All The Best Information On Disabled Parking In New Mexico

Every state in the U.S has its own set of laws about disabled parking and disabled parking permits. Because there is such a large discrepancy across the country, it can be confusing to understand all the regulations that apply to you. This guide will help you navigate through all the twists and turns of disabled parking in New Mexico.

Who Qualifies For Disabled Parking?

It’s a common question because the regulations can vary so much wherever you go. The state of New Mexico uses its predetermined qualifications for those who can obtain a disabled parking permit and use the designated areas. Here is the set of qualifications:

  • You must use portable oxygen.
  • You must have a severe cardiac condition.
  • You are so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, orthopedic, or neurologic condition that you cannot ascend or descend more than 10 stair steps.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, prosthetic device, other people, or other assistive devices.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced respiratory volume when exhaling for 1 second when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 milliliters on room air at rest.

Understandably, some of these qualifications can be confusing. It’s always best to check with your doctor if you’re unsure if you meet one or more of them.

Those who qualify for a disabled parking permit must then go through the application process.

What Is The Application Process?

The application process for a disabled parking permit can be lengthy. To begin, you must complete and sign a Certificate of Eligibility. It’s also known as MVD-10383. These must be submitted to a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office. They also won’t accept photocopies so the original is required.

While completing the form you’ll have to give your personal information such as driver’s license number and name. You’ll also select if you’re applying for a placard or license plate.

Those interested in license plates will have to complete a separate form. The form is called the Application for Mobility Limitation or License Plate.

Whichever option you choose, your next step is to visit with a medical professional. They’ll confirm that you qualify through one or more of the criterium listed above. This is a good time to talk about how exactly you qualify and which type of disabled parking permit is right for you.

After you’ve completed the entire application and received your certification from a medical professional, you’ll need to submit your documents. You can mail them to this address:

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
1100 South St. Francis Drive
Sante Fe, NM 87505

Or, you can simply submit it in-person to any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division field office.

Who Exactly Can Use Disabled Parking Spaces?

This question can be a little more complicated than you might think. Of course, those with a disabled parking permit can use the designated spaces. However, there are some exceptions. Here is a list of who can use a disabled parking space:

  • Those with a New Mexico disabled parking permit. This can be in the form of a license plate or a placard. They may be temporary or permanent.
  • If you’re out of state and have a disabled parking permit, you’re in luck! Fortunately, New Mexico recognizes out-of-state permits. Don’t sweat it if your permit is from another state. However, if you do move to New Mexico you will need to fill out a new application.
  • Your vehicle must visibly display your placard if you’re using a designated space. It should be in your rearview mirror. If you don’t have one, a good idea is to place it with its information visibly showing on your dashboard. This can be easy to forget because you must remove the placard while the vehicle is in motion. If you don’t, it could count as obstruction of your vision.

It’s also important to note that you cannot use disabled parking spaces unless the owner of the permit is present. If you’re using a vehicle and you use a designated space while the owner isn’t present, it is illegal. Even if the permit is legally obtained, the owner always must be present for it to be used.

You should also know that parking in an access aisle is never permitted. Those are the spaces with slanted stripes across a rectangular area. Whether you have a disabled parking permit or not, these areas are never legal to park in. They’re meant for individuals who need the extra space to in and out of their vehicle. They may be bound to a wheelchair.

Can I Renew My Permit Or Replace It?

Yes! However, the process may vary depending on the circumstances. Here are the regulations:

Lost Or Stolen Placards

Life happens, and sometimes you’ve lost or had your placard stolen. If you need a new placard you can call the Motor Vehicle Division at (888) 683-4683. You’ll need to provide a driver’s license or identification number.

If you simply wish to replace a damaged placard, you can bring it to any field office. They’ll reissue a new placard at no cost.

Renewals

You must submit an application for renewal before the expiration date. But, some differences are depending on what time of permit you own.

A permanent placard holder will need to submit another application but no medical certification is needed again. On the other hand, a temporary placard holder will need to re-apply entirely for a renewal. License plate holders will automatically renew when you register your vehicle annually.

Conclusion

You should now be an expert in the best information to know about disabled parking in New Mexico! This guide serves as a useful resource in learning about how disabled parking and permits work in the state of New Mexico.

