What do I Need to Know About Disabled Parking in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation issues disabled parking permits to people who have difficulty walking more than 200 feet. These parking permits grant access to the many disabled parking spaces around Pennsylvania and the greater United States.

Not only are these parking spaces closer to the door, reducing the fall risk and effort required to enter buildings, but they also have an attached loading zone. This extra space is essential for people who make use of wheelchairs and walkers.

How do I Qualify for Disabled Parking in PA?

Disabled parking permits are given out based on a person’s difficulty when walking more than 200 feet. there are lots of chronic conditions that make walking difficult or dangerous. while there is no exhaustive list and every case is different, here are some common conditions associated with disabled parking permit eligibility.

  • A history of a severe cardiac condition including heart attack or stroke
  • A form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease including emphysema and bronchitis
  • Use of a wheelchair, brace, cane or walker
  • Partial or total amputation or paralysis
  • Legal blindness
  • Condition causing dizziness, loss of balance or seizures

If you have experienced an injury such as a broken bone, or have recently had surgery, you may be eligible for a temporary placard which will last six months. If you experience difficulty walking after an injury and are expected to take more than three weeks to heal, you may be eligible. Check with your medical provider to see if your injury may be eligible for a temporary disabled parking permit.

How do I get a Physician Signed Certificate?

If you are eligible for disabled parking you will need to obtain a physician signed certificate. This is a document certifying that you are disabled which you can file with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This document can be provided by your primary care physician, or by an advanced practice nurse or physicians’ assistant.

Additionally, if you receive treatment relating to your disability from a specialist they may be able to provide you with this document. Medical specialists are experts in their particular discipline. If your disability or condition leads you to the care of a specialist, they should be able to verify your disability and satisfy the Department of Transportation requirements.

If you are not seeing a primary care physician, you have a new option in the state of Pennsylvania. Many people are now choosing to verify their disability through a virtual visit from the comfort of their homes. Virtual visits are fast, efficient, and easy to schedule around your needs. Consider talking with a qualified Pennsylvania medical provider through a virtual visit.

How do I File my Paperwork?

Once you have verified your eligibility and obtained a physician signed certificate, it is time to file. To obtain your disabled parking permit placard, you must file form MV-145A. You must file this form along with your physician signed certificate in person at any local Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office.

Disabled parking permit placards are always free. Temporary placards are red and are valid for six months. After they expire, if you still require a disabled parking permit, you will need to obtain a new physician signed certificate and apply again.

Permanent placards are blue. They expire along with your driver’s license but can be renewed for free without needing another physician signed certificate.

If your disabled parking permit placard is lost or stolen, report it right away to your local Pennsylvania Department of Transportation office, and file for a replacement.

If you choose, you may apply for a disabled parking permit license plate. This will count as a license plate renewal and comes with the same fees. If you are a disabled veteran, you may choose a disabled veteran parking permit license plate. You will need a signed document from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs verifying that your disability is 100% service-related. This also constitutes a license plate renewal and comes with the same fees.

Pennsylvania Disabled Parking Reminders

Once you have your disabled parking permit placard, make sure you understand the Pennsylvania disabled parking program rules.

You must display prominently your disabled parking permit placard any time you park in a space reserved for disabled parking. Common locations for display are the dashboard and the rearview mirror. Be sure to never drive with your disabled parking permit placard hanging from your rearview mirror, because it is an obstruction of view.

Failure to display the placard is a parking violation and may result in a fine, or your parking permit placard being taken away. This is why many disabled people choose to obtain a disabled parking permit license plate. That way, you never forget to display your hangtag.

You are allowed to use your hang tag in a friend or family member’s vehicle when you travel in their car as a passenger. That way, anywhere you go, you can make use of the handicapped spaces. Just remember not to leave your placard behind.

Lending your placard is not allowed for any reason. Lending, selling or giving away your disabled parking permit placard is a serious offense that could lead to jail time or a large fine. The Department of Transportation isn’t messing around!

If you see someone park in a space reserved for disabled people and they don’t display a disabled parking permit placard, report the violation right away to local police. This isn’t just about getting someone in trouble, but about protecting your neighbors and community members who need that space.

