison Way, Lewiston, ME 04240
    207-753-7750
  • Portland
    125 Presumpscot Street, Unit 4, Portland, ME 04103
    207-822-6400

Report Handicapped Parking Space Abuse

There seems to be many cases of people who aren’t eligible for handicap parking misusing handicap parking spaces, plates, and placards, and you can report them. Misuse of disability and access parking spaces are considered traffic violations, and when they are abused, the abuser could be subject of a fine of at least $200. You can report handicap and disability parking abuse by contacting local authorities and property owners.

Conclusion

If you are looking into getting a handicap accessible placard, following these steps will definitely help you through the process.

For additional information regarding the issuance of disability plates and disability parking placards in the State of Maine, contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 (extension 52149) or by email at [email protected]

How Do You Get Disabled Access As A Veteran in Maine And What Should You Not Do?

Disabled Parking for Veterans

Disabled Veteran Plates are available to Maine resident veterans with a 100% service-connected disability awarded to them by the Veterans Administration.

The parking version of the Disabled Veteran plate will allow you to use parking spaces designated for those with a disability, as well as park for free in metered spots. Disabled veterans can also be exempt from driver license and title fees. You may need to provide verifying documentation for these exemptions.

Maine veterans and active military personnel are eligible for a veteran designation on a driver’s license or state ID card, in the form of an American flag with the word “Veteran” beneath it. In order to get a license with this designation, you must have received an honorable discharge, or currently be serving, and be able to verify your honorable discharge.

To apply, you must go to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle Main Office or enter a mailing request. You will have to show them a copy of your registration and a letter from the Veterans Administration.

  • Main Office
    101 Hospital Street
    Augusta, ME 04333-0029
  • Mailing Address
    Bureau of Motor Vehicles
    Registration Unit
    29 State House Station
    Augusta, ME 04333

If it is determined that you are qualified, you will be exempt from paying the registration fee. You will always need to renew the plate by the expiration date.

What Does It Mean to Have A Disability?

 A person with a disability is a person who has a disability that impairs their ability to walk and has been certified by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse, to the extent that the person:

  • Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • Cannot walk without a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, help from another person, or another assistive device.
  • Is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced expiratory volume for one second is less than 1 liter when it is measured by spirometry.
  • Uses portable oxygen.
  • Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class 3 or Class 4 according to standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Is severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition
  • Is recovering from childbirth – either cesarean or premature.

Illegal Parking in Disabled Parking Spaces or Access Aisles

A person who is a registered owner of a vehicle at the time that vehicle is involved in a violation automatically commits a traffic infraction themselves. A registered owner includes a person issued a dealer or transporter registration plate.

  • Anyone who observes a violation can report the violation to a law enforcement officer. If a report is made, the observer will report the time and the location of the violation, the registration plate number, and a description of the vehicle involved. The officer shall initiate an investigation of the reported violation and, if possible, contact the registered owner of the motor vehicle involved and ask the registered owner to supply information.
  • The investigating officer may cause the registered owner of the vehicle to be served with a summons for the violation.
  • It is not a defense to a violation that a registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. 
  • The following are defenses that can be used for a violation of this kind.
    1. If a person other than the owner was driving the vehicle at the time of the violation, then the registered owner may not be found in violation of this subsection.
    2. If the registered owner is a lessor of vehicles and at the time of the violation the vehicle was in the possession of a lessee, and the lessor provides the investigating officer with a copy of the lease agreement proving it, then the lessee and not the lessor may be charged.
    3. If the vehicle is operated using a dealer or transporter registration plate and at the time of the violation the vehicle was being driven by any person other than the dealer or transporter, and the dealer or transporter provides the investigating officer with the name and address of the person who was driving the vehicle at the time of the violation, then that person and not the dealer or transporter may be charged.
    4. If a report that the vehicle was stolen is given to a law enforcement officer or agency before the violation occurs or within a reasonable time after the violation occurs, then the registered owner may not be charged.

A person who violates this subsection is subject to a fine between $200 and $500. 

Using Another’s Person Placard

A person who does not have a disability and is not part of an organization transporting a person with a disability using a disability registration plate or a windshield placard commits a traffic infraction and is subject to a penalty between $100 and $500. The disability registration plates or removable windshield placard may be suspended for improper use and a second immediate violation like this one is a Class E crime and the fine may be doubled.