Your Guide To Obtaining A Disabled Parking Permit in New Mexico

Obtaining a disabled parking permit is often a confusing task. Because each state within the United States governs who exactly can receive a disabled parking permit, rules and regulations can vary from state to state. The laws can even be different from city to city.

This guide is your one-stop-shop for learning how to obtain a disabled parking permit in New Mexico. Here is the process:

Make Sure You Qualify

Like every other state, New Mexico has its laws on who can qualify for a disabled parking permit. You must meet at least one or more of their predefined criteria. This is where you begin to receive your permit. Here are the prerequisites:

  • You must use portable oxygen.
  • You cannot walk 100 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a cane, crutch, brace, prosthetic device, wheelchair, other people, or other assistive devices.
  • You must have a severe cardiac condition.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced respiratory volume when exhaling for 1 second when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters on room air at rest.
  • You are so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurologic, or orthopedic condition that you cannot ascend or descend more than 10 stair steps.

Some of these requirements can be difficult to understand. If you’re not sure if you qualify, ask your doctor. If your disability is severe, it will likely qualify.

How To Apply

New Mexico has a more lengthy process to obtain a disabled parking permit compared to other states. To obtain one, you must first fill out and sign a Certificate of Eligibility. Or, more formally known as MVD-10383.

The original application must be submitted to a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office. Photocopies aren’t accepted.

You’ll need to give a lot of your personal information. This will include your date of birth, name, and driver’s license number. You’ll also need to specify if you’d like a disabled parking placard or a disabled parking license plate.

If you’re looking for a license plate, you’ll need to fill out a separate form. It’s called the Application for Mobility Limitation or License Plate. This is known as MVD-10270.

After you’ve obtained your application you’ll need to visit a medical professional. They’ll need to complete a section of the application that certifies you have one of the listed criteria above.

Once you’ve completed the application you can take it to any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division field office or mailed to the address listed below:

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
1100 South St. Francis Drive
Sante Fe, NM 87505

As a bonus, there is no fee to apply for a disabled parking permit.

What Type Of Permit Is For Me?

The state of New Mexico offers four different variations of a disabled parking permit. You should know and understand which suits you best to make sure you get the permit you need as easily as possible.

There are four kinds of disabled parking permits in New Mexico: Temporary placards, permanent placards, handicap license plates, or a disabled veteran license plate.

1. Temporary Placards

Temporary placards are ideal for those who have a temporary injury or reversible disability. They’re valid for up to one year. If you find that you’ll still need the disabled parking permit longer than one year, you’ll need to reapply for a temporary placard. This means another trip to a medical professional to be re-certified as well.

2. Permanent Placards

  • placards are or those who have a long-term injury or permanent disability. They’re valid for a total of four years. You do need to re-submit the MVD-10383 Form; however, you will not need to resubmit any medical documentation.

3. Handicap License Plates

  • license plates are only for those who have a permanent disability. They replace your old license plates on your vehicle and allow you to park in designated areas. You will automatically renew this permit when you register your vehicle annually.

4. Disabled Veteran License Plates

  • disabled veteran license plates are almost identical to the handicap license plates. However, they’re meant for our veterans. The same regulations apply. You’ll automatically renew the permit when you annually register your vehicle.

Rules And Regulations

It’s important to know the laws that pertain to your disabled parking permit. By understanding them, you’ll better be able to utilize your permit.

Lost Or Stolen Placards

Life happens, and sometimes your placard may be lost or stolen. You should know that if you’d like to replace the placard you can call the Motor Vehicle Division at (888) 683-4636. You’ll need to provide an identification number or a driver’s license number.

If you simply need to replace a damaged placard you can bring it to any field office. They’ll reissue your placard at no cost.

Where To Display Your Permit

Your disabled parking placard must always be hung from your rearview mirror with the identification number and expiration date visible. If you don’t have a rearview mirror, a good idea is to place it on the dashboard with the information visible.

Remember to take your placard off your rearview mirror while you’re driving It is only to be displayed when the vehicle is parked in a designated area. If you display the placard on your rearview mirror while the vehicle is in motion, it could be counted as an obstruction.

Conclusion

By now, obtaining your disabled parking permit in New Mexico should be no problem. The process can be lengthy, but it is overall an easy thing to do. Remember to always properly display your placards and only use a disabled parking permit if the owner is present.