Every year more than 800,000 people in the United States are hospitalized for falls. Particularly in the case of elderly persons, these falls can result in deadly injuries! That is why it is so important that disabled people have access to the handicapped spaces designed for their safety.

If you have difficulty walking more than 200 feet safely and without pain, you may require a disabled parking permit. Talk to your medical provider about your eligibility.

Qualifications for Disabled Parking Permit in Pennsylvania

What are the qualifications for disabled parking permits in Pennsylvania? The state of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation issues disabled parking permits to persons who struggle to walk 200 feet unassisted. Disabled parking permits grant the holder the right to park in the many handicapped accessible parking spaces found in communities all over Pennsylvania.

Disabled parking permits are issued in three forms.

  1. Temporary permits lasting six months
  2. Permanent permits
  3. Disabled veterans permits

Qualifications for Disabled Parking Permits in Pennsylvania

Disabled parking permits are granted to residents with a chronic or lifelong condition that affects their ability to walk. Here are some examples of qualifying conditions.

  • Partial or full paralysis or amputation
  • Conditions causing dizziness, loss of balance or sudden weakness
  • Cardiac conditions including heart attack or stroke (Class III and IV)
  • Respiratory conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  • Reliance on an assistive device such as a brace, walker, cane or wheelchair
  • Legal blindness

Some kinds of injuries and illnesses are eligible for a temporary permit. Broken bones and surgery rehabilitation periods are common reasons for a doctor to recommend a disabled parking permit. If you feel that your injury is severe enough to warrant the use of a disabled parking space, talk with your doctor about your eligibility.

If you are a disabled veteran and wish to display that status with a disabled veteran license plate, you must obtain both a physician signed certificate detailing the nature of your disability and a statement from the Department of Veteran Affairs stating that your disability is %100 service-related. This license plate is optional. Disabled veterans have the choice of applying for the standard disabled parking permit placard or the disabled veteran license plate.

How do You Obtain a Physician Signed Certificate in Pennsylvania?

Your primary care provider along with any advanced practice nurses or physicians’ assistants in their care team may sign your certificate of eligibility. If you believe you are eligible for the disabled parking permit program, you should ask your doctor during your next scheduled visit.

If you receive care from an optometrist, podiatrist, physical therapists, chiropractor or any other specialist concerning your disability, they may also sign your document.

Note that only a specialist seen for your disability may sign this form. For instance, if you are wheelchair-bound and also near-sighted, your optometrist is unable to sign a document verifying your disability, because it is outside their discipline. However, if you are legally blind, an optometrist can verify that for you and can sign your document.

If you are not currently seeing a regular care provider, or your next appointment is a long time from now, you may opt to see a provider virtually. There are many qualified providers in the state of Pennsylvania available for virtual visits at your convenience. These visits take place from the comfort of your home and are a quick and easy way to obtain your physician signed certificate.

Be aware that falsely seeking a disabled parking permit is a crime. If you are found guilty of fraud concerning a disabled parking permit application, you could be fined up to $10,000 or face up to five years imprisonment.

How do You File Your Disabled Parking Paperwork?

Once you obtain your physician signed certificate, you must file it along with form MV-145A. This form is filed in person with a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation local office.

Temporary placards lasting six months and permanent placards are both provided free of charge to qualified persons. Disabled parking permit license plates may be obtained by paying the same fees associated with license plate renewal. If you have obtained paperwork stating your disability is %100 service-related, you may choose to obtain a disabled veteran’s license plate.

If your disabled parking permit placard is lost or stolen, you must apply for a new one in person. There may be fees for replacement. Your disabled parking permit must be renewed along with your driver’s license. If you are a permanent placard holder, you will not need a new physician signed certificate, and there will be no fee for renewal.

Pennsylvania Disabled Parking Rules

Once you have successfully obtained your Pennsylvania disabled parking permit placard, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of disabled parking.