 Parking at meters

A vehicle that exhibits a permanent placard, a temporary placard or a disability registration plate may park at a parking area with a meter without a charge and may park a length of time that does not exceed twice the limit otherwise allowed.

Altering Your Placard

A person who alters the expiration date of a disability placard commits a traffic infraction and is subject to a penalty in between $100 and $500.

Conclusion

If you are looking into getting a handicap accessible placard, following these steps will definitely help you through the process.

For additional information regarding the issuance of disability plates and disability parking placards in the State of Maine, contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 (extension 52149) or by email at [email protected].

What Should You Know About Disabled Parking in Maine?

What Does It Mean to Be A Person With A Disability?

 A person with a disability is a person who has a disability that impairs their ability to walk and has been certified by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse, to the extent that the person:

  • Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • Cannot walk without a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, help from another person, or another assistive device.
  • Is restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced expiratory volume for one second is less than 1 liter when it is measured by spirometry.
  • Uses portable oxygen.
  • Has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class 3 or Class 4 according to standards set by the American Heart Association
  • Is severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition
  • Is recovering from childbirth. 

These are the qualifications for people to be eligible for disabled parking in Maine.

Disability Registration Plates

Disability registration plates must have the International Symbol of Access on them in a color that contrasts with the background and it has to be the same size as the letters or numbers on the plate.

Disability registration plates can be given to all of the following groups: a person with a disability, an organization or agency in Maine that transports people with disabilities, and a vehicle owner, under these conditions:

  • They are the spouse, parent or legal guardian of a person with a disability.
  • The disabled person lives with the vehicle owner in Maine.
  • The vehicle owner is the disabled person’s main source of transportation.

Removable windshield placards 

A removable windshield placard is a 2-sided permit that hangs from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked. A removable windshield placard can be issued to a person with a disability or an organization or agency in Maine that transports persons with disabilities. The placard must meet all of the following requirements:

  • The placard must be hanging from the rearview mirror so that it can be seen from the front and rear of the vehicle when the vehicle is using an accessible parking spot. The windshield placard must be removed from the rearview mirror when you are driving.
  • If the vehicle does not have a rearview mirror, the placard must be displayed on the dashboard.
  • The placard must be blue with white print and have the International Symbol of Access on it
  • The placard has to have the permit number, the expiration date, and the seal of the Secretary of State.
  • For organizations or agencies, the placard must be green with white print and have the same information, except that the name of the organization must appear along with the expiration date that will be pre-determined. 
  • A windshield placard can be used when the person with a disability is a passenger, the operator, or when the driver of the vehicle is waiting for a service to be rendered to the person with a disability. 

Motorcycles

A person with a disability who has registered a motorcycle will be issued a disability plate as a registration plate. The registration plate has to have the International Symbol of Access on it, which must be in a color that contrasts with the background and must be the same size as the letters or numbers on the plate.

Temporary placards

A temporary placard is a 2-sided permit that hangs from the rearview mirror while the vehicle is parked. The temporary placard must meet all of these requirements:

  • An application for a temporary placard must be accompanied by the certificate of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse confirming that their disability exists and impacts them to the extent they claim it does.
  • A temporary placard is not valid for more than 6 months. There is priority consideration given to requests for temporary placards.
  • A temporary placard issued immediately after the birth of a child is only valid for one week after a cesarean section delivery and the amount of time it is valid after a premature baby is born is determined by the mother’s physician.
  • The placard must be red with white print and have the International Symbol of Access on it and the placard must contain the permit number, the expiration date appointed by the physician, and the seal of the Secretary of State. 
  • During the period for which it is valid, a temporary placard has the same privileges and restrictions as a disability windshield placard.

Parking permit 

A person with a disability will receive a 21-day parking permit while they are waiting to receive a disability registration plate or placard and can choose a specific licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse to be authorized to issue such a permit. The Secretary of State will determine the requirements for an agent to be authorized. The 21-day parking permit must be displayed so that it can be seen from the front of the vehicle whenever you are parked in a handicap accessible parking spot.

Temporary agents are not allowed to charge a fee for issuing a 21-day parking permit for a person with a disability.

Disability Parking Restrictions

A law enforcement officer can enforce disability parking restrictions. The State Police will enforce disability parking restrictions at service facilities along the Maine Turnpike and on the interstate highway system. A person commits a traffic infraction if they park in a spot designated to be handicap accessible and has not been issued or is not transporting a person who has been issued a disability registration plate or a removable windshield placard in Maine or another state.

