How do I Get Disabled Parking in Montana

Disabled parking permits are offered in the state of Montana for anyone with difficulty walking more than 200 feet. Disabled persons or persons with a chronic condition affecting their ability to walk are eligible for this disabled parking program.

Disabled parking permits are issued on a temporary basis for up to six months or an extended temporary basis, for up to two years. These temporary disabled parking permits are intended for persons with an injury or illness that will not be life long but may affect them severely for a long time.

Disabled parking permits grant the holder the right to park in the familiar blue and white disabled parking spaces in every Montana community. These spaces are provided to safeguard Montana residents and ensure disabled persons are safe and comfortable anywhere they go.

If you experience difficulty or pain when walking more than 200 feet, talk with your medical provider about your eligibility. Once you have established eligibility for the disabled parking permit program, you must obtain a physician signed certificate, and file it with the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles.

How do I Qualify For Disabled Parking?

Disabled parking permit eligibility is based on a person’s ability to walk more than 200 feet without pain or risk of falling. There is no master list of conditions and illnesses which qualify a person, but here is a list of common conditions associated with disabled parking permit eligibility.

  • Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality
  • A serious cardiac condition (class III or IV) including heart attack or stroke
  • Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or the risk of falling
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen, or a severe breathing difficulty in motion or at rest
  • Reliance on or use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace or wheelchair
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis
  • Legal blindness or severe vision impairment
  • Conditions causing seizures, dizziness or sudden loss of muscle tone

While this is not an expansive list, these are the guidelines a provider looks at when determining if a person has a condition eligible for a disabled parking permit.

Temporary eligibility is based on the same principle. Broken bones, surgery recovery, and severe pneumonia are common causes for temporary placard eligibility. If you feel you have difficulty walking more than 200 feet, be sure to talk to your provider about your eligibility.

How do I Obtain a Physician Signed Certificate?

Your primary care physician can, of course, sign the document, but so can other members of their team! Registered nurses, LPNs and physicians assistants are all able to sign this certificate. If you are being treated for a chronic condition by a specialist, that provider can also sign for you.

Podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors, and physical therapists are all medical professionals who can verify your disability.

If you are seeking a temporary permit after an accident or illness, you can obtain the necessary certificate from the emergency room where you are treated, or from any of your follow up providers.

If you are not currently seeing a primary care doctor, or you do not want to wait to schedule a regular appointment, don’t worry! Lots of people now choose the comfort and convenience of virtual visits, and this is no exception. Many qualified Montana providers are available online for virtual visits. You can obtain your physician signed certificate from the comfort of your home.

How do I File for Disabled Parking?

The Montana Department of Motor Vehicles has a quick and easy approach to filing your disabled parking permit application. Once you obtain your physician signed certificate, you may file form MV5 by fax, mail or E-mail.

Disabled parking permit placards are sent through the mail, and are always free. If you would like a disabled parking permit license plate, you must renew your license plate as usual. The only fees for doing so are the regular license plate renewal fees.

Once it comes in the mail, your disabled parking permit placard is valid for three years, after which you must renew it. Renewal does not require a new examination. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months, and extended temporary placards are valid for up to two years. Once they expire, a new physician signed certificate is required to renew.

If your permit is lost or stolen, be sure to report it right away to the Department of Motor Vehicles for a replacement.

Disabled Parking in Montana

The disabled parking permit program in the state of Montana is designed for the safety and comfort of all residents and visitors. Throughout your community, most buildings have designated disabled parking spaces to accommodate disabled persons. These spaces are your right as a disabled person, and keep you safe, particularly in icy or wet conditions.

Here are a few things to remember

  1. Disabled parking permits are issued to persons with difficulty walking more than 200 feet.
  2. Disabled parking permit placards must be renewed every three years.
  3. Temporary placards are available for up to six months.
  4. Extended temporary placards are available for up to two years.
  5. Placards must be displayed any time a disabled parking space is used. Failure to do so may result in a fine and revocation of the placard.
  6. Disabled parking permit placards are not to be hung from the rearview mirror while driving. To do so is to create a hazardous obstruction of view.
  7. Disabled parking permit placards may be used in any vehicle the holder travels in, for their comfort.
  8. Under no circumstances may you lend, sell or give away your permit. To do so is a crime.

If you are a loved one suffers from a condition which limits mobility, make sure to seek a disabled parking permit. This permit is for your safety and comfort. Even if you feel you do not need a disabled parking permit, a sudden change in weather or a poorly laid out parking lot could lead you to fall and hurt yourself.

You owe it to yourself to seek a disabled parking permit if you are eligible. Your community wants you to be safe. Talk to your doctor about your eligibility.