Always display your disabled parking permit placard while parked in a space reserved for handicapped parking. Failure to do so could result in a fine or the revocation of your placard. The display of your disabled parking permit placard should be prominent. Typically this is done by hanging the disabled parking permit placard from your rearview mirror or placing it on the dashboard so that it is visible from your windshield.

Do not hand your disabled parking permit placard while your vehicle is in motion. This constitutes an obstruction of view and could land you with a ticket.

Remember that your disabled parking permit is valid in all fifty states, so bring it with you when you travel. Of course, be sure to obey local parking laws and read all signs carefully. But when you see that blue and white disabled parking space icon while on a road trip, feel free to park.

Be sure to bring your disabled parking permit placard with you when your friends or family drive you someplace. As long as you are in the car, the vehicle may be parked in a handicapped space to make it easier for you to access the building you are traveling to. Just remember to display your placard when parked and remove your placard when done.

Under no circumstances may you ever lend, give away or sell your placard. This is a crime and is punishable by fines up to $10,000 or five years imprisonment. Be sure to report lost or stolen placards right away.

If you witness someone park in a space reserved for disabled parking who does not display a disabled parking permit placard, be sure to report the incident right away. When contacting local law enforcement, be sure to share with them the details of the violation, such as the time, location and license plate number.

Now that you know the necessary qualifications for disabled parking permits in Pennsylvania, you can start the application process.

A Guide To Understand The Rules and Regulations Of Disabled Parking Permits In Pennsylvania

Disabled parking can be a tough topic to fully understand. Each state has their standards and set of rules and regulations that add to the jumble of confusing information out in the world. Understandably, it can be a frustrating process to go through.

This guide is meant to clear up any confusion you may have and fully understand all of the rules and regulations behind disabled parking permits in Pennsylvania.

Let’s start with the most complex part:

Who Qualifies For Disabled Parking?

The answer to the question is probably more complicated than you anticipated. As previously stated, each state has its qualifications for those who can own a disabled parking permit.

Pennsylvania’s qualifications are a bit more complex than other states. You must meet at least one or more of the criteria. Here is the list as they are written:

  • You must be blind.
  • You must use portable oxygen.
  • You must not be able to walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices.
  • 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 mm/hg on room air at rest.
  • 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 must be severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • You are in loco parentis of a person specified in one of the above conditions
  • You are the parent, including an adoptive parent or foster parent, of a child or adult child provided that the person has custody, care or control of the child or adult child and the child or adult child satisfies one or more of the condition specified above.
  • You are the spouse of a person specified by one of the conditions listed above.

Some of these qualifications can be confusing to understand. They even reference other organizations at times. So, let’s break down the most complex requirements.

The American Heart Association Requirement

Are you curious about what functional limitations are and who the heck is classifying them? The answer is simpler than you probably think.

The American Heart Association has a set of classifications they use to determine the physical limitations of those who have cardiac disease. What this means, regarding disabled parking permit qualifications, is that a person who has a severe enough cardiac disease may need a permit.

For further clarity, here are the definitions of the American Heart Association’s Class III and Class IV functional capacities:

Class III

  • A person 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

  • A person 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.

What The Heck Is Spirometry And Arterial Tension?

Spirometry

Spirometry is the most common type of pulmonary function breathing test. It measures how much air you inhale and how much air you exhale. It also measures how quickly you exhale. This is a good way to assess how well your lungs work.

Spirometry is used to diagnose a variety of conditions. Many of those who have them would qualify for a disabled parking permit. Some of the conditions it identifies are listed below:

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Asthma
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis

Arterial Tension

Arterial tension is simple – it’s your blood pressure. What the qualification is asking is if your blood pressure is in a poor enough state that your physical activity may be limited.

This could be caused by a wide variety of different conditions. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you’re not sure if you qualify.

I’m A Loco Parentis? What?

No, it doesn’t mean you’re a crazy parent. Although, most parents are!

A person in Loco Parentis is charged by law with the natural parent’s rights, responsibilities, and duties. They act on behalf of a child in place of their natural parents.

So, if you’re the legal guardian of someone who qualifies for a disabled parking permit, you may also apply for a permit. This is to ensure that those with a disability won’t suffer because they are in their legal guardian’s vehicle.