A person also commits a traffic infraction if they park in an access aisle, whether the person has a disability registration plate or placard or not. A person who does this is subject to a fine of between $200 and $500.

Maine Disability Permits – How to Get One

When you have a disability, finding ways to make your daily life a little easier can make a big difference. When you visit a new place in your town, knowing you have access to handicap parking can make the experience more enjoyable. You won’t have to travel as far to get to the front door. You’ll also have space to get in and out of the car safely. The places you visit may also provide additional amenities like accessible restrooms and walkways to make your stay more enjoyable.

If you’re a Maine resident and need a handicap permit, here are some things you need to know to complete the application process.

Permanent and Temporary Disabilities

In Maine, you can receive either a temporary or permanent disability permit. Your doctor or medical professional must provide written proof that you have limited mobility. In order to receive disabled parking benefits in Maine, your doctor or medical professional must be licensed to practice medicine in the state.

If you have to stop and rest after walking 200 feet or more, this will qualify you for a handicap parking permit. You also qualify if you are legally blind and/or you need the assistance of someone else to walk. If you have arthritis or you suffer from an orthopedic or neurological condition, the state will likely issue a disabled parking permit to you. If you suffer from severe lung disease or carry a portable oxygen tank, you’ll qualify for a permit.

Women who have recently given birth in the state of Maine can receive temporary disability parking permits as well. Disability permits are valid for up to six months for the birth of a premature baby. Women who have had C-sections can also receive a temporary disability permit that is valid for up to a week after the receipt of an application.

Organizations and businesses in Maine that transport disabled or handicapped individuals can also apply to receive permits. The permits are valid for each vehicle that the organization owns and the owner of the agency must submit the request for permits.

The Application Process

In Maine, you’ll need to fill out the Application for Disability Plates/Placards, which is Form PS-18. You can get the application from to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office nearest you or print the document online.

You must fill out the form, along with your doctor, nurse practitioner, chiropractor or physician’s assistant. Be sure the form is complete and signed by both you and your medical professional. Keep in mind that any doctor who signs the form must be licensed to practice medicine in Maine. You can turn in the completed form in person, fax it or mail it to:

Fax:
207-624-9204

Mail:
Disability Clerk
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

If you’d also like to apply for disability license plates, send a copy of your current vehicle registration with your application. You won’t have to pay a fee.

How Long Can You Use Parking Permits?

If you have a permanent disability, your parking permit will be valid for up to four years. If your disability is temporary, you’ll receive a permit that you can use for up to six months. In some instances, your doctor may indicate that you don’t need a permit for six months. For example, if you’re recovering from a minor surgery or have broken or sprained an arm or leg but expect to be back to normal within 2-3 months, your doctor may indicate this on your permit application.

Maine Disabled Veterans Plates

If you are a disabled veteran and a Maine resident, you may be able to receive specialized license plates. Your disability must be 100% related to your military service. The Veterans Administration can verify your disability.

To apply for the plates, you’ll have to visit the Main Office for the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles or send a request by mail. Be sure to present a copy of your current vehicle registration and your letter from the Veterans Administration. You can turn your application in at the following addresses:

Main Office
101 Hospital Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

Mailing Address
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Registration Unit
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Once your application is complete, you won’t have to pay registration fees, and you’ll be exempt from title fees, sales tax and excise tax. You can also experience the benefits of Social Security benefits after filing a claim.

Evaluating Your Disability Benefits

If you’re not sure if you qualify for a handicap placard in Maine, it may be helpful to work with an attorney who can help you determine eligibility. The lawyer will determine whether you’ve applied for or are receiving Social Security benefits and whether your disability affects your ability to work. If you’ve been injured severely or have a mobility issue that will cause you to be out of work for twelve months or more, you’re likely eligible for a handicap parking permit. The BMV will also check to see whether you are receiving medical treatment for your disability.

Handicap Parking Abuse In Maine

People who commit handicap parking abuse in the state of Maine can receive a fine of at least $200. The fine can increase for people who parking illegally in a handicap space more than once.

Parking abuse is classified as utilizing a handicap parking space without having a handicap or disability. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to let your relatives or friends use your handicap plates or placards for parking purposes if you are not in the vehicle.

If you see parking abuse, be sure to tell the property owners, security or local law enforcement. Providing the authorities with as much information about the car that is illegally parked will assist police in resolving the matter.