What do I Need to Know About Montana Disabled Parking?

The great state of Montana offers disabled parking permits to persons who experience pain or difficulty walking more than 200 feet. Disabled parking permits are offered in three possible stages.

  1. Temporary permits lasting up to six months
  2. Extended temporary permits lasting up to two years
  3. Permanent permits

These disabled parking permits grant the holder the right to park in designated handicapped parking spaces in their community. With icy or wet weather, or with large parking lots, disabled parking is essential to maintain the safety of Montana residents and visitors.

If you qualify for a Montana disabled parking permit you must obtain a physician signed certificate and file it with the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles. Forms may be filed by mail, fax or E-mail.

Your physician signed certificate can also be obtained from many other licensed Montana providers including nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. Alternatively, if you receive care from a specialist to manage your condition, they may also sign for you. This could be an optometrist, podiatrist, chiropractor, or physical therapist, for example.

If you are not currently seeing a regular care provider, or you want to skip the wait of an office visit, don’t worry. Many Montana residents are now choosing to have their examinations done in a virtual visit. Virtual visits afford you the same quality care, at your convenience and without the hassles. There are many qualified Montana providers available to meet with you virtually any time.

Who Qualifies for Permanent Disabled Parking in Montana?

While there is no hard list of conditions or disabilities that qualify a person for disabled parking in Montana, there are some guidelines used by providers.

  • Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality
  • A serious cardiac condition (class III or IV) including heart attack or stroke
  • Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or the risk of falling
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen, or a severe breathing difficulty in motion or at rest
  • Reliance on or use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace or wheelchair
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis
  • Legal blindness or severe vision impairment
  • Conditions causing seizures, dizziness or sudden loss of muscle tone

There are many conditions that fit these descriptions. Of course, as we age, walking long distances naturally becomes more challenging. Even if you feel that you aren’t sick, remember that disabled parking permits were created for your safety and comfort.

If you feel you may qualify, talk openly and honestly to your care providers about what you feel and experience. If it is determined that a disabled parking permit could keep you safe from falling, you should make sure to use it when possible.

Who Qualifies for Temporary Disabled Parking in Montana?

There are lots of injuries and illnesses which may grant a Montana resident temporary eligibility to the disabled parking permit program. Once again, there is no exhaustive list, but here are some common causes.

  • A broken or sprained leg, ankle or foot
  • An injury affecting the tendons or muscles of your legs, feet or ankles
  • A pregnancy that has been identified by an OBGYN as needing bed rest or limited activity
  • Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other severe but temporary respiratory illness
  • Recovery from surgery

If you feel that your injury or illness is affecting your ability to walk safely and pain-free for more than 200 feet, you may qualify for a temporary permit. Be sure to talk with your care team about your eligibility to ensure your safety while you heal.

You can obtain your physician signed certificate from the emergency room or clinic where you first obtained treatment, or by making an appointment with your preferred care provider.

What Are My Responsibilities?

Once you obtain your disabled parking permit, make sure you know the rules and regulations of Montana disabled parking permits.

  1. Disabled parking permits are issued to persons with difficulty walking more than 200 feet.
  2. Disabled parking permit placards must be renewed every three years.
  3. Temporary placards are available for up to six months.
  4. Extended temporary placards are available for up to two years.
  5. Placards must be displayed any time a disabled parking space is used. Failure to do so may result in a fine and revocation of the placard.
  6. Disabled parking permit placards are not to be hung from the rearview mirror while driving. To do so is to create a hazardous obstruction of view.
  7. Disabled parking permit placards may be used in any vehicle the holder travels in, for their comfort.
  8. Under no circumstances may you lend, sell or give away your permit. To do so is a crime.

Remember that parking in a disabled parking reserved space without displaying a disabled parking permit placard is a violation. If you witness misuse or abuse of the disabled parking program, be sure to alert the authorities right away.

If you see a violation, call your local police and inform them of the time, location and license plate number associated. While abuse of the program should not be tolerated, remember that not all disabled persons look disabled. Never accuse a disabled parking permit holder of falsely using the program. Only make a report if you do not see a disabled parking permit placard displayed.

Remember that making this report is not just about punishing the driver, but keeping your community safe for disabled and elderly persons who need that space. In icy, wet or dangerous conditions, disabled parking spaces keep residents safe. Also, the extra loading room intended for wheelchair and walker accommodation is essential for some people.

Remember that the disabled parking program is intended to keep you and your neighbors safe in your community. If you feel you may qualify for a disabled parking permit, you owe it to yourself to talk with your provider.