However, it is important to remember that it is illegal to use a disabled parking permit unless the owner is present. Even if you have a legally obtained disabled parking permit, it is illegal to use unless the owner is present.

General Rules And Regulations

Now that you fully understand all of the qualifications and what exactly they mean, it’s time to dive into the actual rules and regulations in Pennsylvania. It’s important to understand all of them so you’re getting the most out of your permit.

Here is a list of some of the most important rules and regulations:

  • Your disabled parking placard must always be shown in your rearview mirror while using a designated space.
  • Make sure to take the placard off the rearview mirror while the vehicle is in motion. This can be seen as an obstruction.
  • If you display someone else’s decal, you can parking in a designated area so long as the intent is to reserve the vehicle for those with a disability.
  • A vehicle used by or for someone with a disability may park for 60 extra minutes of a legal parking period.

Conclusion

By now, disabled parking and disabled parking permits in Pennsylvania should be a breeze for you. Make sure that you fill out your application appropriately when applying and obey all laws to your state and city.

Handicap Placards in PA

There’s a lot of twists and turns in the maze that is the world of disabled parking. Each state has its qualifications and laws regarding disabled parking and who can own a disabled parking permit. Even some cities may have regulations regarding disabled parking.

With all the different information out there, it can be easy to get lost in the process to obtain a PA handicap parking permit. This can, understandably, be frustrating if you need to get a disabled parking permit fast.

This guide is meant to clear the clutter from the mess. It’ll show the fastest way to get your disabled parking permit in Pennsylvania.

To begin, we’ll start at the first question you should ask yourself – Do I qualify?

Who Can Receive a Disabled Parking Permit in Pennsylvania?

As stated previously, each state has its own set of standards as to who can own a disabled parking permit. Pennsylvania is no different and has adopted its predetermined criteria. You must meet at least one or more of the qualifications.

Here they are:

  • You must be blind.
  • You must not have full use of an arm or both arms.
  • You must not be able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You must be 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 mm/hg 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 II or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • You must be severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • You must be a person in loco parentis of a person specified in the above (8) standards.
  • You must be the parent, including an adoptive parent or foster parent, of a child or adult child provided that the person has custody, care or control of the child or adult child and the child or adult child satisfies one or more of the conditions listed above.
  • You must be the spouse of a person who meets one or more of the conditions listed above.

Some of these qualifications can be a doozy to understand. If you’re not sure, meet with your doctor to talk about which of these qualifications you meet. Don’t sweat it if you’re worried, if your disability is severe, you’ll likely qualify.

Likewise, if you’re the spouse or parent of someone with a severe disability, you’ll also likely qualify.

Ensure You Apply Correctly

Pennsylvania is different in that you can complete your PA handicap placard application in several different ways. First, you’ll need to decide which type of permit is best for you.

Here are the different types and their differences:

Person with Disability Parking Placard

  • This placard is ideal for those who have a long-term injury or a disability that physically limits them.
  • It is valid for five years.

Severely Disabled Veteran Person with Disability Parking Placard

  • This placard is meant for severely disabled veterans.
  • The disability must have resulted from a service-connected incident.
  • Valid for five years.

Person with Disability Temporary Parking Placard

  • This placard is for those who have a temporary injury that physically limits them or someone with a reversible disability.
  • They are valid for six months.
  • These may not be renewed.
  • Must recertify by a licensed health care provider for a renewal after the placard expires.

Severely Disabled Veteran Motorcycle Decal

  • The decal is similar to the placard meant for disabled veterans. It is meant for those with a disability that has resulted from a service-connected incident.
  • They are valid during Pennsylvania’s motorcycle registration period.

After you’ve decided which disabled parking permit is best for you, and filled out your application, it is time to visit someone to certify your disability.

Pennsylvania offers a wide range of entities that can certify your disability. However, each entity can also certify specific conditions. Here is a breakdown:

Authorized Healthcare Provider

  • Defined as a physician, chiropractor, optometrist, podiatrist, physician’s assistant, or a certified registered nurse practitioner licensed or certified to practice in the commonwealth or a contiguous state.
  • They may only certify disability within their scope of practice.
  • Must be certified in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, or Ohio.

