What’s the Best Way to get Disabled Parking in Ohio?

Disabled parking permits in Ohio grant the holder the right to park in the blue and white disabled parking spaces around town. You may be eligible for the disabled parking permit program if you have a chronic or long term condition that limits your mobility or makes it unsafe for you to walk unassisted more than 200 feet.

In addition, persons who have experienced an accident or illness that affects their ability to walk and lasts more than three weeks may be eligible for a temporary placard.

Eligible persons must be examined by a licensed Ohio medical provider and obtain a physician signed certificate. This certificate must be filed with the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles. After filing, you will be issued either a permanent placard for disabled parking or a temporary placard lasting up to six months.

How do I Qualify for Disabled Parking in Ohio?

The Ohio state disabled parking permit program covers persons with a disability or condition affecting their ambulation (ability to walk). While there is no exhaustive list of conditions or disabilities to guarantee eligibility, here are some of the guidelines used by Ohio providers to determine eligibility for the disabled parking permit program.

Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality including amputation or paralysis
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, loss of balance or sudden loss of muscle tone

The above are chronic or lifelong conditions. Some people may experience an injury or illness that is not permanent or chronic but will affect them for more than three weeks. Serious injuries or illness may qualify for the six-month disabled parking permit placard. Broken bones, surgery, and severe pneumonia are common conditions that lead otherwise healthy people to seek temporary access to disabled parking.

Ultimately, this decision is based on your needs and is made by your provider, not the Department of Motor Vehicles.

How Do I Obtain a Physician Signed Certificate?

In the state of Ohio, a signed certificate is required when applying for a disabled parking permit. This signed certificate can be signed by a doctor, physicians’ assistant or by an advanced practice nurse. If you have a primary care provider, their whole team will be familiar with you and your needs. During your next visit, ask them about your disabled parking permit program eligibility.

If you receive care from a specialist relating to your disability, they may also sign the certificate for you. Examples of qualified medical professionals include an optometrist, physical therapist, chiropractor or podiatrist. If your disability leads you to the care of a specialist, then they are highly familiar with your needs and able to fill out the certificate for you.

Many people seeking access to the disabled parking permit program choose to have their examination done through a virtual visit. If you do not have a primary care provider, or cannot make an appointment in a timely fashion, don’t worry. There are many qualified Ohio providers available for a virtual visit who can sign your certificate.

How Do I File for Disabled Parking in Ohio?

Once you have obtained your physician signed certificate, you must file it, along with form BMV 4834. These forms can be filed at any local Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles office. Both the permanent placards and the six-month placards cost $3.50. Permanent placard holders may opt to purchase a disabled parking permit license plate. This is considered a license plate renewal and comes with the same associated fees.

Permanent placards must be renewed every three years. Temporary placards cannot be renewed. If you still need access to disabled parking after six months, you will need to obtain another physician signed certificate verifying your disability.

What do I Need to Know About Ohio Disabled Parking?

Once you have obtained your disabled parking permit placard, make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and responsibilities of disabled parking in Ohio.

Placards must always be displayed when parking. Failure to do so may result in a fine or revocation of your placard.
Placards may not be hung from the rearview mirror while driving, as it is an obstruction of view.
All other parking and driving regulations must be obeyed.
Placards must be renewed every four years.
Placards can be used in any car you travel in, even if you are not driving.
Placards are valid in all 50 states
Placards may not be lent to another person at any time for any reason. This is a crime.

Remember that the disabled parking permit program was designed with you in mind. Disabled parking permits are issued to maintain the safety and comfort of all Ohio residents. Even if you feel you do not need a disabled parking permit, if you qualify, you should have one. Icy, wet or poorly lit parking lots pose a hazard to even the most prepared person. You may not feel you need to use your disabled parking permit placard everywhere you go, but it is important that you have the option when conditions become hazardous.

You deserve to be safe and comfortable in your community. That is why everywhere you go in Ohio, you will find the familiar blue and white icon that means disabled parking is available. You owe it to yourself to take advantage of this program to protect your health and well being as you go about your day.

If you have a disability or condition that limits your ability to walk more than 200 feet, talk with your doctor about your eligibility for the disabled parking permit program.