Even if you feel you do not need disabled parking access every day, you might need it on bad days, or in inclement weather. Your community wants you to be safe and healthy. Be sure to talk with your provider about a disabled parking permit.

What’s the Fastest Way to Get Disabled Parking in Montana?

In the State of Montana, disabled parking permits are given out to persons who cannot walk more than 200 feet without pain or risk of falling. These permits are issued on a temporary, extended temporary basis or a permanent basis. Temporary permits last up to six months and extended temporary permits last up to two years.

If you qualify for the Montana state disabled parking permit program, you will need to file form MV5 with your local Montana Department of Motor Vehicles office. This form may be filed by U.S mail, by fax or by E-mail. Instructions and assistance with the filing process can be found on the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles website, or by visiting a local Montana Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Form MV5 requires a physician signed certificate that verifies your disability, injury or illness and guarantees your eligibility for the Montana disabled parking permit program.

You will receive your disabled parking permit placard by mail. These placards are provided free of charge to persons eligible for the program. If you choose the disabled parking permit license plate, there is no additional fee, but you must pay the usual fees associated with renewing your license plate.

How Can I Qualify For Disabled Parking in MT?

The state of Montana and the Department of Motor Vehicles has no official list of conditions or injuries which qualify for a disabled parking permit. Instead, there is an open-ended set of criteria used by Montana providers to determine eligibility. Those guidelines are as follows.

  • Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality
  • A serious cardiac condition (class III or IV) including heart attack or stroke
  • Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or the risk of falling
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen, or a severe breathing difficulty in motion or at rest
  • Reliance on or use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace or wheelchair
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis
  • Legal blindness or severe vision impairment
  • Conditions causing seizures, dizziness or sudden loss of muscle tone

While the guidelines above focus mainly on chronic or lifelong conditions, there are many injuries or illnesses which may grant a person temporary eligibility. Broken bones, leg injuries, surgery, and severe pneumonia are just a few common examples.

If you feel that you struggle to walk more than 200 feet safely and pain-free, talk to your doctor about your needs.

Who Can Sign a Physician Certificate?

Your primary care doctor can sign the certificate for you, but so can most members of your care team. Nurse Practitioners and physicians assistants are recognized by the state of Montana as qualified providers. You can obtain your physician signed certificate from one of several members of your care team during your next scheduled visit.

If you receive care from a specialist, they may also sign this document for you. Chiropractors, podiatrists, optometrists, and physical therapists are all specialist providers who work closely with you on a specific issue. They are more than qualified to verify your disability.

If you are seeking a temporary permit for an injury or illness, ask the emergency room team or urgent care clinic where you first received treatment. Having worked with you initially, they should be the most familiar with your specific needs.

If you are not currently seeing a regular provider, or you want to skip the long wait times, don’t worry. You can obtain your physician signed certificate through a virtual visit. Many qualified Montana providers can work with you, from the comfort of your home, to verify your disability.

How Do I File For Disabled Parking in Montana?

Once you have obtained your physician signed certificate, you must file form MV5 with your local Montana Department of Motor Vehicles office. This form may be filed by U.S mail, by fax or by E-mail. If you need help with the filing process, you can find step by step guides on the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles website. If you prefer a human touch, you may wish to try visiting a local Montana Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Montana Disabled Parking: What You need to Know

Once you obtain your disabled parking permit, make sure you know the rules and regulations of Montana disabled parking permits.

  1. Disabled parking permits are issued to persons with difficulty walking more than 200 feet.
  2. Disabled parking permit placards must be renewed every three years.
  3. Temporary placards are available for up to six months.
  4. Extended temporary placards are available for up to two years.
  5. Placards must be displayed any time a disabled parking space is used. Failure to do so may result in a fine and revocation of the placard.
  6. Disabled parking permit placards are not to be hung from the rearview mirror while driving. To do so is to create a hazardous obstruction of view.
  7. Disabled parking permit placards may be used in any vehicle the holder travels in, for their comfort.
  8. Under no circumstances may you lend, sell or give away your permit. To do so is a crime.

Remember that parking in a disabled parking reserved space without displaying a disabled parking permit placard is a violation. If you witness misuse or abuse of the disabled parking program, be sure to alert the authorities right away.

If you see a violation, call your local police and inform them of the time, location and license plate number associated. While abuse of the program should not be tolerated, remember that not all disabled persons look disabled. Never accuse a disabled parking permit holder of falsely using the program. Only make a report if you do not see a disabled parking permit placard displayed.

Remember that making this report is not just about punishing the driver, but keeping your community safe for disabled and elderly persons who need that space. In icy, wet or dangerous conditions, disabled parking spaces keep residents safe. Also, the extra loading room intended for wheelchair and walker accommodation is essential for some people.