Disabled Parking Rules and Regulations In New Mexico

In the United States, rules and regulations on disabled parking and disabled parking permits can vary. With an already complex set of laws, it just adds to the confusion. If you or someone you love owns a disabled parking permit, it is imperative that you’re familiar and understands the laws. Let’s dive into the most important information.

How Do I Qualify For Disabled Parking Permits?

It’s a common question because there can be so much variance, especially if you’re in a new state. Rules and regulations can even vary from city to city, so it’s important to keep up to date with them. The state of New Mexico has a predefined criterium for those who can own a disabled parking permit. You must meet at least one or more of them. Here are the prerequisites:

  • You must be so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurologic, or orthopedic condition that you cannot ascend or descend more than 10 stair steps.
  • You must have a severe cardiac condition.
  • You must use portable oxygen.
  • You cannot walk 100 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, prosthetic device, other people, or other assistive devices.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced respiratory volume when exhaling for one second when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters on room air at rest.

Understandably, some of these criteriums may be confusing. If you’re unsure if you qualify, it’s always best to consult with your doctor about if you do. If your disability is severely limiting, it’ll likely qualify.

What Is The Process For Acceptance For Disabled Parking Permits?

It is a lengthy one. Individuals who are interested in receiving a disabled parking permit but fill out and complete a Certificate of Eligibility. It’s also known more formally as MVD-10383. You’ll have to complete this form and submit it to a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office. You’ll also need the original copy as photocopies aren’t accepted.

Next, you’ll need to visit a medical professional. This could be as simple as your normal physician. They’ll need to fill out a portion of the form that certifies that you meet at least one of the criterium listed above.

After you have your medical certification, you’ll need to complete the rest of the application with your personal information. You’ll also state if you’re applying for a disabled parking license plate or a disabled parking placard.

After all the paperwork is completed, it’s time to send it off. You’re allowed to drop it off in-person to any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division field office. You can also mail it to the address listed below:

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division

1100 South St. Francis Drive

Sante Fe, NM 87505

Laws Regarding Disabled Parking And Disabled Parking Permits

While some laws vary from city to city, the state laws are always in effect no matter where you go in New Mexico. So, you must understand them well and abide by them at all times. Here are the most important regulations:

  • A law enforcement officer may request a photo ID to confirm that the individual using the placard is the person who owns the permit. It may sound a little harsh, but it’s important to make sure that nobody is using a disabled parking permit illegally. The designated spots are necessary for those that use them.
  • Ensure that you take your placard off your rearview mirror any time the vehicle in motion. It’s illegal to drive with it on your rearview mirror as it can be counted as an obstruction to your vision while driving. Failure to do so may lead to a citation.
  • You cannot use a disabled parking designated space if the person who owns the permit is not present. Even if you’re using a vehicle with a legally own disabled parking permit, you are not allowed to use its benefits if the owner isn’t with you.
  • The placard should be displayed on the rearview mirror only when the vehicle is parked in a designated space. The identification number and expiration date must be visible at all times when space is being used. If there is no rearview mirror available, a good idea is to place it on the dashboard with the information still visible.
  • Meter parking is free in several cities! This includes the cities of Albuquerque and Sante Fe. If you own a disabled parking permit and are parking there, don’t sweat about parking meters. You’re allowed to park free of charge and for however long as you’d like.

How And When To Renew Your Permit

As life goes on, you may need to either renew or replace your permit. The process varies depending on the circumstances. So let’s dive into what you need to know.

Depending on the type of disabled parking permit you own, you will need to apply for a renewal at different times.

Temporary permits are only valid for one year. If you find that you still require a permit for longer than a year, you’ll have to reapply entirely. This means another trip to a medical professional and another application

Permanent placards are valid for four years from the date of their issuance. You’ll need to resubmit an application in advance of the expiration date. However, you won’t need to resubmit any medical information.

If you own a disabled parking license plate, the process is simple. The permit automatically renews each year when you register your vehicle.

Conclusion

After you’ve read all this information, you should now be a well-informed citizen! All these regulations are important to understand. Not only for those who they pertain to, but to anyone.