For additional information on handicap plates and placards, as well as details about renewals and qualifications, contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000.

Where Can You Get a Handicap Parking Permit In Maine?

Whether your handicap is temporary or you live with a disability, it’s important to know the benefits that are afforded to you in your state. These benefits could improve your ability to access local facilities. A parking permit can certainly come in handy when you visit various Maine locations, especially places you go often, such as work or school. If you’re going to a special event and want to make sure you won’t have to walk far, disabled parking is essential.

In many cases, facilities that offer disabled parking will also have amenities you can utilize while you’re inside, such as larger elevators for your mobility vehicle or accessible restrooms. If you’re a Maine resident, there are a few important things you should know to obtain a handicap parking permit. Knowing these state-specific regulations can expedite the process so you can start taking advantage of the benefits that come with a placard, permit or license plate.

Are You Eligible?

A medical provider, such as a nurse or physician, must verify your limited mobility by stating you meet the requirements for eligibility. There are specific details that the DMV will consider, but in general, if you:

  • Need to stop and rest after walking for 200 feet or less
  • You have lung disease with a forced expiratory volume that is less than 1 liter for one second when measured by spirometry
  • Your ability to walk is limited due to a neurological condition, and orthopedic condition or arthritis

In the state of Maine, you may also receive temporary disability placards if you’ve recently given birth. If you’ve had a C-section, you can receive a permit that is valid for one week after the receipt of your application. If you’ve given birth to a pre-term baby, your disability permit will be valid for up to six months.

You may also qualify for a handicap parking permit if you work for or own an organization or agency that transports disabled patients or clients.

The Application Process

You can obtain the Application for Disability Plates/ Placards, which is Form PS-18 by visiting your local Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Office or printing the form online.

You’ll need to fill out one section of the form, and your Maine physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse or physician’s assistant must fill out the other section of the document. When the form is complete, you can submit it in person, or by mail or fax at the following addresses:

Fax:
207-624-9204

Mail:
Disability Clerk
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

If you’re also applying for license plates, you’ll need to submit a copy of your vehicle registration with your application. No fees are required.

How Long Will Your Maine Permits Be Valid?

The length of time that your disability plates or placards are valid will depend on whether your disability is temporary or permanent. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months, sometimes less depending on your condition. Permanent placards are valid for up to four years. Your plates and placards just need to be renewed by the date displayed. You can complete the renewal process in person or by mail.

License Plates for Disabled Veterans

Maine residents can receive Disabled Veteran plates. However, their disability must be 100% a result of military service. This information must be verified by the Veterans Administration. When you apply for your plates for the first time, you must visit the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle Main Office or mail a request for a license plate. Don’t forget to include your vehicle registration and a letter from the Veterans Administration.

You can visit the following locations to receive your Disabled Veterans plates or mail your forms to:

Main Office:
101 Hospital Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

Mailing Address:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Registration Unit
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Once you qualify for your license plates, you’ll be exempt from paying the vehicle registration fee, as well as all title fees, excise taxes and sales taxes.

Once you experience the benefits of having Disabled Veteran plates, you’ll just have to renew your license plates before the expiration date. You’ll can also receive your Social Security benefits after you file a claim.

Reporting Handicap Parking Abuse in Maine

You may see individuals using handicap parking permits and placards to park in spaces that are reserved for disabled individuals. This is considered a traffic violation in Maine; the fee for this offense could be up to $200. Vehicles are also not allowed to block handicap spaces at any time.

Remember that if you have a handicap parking permit, you can’t allow your friends or family to use the placard or plates unless you are in the vehicle.

If you notice that an able-bodied person is using a handicap parking space, contact the local authorities. You can also inform the property owners of handicap parking abuse. If you want to report parking abuse, try to provide as much information as possible to the police or security professionals, including the make and model of the automobile and the license plate number.

Finding Your Main BMV Office

There are Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle Offices throughout the state that provide several services, such as drivers license issuance and renewal, disabled parking permits, title transactions, and vehicle registration. To find the office near you, you can call 207-624-9000.

Evaluating Your Disability

To determine whether you have a disability that warrants a parking permit in Maine, it may be best to work with an attorney. The attorney will represent you and provide documentation for why you are unable to work. You may also need legal representation if you can’t work for a year or more because of your disability. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits, it’s important to tell your lawyer about this, since this will help determine if you qualify for a parking permit.

Remember to keep your eligibility current and contact your local DMV with any questions or concerns.