Remember that the disabled parking program is intended to keep you and your neighbors safe in your community. If you feel you may qualify for a disabled parking permit, you owe it to yourself to talk with your provider.

Even if you feel you do not need disabled parking access every day, you might need it on bad days, or in inclement weather. Your community wants you to be safe and healthy. Be sure to talk with your provider about a disabled parking permit.

All The Information You Need To Know About Disabled Parking In Montana

Sometimes the government doesn’t exactly give you condensed, easy-to-read, important information. Often many important rules and regulations may be lost or hard to fully understand. Disabled parking in Montana is no exception. There’s a lot you need to know! This guide will navigate you through everything you need to know about disabled parking in Montana.

Who Qualifies For Disabled Parking In Montana?

Each state has its own set of rules and regulations for who can qualify for a disabled parking permit. This can add to the confusion surrounding if you can qualify for one in your state or not. Here are Montana’s qualifications:

  • You must have a disability from an acute sensitivity to vehicle emissions.
  • You cannot walk more than 200 feet without having to stop to rest.
  • You must be severely limited in your ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • You cannot walk without the use of an assisting device. These include wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, another person, braces, or canes.
  • You must have a disability from another disease or physical condition that limits or impairs your mobility.
  • You have an impairment because of cardiac disease or condition to the extent that your limited are classified under Class III or Class IV as defined by the standards adopted by the American Heart Association.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to the extent that forced expiratory respiratory volume, measured by spirometry, is less than one liter per second. Or, that your atrial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest.

Understandably, some of these qualifications can be confusing as to whether you qualify or not. Part of the process of obtaining a disabled parking permit is having your physician complete a section of your application. This is a great time to have a talk with them about these qualifications and which ones you meet and why.

So, who can use disabled parking spaces?

Those who have a disabled parking permit can park in disabled parking spaces. However, there are some exceptions.

  • Your vehicle must be displaying a disabled parking permit to legally use these designated spaces. Be careful, make sure to remove the permit from your rearview mirror before driving as it can be considered an obstruction to your vision.
  • A vehicle that is carrying a person with a physical disability without displaying a disabled parking permit may momentarily use a disabled parking space to load or unload a person with a physical disability. Don’t sweat it if your vehicle doesn’t have a permit and your dropping off or picking up someone who is disabled. You can still use the spot for a moment.

Importantly, you should note that you cannot use specially designated parking areas unless the owner of the permit is present. Even if you have a legally obtained disabled parking permit in your vehicle, it is illegal to use the designated parking spaces unless the owner is present.

It’s also important to note that parking in an access aisle is never permitted. It’s not allowed for those with a disabled parking permit and not allowed for those without. The access aisle is invaluable to those who need the extra room to get in or out of their vehicle. Obstructing it is incredibly rude, and beyond that, it’s also illegal.

Permits And Placards

Montana offers several different types of ways you can possess a disabled parking permit. There are options for both permanent and temporary users. They include:

  • Permanent disability placards
  • Permanent placards
  • Temporary placards
  • Extended temporary placards
  • Permanent disability plates

Placards are the tags you’ve seen hanging in cars’ rearview mirrors. They may be blue or even a different color depending on the state and type of placard. License plates replace your original license plates on your vehicle and you may only obtain one if you have a permanent disability.

Do I Need To Renew My Permit?

You sure do! However, some types of permits are easier to renew than others. Here’s a small list to explain the differences and what to do:

  • Temporary disability placards are valid for six months
  • Extended temporary placards are valid for two years.
  • Permanent placards are valid for three years. Afterward, they are up for renewal.
  • Disabled parking license plates are always valid. Well, they technically need to be renewed, but you automatically do so whenever you renew your vehicle registration each year. It’s as easy as can be.

If you need to renew your placard or plate you must complete the application form again. It’s also formally called Form MV5. The medical certification must also be completed again so it’ll be another visit to your physician.

If you’ve lost your placard or plate or it has been stolen, you must also complete Form MV5 in its entirety again.

It’s also worth noting that temporary disability placards are not able to be renewed. If you need your temporary disability placard longer than it’s valid form, you also have to complete Form MV5 again.

There Is No Expedited Service Permit

Some states, such as Nevada, offer an expedited service permit. This permit has its special application that you must fill out. It allows you to receive expedited services from the state.

However, Montana doesn’t offer a wide variety of disabled parking permits. Perhaps one day the state will think differently.

Conclusion

By now you should know the ins and outs of disabled parking permits in Montana. The rules and regulations can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with them. However, they’re easy to understand once you’ve begun to learn them.