How to Get your Disabled Parking Permit in New Mexico

The state of New Mexico has set aside a number of parking spots with easier accommodations and proximity in many business places and protected and designated these parking spots for the use of disabled persons. If you have a condition or disability which has affected your mobility, it’s worth looking into the application process to see if you qualify.

A disabled parking permit is a great tool that you can use to better your quality of life, as it can make going about errands a lot easier! Read on for a detailed, step by step guide as to how to get a disabled parking permit in the state of New Mexico.

Make Sure You Qualify for a Disabled Parking Permit

As necessarily the number of designated parking spaces for disabled use only is limited, the state of New Mexico has a review process in place to ensure that only those who need the spaces can use the spaces.

The application form for disabled parking permits in New Mexico is called a Certificate of Eligibility. This form, MVD-10383, needs to be downloaded from the New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles website. It is important to note that photocopies of this form will not be accepted; it needs to be the original.

Part of this form includes a section for review with a medical professional which can help determine your eligibility.

Speak with a Medical Professional to Determine Your Eligibility

There are currently two options as to how to complete this task.

  1. If you have a personal physician or if your condition allows you to visit a local doctor in person, download your form and go speak with your doctor. He or she will go through the list of qualifying conditions on the form with you and discuss your options going forward.
  2. If this option does not sound possible due to your life circumstances or condition, there is a simpler way. Video chatting with a medical professional online can allow you to complete this step from the comfort of your living room. Additionally, your application form will be emailed confidentially and quickly to the Department of Motor Vehicles immediately after your call.

Qualifying Conditions for a New Mexico Disabled Parking Permit

During your visit or call with a licensed medical professional, you will determine whether your medical condition aligns with the following list of qualifying conditions. You may be eligible for a New Mexico Disabled parking permit if:

  • You have a medical condition that affects your ability to walk such that you can not walk one hundred feet without having to stop and rest;
  • You cannot walk more than one hundred feet unaided by a crutch, brace, walker, cane, prosthetic or assistive device, wheelchair, or another person;
  • You have lung disease as defined by an expiratory volume less than one liter per second when properly measured OR if the oxygen tension in your arteries is less than sixty millimeters at rest, on room air;
  • You use any form of portable oxygen;
  • You have any kind of severe cardiac condition;
  • You have an arthritic, neurologic, or orthopedic condition that so far impairs you ability to walk that you are bound to a wheelchair or other assistive device.

If you are an amputee but do not otherwise meet any of the other above stipulations, you will not be considered eligible for a New Mexico Certificate of Eligibility and resulting disabled parking permit.

Fill Out your Form and Gather Your Materials

The first section of the Certificate of Eligibility should be filled out by you. Specific information that you will need in order to do so will include your full name and address, your address and date of birth, and your social security number.

You will also need to indicate in the first part of the form whether you are requesting the certificate for the first time, or if you are asking for a replacement or a renewal. You will also be asked to provide the name, address, and telephone number of the medical professional confirming your disability just in case further information is required while you wait for your application to be processed.

In addition to the original application form and the notice from your physician, there will be no fee required. Simply mail those two documents to your nearest New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division field office (locations available online) and you will be ready to go!

Wait For Your Permit to Arrive in the Mail

It is important to note that simply completing the application does not mean that you are able to start enjoying the privileges associated with your impending Certificate of Eligibility. When your permit arrives in the mail it will be accompanied with the parking placards that will enable you to park in disabled parking places. Wait for these to arrive before using the disabled accommodations.

Renewing Your Placards

If you have a permanent permit, it will expire every four years. It is recommended that at least two weeks prior to the date of expiration, you initiate the renewal process. The state of New Mexico will not issue you any reminders; it is up to you to remember to do this.

To begin the renewal process, simply download the same form you used to apply the first time. You will need to obtain medical approval from a licensed medical professional again to ensure that your medical condition still qualifies.

Having a disabled parking permit in the state of New Mexico is a fantastic tool you can use to make running errands with your condition much easier. Applying for one entails many steps, but if you follow the steps in this guide, it should be a breeze! Whenever you need to apply for a disabled parking permit in the state of New Mexico, or if you need to renew your parking permit, please refer to this guide for all of the details you will need to easily obtain your New Mexico disabled parking permit.