The Best Tips To Ensure You Get Your Disabled Parking Permit In Ohio

It can be frustrating to get lost in the complex world of disabled parking permit rules and regulations. In this guide, we’ll break down what each requirement is and best practices once you have yours. You’ll be an expert in everything there is to know about disabled parking requirements in Ohio.

So, let’s start with the most important question regarding disabled parking.

Who Can Get One?

It’s a common question, and you’ll find many different answers. Disabled parking permit rules and regulations change from state to state and even sometimes by different cities.

It’s always important to keep up-to-date with the laws in your area to ensure you’re using the permit correctly. It’s also imperative to understand these pre-qualifications if you’re interested in obtaining a disabled parking permit. A medical professional must certify that you meet at least one of the criteria the state of Ohio has adopted. Here are the qualifications:

You must use portable oxygen.
You must be blind
You must not be able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
You cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, crutch, cane, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair or other assistive devices.
You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters of mercury on room air at rest.
You must be so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
You have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.

A lot of these qualifications can be confusing and difficult to understand. So, let’s break down what some of the more complicated requirements are and what they mean. Understanding how exactly you qualify will help ensure you’re giving the best information to obtain your disabled parking permit.

The American Heart Association Requirement

The American Heart Association has its set of classifications for those with cardiac disease regarding functional limitations. They’re standards dictate when someone with a cardiac disease starts to become limited in their physical activity. If this is you, you’d qualify for a disabled parking permit. Here is the definition of both Class III and Class IV.

Class III

Patients with cardiac disease resulting in marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal pain.

Class IV

Patients with cardiac disease resulting in an inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of heart failure or the anginal syndrome may be present even at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased.

I Have Lung Disease, But, What The Heck Is Spirometry?

Good question! The state of Ohio doesn’t do anyone any favors in terms of the readability of this requirement.

Spirometry is the most common of the pulmonary function tests. It measures lung function. It specifically measures the amount and/or speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.

What the requirement is stating is that you must not be able to exhale or inhale enough breath when you physically moving. This can cause breathing issues.

If you’re completely unsure if you meet the requirement, a good idea is to consult with your primary physician. You’ll need to visit a medical professional any way during the application process, so it’ll be a good time to talk with them about how exactly you qualify.

Temporary and Permanent Permits

You must understand if you need a temporary or permanent disabled parking permit. Applying for the wrong one may get you rejected and you’ll need to go through the entire process again. Nobody likes visits to their doctor so make sure you know which one is best for you.

Here is the breakdown and differences between temporary and permanent disabled parking permits:

Temporary

Temporarily disabled parking permits are ideal for those who have a temporary injury or reversible disability.
They’re only valid for six months, you’ll need to fill out an entirely new application if you decide you need the permit for longer than six months.
They only come in the form of placards
They’re red to identify the permit as temporary
You’ll need to pay a processing fee of $3.50

Permanent

Permanent permits are for those who have a long-term injury or have an irreversible/permanent disability.
Permanent placards are valid for various amounts of time. Your health care provider will specify an ending the date for permanent placards. You’ll need to renew them before they expire to keep them valid. You do need to fill out another application. However, you don’t need any further medical certifications
Permanent license plates don’t need to be renewed through an application. If you obtain a permanent license plate, your permit will automatically renew each year when you annually register your vehicle.

Best Practices After You’ve Obtained Your Permit

Have you received your disabled parking permit? Wonderful! Now, you’ll need to make sure you understand the laws about the permit and how to successfully use it.

If you have a placard, you’ll need to hang it from the rearview mirror so that it is visible from the windshield of the vehicle. Make sure you only hang it when you’re using designated parking spaces. Failure to remove the placard while the vehicle is in motion can count as an obstruction and result in a citation.

If you need to replace your placard for whatever reason, the process is simple. You’ll need to complete From BMV 4826 and fill out another application. You can mail it or drop it off at a local deputy registrar license agency.

Conclusion

You should now be an expert in the best knowledge to obtain a disabled parking permit in Ohio. Make sure you abide by all laws and follow this guide and you’ll be on your way to your new permit!