If you’re ever confused, the Montana Motor Vehicle Department states that you’re welcome to contact them by email or phone for more questions. Their email is [email protected]. You can reach them by phone at (406) 587-0461.

How To Get Your Disabled Parking Permit In Montana

Are you disabled confused about the mess of regulations to receive your disabled parking permit? Each state in the United States has its own rules and regulations to determine if you qualify to receive one. Because of this, it can be easy to get lost in how exactly you can obtain your disabled parking permit. This guide will prove to be a useful resource for you to navigate through the exact steps to receive your disabled parking permit. Let’s dive in.

Do You Qualify For It?

Like every state, Montana has its own set of rules to determine if you can legally own a disabled parking permit. You need to understand each criterium. You must meet at least one or more of the predefined qualifications. Here is the requirement(s):

  • You aren’t able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You use portable oxygen.
  • You are so severely disabled that you cannot walk without the use of or assistance from another person, prosthetic device, brace, cane, wheelchair, or other assistive devices.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to the extent that forced expiratory respiratory volume when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter per second. Or, the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air while at rest
  • You are impaired to the extent your functional limitations are classified as either Class III or Class IV as defined under the standards adopted by the American Heart Association
  • You have a disability that results from acute sensitivity to automobile emissions or from another disease or physical condition that impairs or limits or impairs your mobility. This must be documented by a licensed physician or licensed advanced practice registered nurse as being comparable in severity to the other conditions listed.

What Are The Functional Limitation Standards The American Heart Association Has Adopted?

The prerequisite about the American Heart Association’s standards is about your functional capacity. The Association has a classification for functional capacity in those with cardiac disease. Here are the Class II and Class IV functional limitations:

  • Class III – Patients that are classified as Class III are with cardiac disease that has resulted in a marked limitation of physical activity. The person is comfortable at rest, and, less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, dyspnea, anginal pain, or palpitation.
  • Class IV – Patients that are classified as Class IV are with cardiac disease that has resulted in the inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. The symptoms of heart failure or anginal syndrome may be present, even when the person is at rest. Also, if any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased.

Some of these qualifications aren’t easy to determine on your own. If you have any questions about whether you may or may not qualify for one of these prerequisites, be sure to ask your doctor.

A physician, chiropractor, or advanced practice registered nurse must complete a portion of your application anyway. This is a great time to talk about which qualifications you do or don’t meet.

How To Apply

Each applicant must the Disability Permit/License Plate Application that the state of Montana provides. It’s also known more formally as From MV5.

Once you’ve obtained your application, you need to have medical personnel fill out its Part B section. This can be completed by a chiropractor, advanced practice registered nurse or physician. This is arguably the most important step in obtaining your disabled parking permit.

Once you’ve had someone complete Part B of the form, you’re almost done!

Turn In Your Application

Once the application is completed, you have several different ways you can turn in your disabled parking permit application. You can email, fax, or mail your document.

  • Fax number : (406) 444-3816
  • Mail: Motor Vehicle Division, PO Box 201430 Helena, MT 59620-1430
  • You can also mail the document to the nearest county treasurer’s office
  • Email: [email protected]

As a bonus, disability placards are free in terms of any fees required.

Once you’ve turned in your application, it’s a waiting game to receive your permit.

What Do I Do Once I Have My Permit?

Have you finally obtained your disabled parking permit? Great! Now you must make sure you’re properly using it to be able to receive all the benefits from your new permit.

Your placard or permit placement is a little more strict than most states. Some states allow you to just have the placard be visible at all times when parked in a designated area. However, in Montana, you must keep your placard hung from your rearview mirror at all times when parked in a designated parking space.

Renewals And Replacements

Permanent placards are valid for three years. On the other hand, temporary placards are only valid for six months and extended temporary placards can be issued for up to 24 months.

No matter which type of disabled parking permit you have, you must complete the application process again before the expiration date of your permit if you wish to renew it. That means another application and another Part B completed by your choice of a medical professional. However, permanent permits issued before October of 1993 do not require renewal.

Montana also boasts an easy replacement procedure if you’ve lost or need to replace a damaged or stolen placard. If you need a replacement you only need to call the Motor Vehicle Division of the Montana Department of Justice. They’ll reissue the placard free of charge and no forms are required. Their phone number is (406)-444-3661.

Conclusion

This guide provides an excellent resource for navigating your way to obtaining a disabled parking permit. If you follow each step and take care to understand the requirements, you should be on your way to obtaining your new permit in a jiffy! Remember to keep your placard visible in your rearview mirror and to not use the permit unless the owner is present.