How to Use A Disabled Parking Permit In New Mexico

Certificates of Eligibility and their associated disabled parking permits in the state of New Mexico can enable the permit holder to park in specific parking spaces set aside for the use of disabled persons. These accommodations can make your live much easier, as it can enable you to go about your daily life without worrying about having to walk further than you easily can!

However, these benefits are only good to you if you know about them. Read on for a complete guide as to the rights and responsibilities associated with your New Mexico Disabled Parking Permit.

Know Which Type of Permit You Have

Knowing which type of disabled parking permit you have is the first step towards taking good care of it.

  • Temporary disabled parking placards are issued for any amount of time less than twelve months during which you will be needing to use disabled parking spaces.
  • Permanent disabled parking placards are issued for any time more than twelve months that you will be experiencing your disabling condition.

Temporary disabled parking placards will be required to be renewed, if desired, once they expire. Permanent disabled parking placards will need to be renewed every four years to ensure that your condition still qualifies you to use disabled accommodations. The renewal process is the same process as initial application; please download the application form from the New Mexico state website to get started.

When to Use your New Mexico Disabled Parking Permit

Perhaps the most important rule for safely and legally utilizing your New Mexico Disabled Parking Permit is when you should place the placard. The placard should be placed on your rear-view mirror in the front of your vehicle when you are parked in a designated handicapped parking space.

However, this placard should only be placed on your rear-view mirror when your vehicle is not in motion. It is very dangerous and highly illegal for there to be a large swinging object near your head in your car while you are driving. Please remember to always remove the placard from your rear-view mirror before you leave your parking space.

How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Disabled Parking Permit

The state of New Mexico will work with you to make the transition period as quick and painless as possible. Please follow these steps if you need to replace your parking permit.

  • If you have lost or misplaced your parking permit: Please call the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division at 888.683.4636. You will likely have to identify yourself by submitting your New Mexico Driver’s License (or Non-Driver’s License) identification number. Additionally, you can use the same application form you initially used to obtain the parking permit to request a replacement.
  • If you believe that your disabled parking permit has been stolen: Please call the police to file a report. Please file a copy of this report with your application for a replacement.
  • If your parking permit or placard has been damaged: Please simply stop by any Motor Vehicle Division office for a free replacement. Be sure to bring the old placard when you do so to trade it in.

What Can You Do with a New Mexico Disabled Parking Permit?

The following are the rights accorded to those who hold a non-expired New Mexico disabled parking permit. If you have a New Mexico disabled parking permit, you can:

  • Park in clearly designated handicapped parking spaces, which may make it easier to access certain buildings and businesses. These parking spaces will be marked by a sign or paint on the ground featuring the International Sign of Access (the wheelchair symbol).

Please note that in New Mexico, the parking placards are issued to the person with the disability (you) and not a specific vehicle. This means that you can use it with any vehicle in which you happen to be travelling. However, it is only legal for the parking placard to be used to park a vehicle which you are driving or in which you are riding.

Your New Mexico Disabled Parking Permit and Access Aisles

Wherever there are more than two disabled parking spaces in one location, there will usually be access aisles between and surrounding the parking spaces. These will be demarcated on the ground with large diagonal lines within the boxed area.

Access aisles are specifically set apart so that people with disabilities have enough room to enter and exit their vehicles. As this can often include equipment such as wheelchairs and wheelchair ramps as well as assistance from others, it is essential that the access aisles remain unobstructed.

Whether you have a New Mexico disabled parking permit or not, please make sure that you do not park in any way that obstructs these access aisles. If you do, you may be liable to disciplinary action up to and including revocation of your parking permit.

Where Can You Use Your New Mexico Disabled Parking Permit?

If you are travelling outside of New Mexico, you can still use your parking permit. As long as it is up to date and undamaged, you should be able to enjoy the same rights anywhere else that you are able to in New Mexico.

If you are an individual who has a disabled parking permit outside of the state of New Mexico and wishes to travel in New Mexico, please utilize the parking permit issued by your home state to park in disabled-only spaces in the state of New Mexico.

If you have applied for and received a disabled parking permit, you can use it to make going about your daily life in the state of New Mexico much easier! However, to avoid potentially having it taken away, it’s important that you don’t misuse the rights accorded to you with your permit. Please be sure to use the placard every time you park in a disabled parking space, and to renew it before it expires to continue enjoying the associated privileges.