The Most Helpful Tips On Disabled Parking In Ohio

Disabled parking and disabled parking permits can be a difficult thing to understand. Because of all of the different rules and regulations between each state, the world of disabled parking can be a mess. This guide is meant to shine a light on some of the most helpful tips on disabled parking in Ohio to make your life easier.

Not Just People Can Own Disabled Parking Permits

Disabled parking permits for companies or organizations are often a looked-over topic. Many people assume that just individuals can own a disabled parking permit. However, this isn’t true in the state of Ohio.

Taken from the actual PDF version of the disabled parking permit application for Ohio residents, here is the definition for an organization to qualify for a disabled parking permit:

“… a private organization or corporation or any governmental board, agency department, division, or office, that, as part of its business or program, transports people with disabilities (limited or impaired ability to walk) on a regular basis in a motor vehicle that has not been altered for the purpose of providing it with special equipment or the use by people with disabilities.”

In summary, these qualifications outline what organization can own a disabled parking permit. These may be given to hospitals, transportation companies, or government organizations who are a business or need to provide help to those who are disabled.

There Are Multiple Types Of Permits

There isn’t just a general disabled parking permit. There are temporary placards, permanent placards, permanent license plates, and even a military license plate that serve as a permit. There are differences between each one and they are given to different people based on their circumstances. Here are the differences between all of them.

Temporary Placards

Temporary disabled parking permit placards are great for those who have a reversible disability or a short-term injury.
They are valid for up to six months.
You cannot renew these, you’ll need to reapply for another temporary permit if you find that you’ll need it past the six month expiration period. This means another trip to the doctor for another medical certification.
They are red.
They must be visibly shown on your rearview mirror.

Permanent Placards

Permanent disabled parking permit placards are for those with a permanent or long-term injury that disables or limits them.
The time they are valid may vary. The medical professional who completes the medical portion of your application will put an “end date” on your disability. This date is also the expiration date. To renew your permanent placard, you’ll have to reapply but no more medical certifications are necessary.
They are blue
They must be visibly shown on your rearview mirror.

Permanent License Plates

Permanent license plate disability parking permits are, again, for those with a permanent or long-term injury that disables or limits them.
They replace your original license plate.
The process to renew them is simple. You’ll automatically renew your license plate as a disabled parking permit whenever you annually register your vehicle.
There is no fee associated with obtaining a permanent license plate.
May be issued to a person, a vehicle that is altered to accommodate a disabled individual or a bus that transports disabled persons.
You’ll need to fill out a separate form called the Physician/Chiropractor’s Certification of Eligibility for License Plates for Persons with Disabilities. It’s also more formally called Form BMV 4834.

Permanent License Placards For Military

These disabled parking permit placards are for military personnel that has suffered from a service-connected disability that impairs their ability to walk.
You’ll need to fill out a different application called the Application for Removable Windshield Placard for Active Duty Military / Veterans with Disabilities. It’s also called Form BMV 4531.
These look different and serve to identify the owner as active military personnel or a veteran.
You’ll also need to submit a current letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration that confirms that the disability is service-connected.
There is also no fee for those who are interested in this type of placard.

You Can Submit Your Documents For A Disabled Parking Permit In More Than One Way

It’s a common misconception that you must turn in your application for disabled parking in-person. And, in some states, that is true. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to turn in your paperwork in-person in other states. However, Ohio is more flexible and offers different ways to turn in your disabled parking permit application.

Mail It In

When you’re turning in your application, you have the option of mailing it to the address listed below:

Ohio Bureau Of Motor Vehicles
Attn.: Registration
Remittance Processing Section
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, OH 43216-6521

Take The In-Person Approach

In the state of Ohio, you also have the option of turning in your application in in-person. You can drop it off at any local deputy registrar license agency along with a $3.50 application fee. After that, it’s just a waiting game!

Make Sure You’re Obeying All Laws

Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? However, because of the variations in the law, it can be difficult to understand the dos and don’ts in your state. Here are some of the most important laws to follow:

Keep your placards visible at all times when you’re parked in a designated area. You need to have your expiration date and identification number showing. If there is no rearview mirror, try keeping it visible on your dashboard.
It is illegal to use the parking permit if the owner isn’t present. Even if there is a legally owned permit in your vehicle, the owner must be present for you to legally use the benefits.
It is always illegal to park in the access space. Whether you have or don’t have a disabled parking permit, never park in the areas designated for loading/unloading disabled persons.

Conclusion

You should now be up to date on all the most helpful tips on disabled parking and permits in Ohio. Always follow the laws and check city ordinances as well for any other rules and regulations.

Disabled Parking In Ohio: Clearing Up Confusion And Misconceptions

It’s easy to get the wrong information or get confused by the maze of information that is the world of disabled parking and disabled parking permits. You may find different laws depending on which state you’re in; and, you may even find different rules from city to city.

This leads to many misguided thoughts on the issue. Here is a helpful guide to clarify some of the most confusing misconceptions and perceptions of disabled parking in Ohio.

Even If They Don’t Look Disabled, They Still Might Be

One of the most common misconceptions in the disabled world is that someone may not look like their disabled. Those in this category may face persecution or receive negativity from their peers. It’s important to know that not all disabilities present themselves in physical appearance.

Here are some things that you may overlook when thinking of someone who disabled.

They may have a brain injury or tumor.
They may have a severe lung condition.
They may have a severe brain condition.
Back injuries are common and aren’t always visible to the untrained eye.
They may have had recent surgery.
They may suffer from blackouts or a seizure disorder.
They may have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue.

All of these issues may allow someone to own a disabled parking permit. If you see someone using a designated disabled parking space that doesn’t seem disabled, stop and think if they may have a disability that you can’t physically see.

So, now that we’ve gone over some of the things we might not see, what are the actual legal qualifications?

Qualifications For A Disabled Parking Permit In Ohio

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding who can own a disabled parking permit. Ohio is no different. Those who own a permit must meet at least one or more of the criteria the state has provided.

Here are the standards that the state has adopted for who can apply for and own some types of disabled parking permit:

You are blind.
You are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
You cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
You cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices.
You use portable oxygen.
You have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association.
You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters of mercury on room air at rest.

The qualification in regards to the American Heart Association’s standards is regarding those who suffer from cardiac disease. The Association has classifications of functional capacity. That means, they classify people with cardiac disease in regards to how physically limited their disease makes them.

Someone who is Class III is someone with a cardiac disease resulting in a marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. And, less than ordinary activity causes fatigue palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal pain

Someone who is Class IV is someone with a cardiac disease that is resulting in the inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of heart failure or the anginal syndrome may be present even at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased.

Finally, the last qualification listed can be a doozy to make sense of as well. Spirometry is the most common of all the pulmonary function tests. It is used to help asses breathing patterns of several different conditions.

These conditions can include asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and COPD. These are also several good examples of a disability that may not present itself to the naked eye immediately.

There Are Many Types Of Permits And Applications

Depending on what type of permit you’re applying for, there are different ways to complete a disabled parking permit application. Because of this, you’ll see different kinds of permits and sometimes even ones that are differently colored. Here are the differences:

Disabled Parking Permit License Plates

A disabled parking permit license plate may be given to several different users

It may be given to a person with a disability.
It may be given to a vehicle that is altered to accommodate people with disabilities.
It may be given to a bus that transports those with a disability.
If you’re interested in a license plate permit, you’ll need to submit the Physician/Chiropractor’s Certification of Eligibility for License Plates for Persons with Disabilities. It’s also called Form BMV 4834.
There is no fee associated with his permit.

Disabled Parking Permit Placards

Placards given may be temporary or permanent.

Temporary placards are red.
Permanent placards are blue.
These may be given to an individual or to an organization that provides transportation for a single or multiple persons with a physically limiting disability.
Temporary placards cannot be renewed. Those wanting another must fill out a new application.
Permanent placards are given an expiration date by a medical professional. They can be renewed and no additional medical certification is necessary.

Disabled Military Placards

A placard issued to military personnel with a service-connected physically limiting disability.
Must complete a form called Application for Removable Windshield Placard for Active Duty Military / Veterans with Disabilities. It’s also called Form BMV 4531.
That applying must submit a current letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. The letter must state that the applicant’s disability is service-connected.

Conclusion

This guide is meant to help clear up some of the confusion and common misconceptions about disabled parking in Ohio. You now know all the ins and outs of some of the more complicated topics in the disabled parking world!

A Simple Guide To Understanding How To Get Your Disabled Parking Permit In Ohio

Disabled parking permits have always been a complicated process for those who need them. The laws can change from state to state and even from city to city. If you need to obtain a disabled parking permit in Ohio but have gotten lost in the mess of rules and regulations, this guide is for you.

Let’s dive into the world of disabled parking permits in Ohio, starting with the prerequisites.

Who Qualifies?

This is trickier than it may sound. Because each state governs the rules and regulations behind disabled parking and the permit required, it isn’t a consistent set of laws everywhere. Here is the list that qualifies you:

You must not be able to walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest.
You must not be able to walk without the use or assistance from a cane, brace, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices.
You must be restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty millimeters of mercury on room air at rest.
You must use portable oxygen.
You must have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
You must be severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
You must be blind, legally blind, or severity visually impaired.

Some of these requirements can be a bit confusing. If you’re not sure whether you qualify or not, meet with your doctor to talk about it. You’ll have to visit a medical professional anyway so they can complete part of your application.

Placards Or Plates?

Before you get to the application process, you’ll have to decide if you’d like your disabled parking permit to be a placard or a license plate. There are benefits to both. Here are the differences:

Disabled Parking Permit Plates

Disability plates are ideal for those with a permanent disability or long-term impairing injury.
They can be issued to a person with a disability or limitation, a vehicle that is altered to accommodate a disabled individual or a bus that transports disabled individuals.
You submit a different form for disabled parking permit plates. Registrants must complete and submit the Physician/Chiropractor’s Certification of Eligibility for License Plates for Persons with Disabilities. It’s also more formally known as Form BMV 4834.
There is no additional fee for disability plates

Disabled Parking Permit Placards

Disability placards are ideal for those who have a temporary injury or a reversible disability.
It may be issued to a person with a disability or limitation or to an organization that provides transportation for a person or people with disabilities that limit the ability to walk.
You must complete the Application for Disability Placards. Or, more formally known as BMV 4834.
If your disabling condition will affect you less than six months, you’ll receive a temporary placard to use.
There is a processing fee of $3.50.

Disabled Military Disability Placards

These placards are meant for those that are disabled and currently or formerly serving in the military.
They may be issued to military personnel with a service-connected disability.
You must complete a different form called the Application for Removable Windshield Placard for Active Duty Military / Veterans with Disabilities. It’s also known as Form BMV 4531.
Those interested must submit a current letter from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration that states the disability is service-connected.
There is no fee to obtain this placard.

It’s also important to note that temporary and permanent disabled parking permits will look differently. Those with a temporary permit will have their permit in red. Those who have a permanently disabled parking permit will have one that is blue.

Now that you’re aware of all the different types of disabled parking permits, it’s time to move onto the most important step!

The Application Process

The first step in the application process is completing and filling out Form BMC 4826 for a placard or From BMV 4834 for a license plate. This is the form that will ask you for your personal information (date of birth, name, driver’s license, etc,.) You can pick up the form at any local deputy registrar license agency, or, by calling (614) 752-7800 or (800) 589-TAGS. You can also simply download the application online.

Once you’ve received and filled our section of the application, it’s time for a visit to your healthcare provider. This is where you’ll talk to a medical professional and figure out which of the criteria you meet. They’ll fill out their section in your application, and then you’ll be finished!

Once all your documents are in order, it is time to send them off. You can simply drop it off at any local deputy registrar license agency with the required processing fee of $3.50, or mail it to the address listed below:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn.: Registration
Remittance Processing Section
P.O Box 16521
Columbus, OH 43216-6521

Make sure you also put the $3.50 processing fee with your documents if you choose to mail them and it requires it.

Replacing Your Placard

Life can be hectic, and sometimes you need to replace your placard. It may be damaged, you might’ve lost it, or it may have even been stolen. Don’t sweat it, all you need to do is complete Form BMV 4826. As long as your documents are still current, no more medical information is necessary.

Conclusion

By now, you should be a pro at knowing how to obtain a disabled parking permit in Ohio. The whole process can be frustrating, but it should be at least a little clearer now. Remember, always visibly display your permit when the vehicle is using a designated area!