Law Enforcement

  • Police officers may only certify codes one and four.
  • One is for those who are blind
  • Four is for those who cannot walk without the use of, assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices.

A U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator

  • These administrators are meant to certify veterans.
  • They authorize that the veteran’s disability was service-connected.

After you’ve decided which entity is most appropriate for your condition, visit them and have them complete their part of the application.

Once the entire application is fully completed, it’s time to mail it off. You can submit it to the address below:

PennDOT
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 68268
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8268 

Useful Tips

Now that you understand the fastest way to get your handicap placard in PA, here are some helpful tips to serve you as you begin to use your permit.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Placards

If you have found that you’ve lost your placard, had it stolen, or it’s damaged, don’t worry. Replacements placard can be obtained by completing Form MV-145A.

Your previous placard number will be listed in PennDOT’s system. If you eventually find a lost or stolen placard, you should immediately return it to PennDOT. Once you’ve replaced it, the previous one will be null and void.

Renewing Placards

Permanent placards are renewed in March and September each year. Permanent holders will be mailed a renewal notice 60 days before expiration.

Temporary placards cannot be renewed, recertification must be submitted.

Conclusion

You should now be an expert in obtaining your PA handicap placard as fast as possible. Be sure to carefully fill out your application and your set to receive your new permit.

A Guide To Understanding All Of Pennsylvania’s Types Of Disabled Parking Permits

Pennsylvania has a large variety of types of disabled parking permits and ways you can get them. They also have one of the more complex sets of standards, rules, and regulations behind disabled parking.

Because of this, it can be tough to fully understand all of the information out that. And, on top of that, each state has its own set of laws. Even cities can have different rules for disabled parking!

This guide will serve as the expert on your shoulder as you dive into all of the different kinds of disabled parking permits, their differences, and their benefits.

The Different Types Of Disabled Parking Permits

Before we get to who and how to apply, it’s important to know the different types of disabled parking permits, their benefits, and who they’re for. Here’s a list explaining just that:

Persons With Disability Registration Plates

These registration plates are meant for a passenger car or truck. They’re typically used by those with a permanent disability. Here are the benefits associated with this type of permit:

  • You may request local authorities to place a sign, or multiple signs, on the highway as close as possible to your residence. This sign indicates that the place is reserved for you if you have a disability.
  • You may park in designated areas as long as the owner of the permit is present.
  • Your placard allows you to park the vehicle for an extra hour longer than the legal parking period permitted. The exception is where local ordinances and regulations provide more accommodation to traffic.

Persons With Disability Motorcycle Registration Plates

These plates are almost the same as the normal disability registration plates. They’re also typically used by those with a permanent disability. However, they’re made for motorcycles.

When using this type of permit, you’ll also be able to park an extra 60 minutes in parking spaces with a time limit, as well as being able to park in designated spaces and request a sign from the local authorities.

Disabled Veteran Registration Plates

These registration plates are for veterans who have incurred a service-connected disability that limits them enough to need a disabled parking permit.

Applicants for this plate will need to have a certification from the service unit of the armed forces or by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator. They’ll certify if the disability is service-connected and issue a special license plates

These plates also carry the same benefits as previously listed above.

Severely Disabled Veteran Plates

Severely disabled veteran plates are slightly different than a normal veteran’s plate for disabled parking.

If a veteran is interested in these plates, they must certify that their service-connected disability is at 100% by the service unit of the armed forces in which the veteran served or by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator.

You may also self-certify by providing a legible photocopy of your Letter of Promulgation, and Awards Letter, or a Single Notification Letter. The documents must indicate a 100 percent service-connected disability.

 This license plate is special only for those who are severely disabled veterans. They also include the same benefits as listed above.

Severely Disabled Veteran Motorcycle Decal

This motorcycle decal permit is much like the license plate for severely disabled veterans. Those wanting this decal must also verify that their service-connected disability is certified at 100% percent by the service unit of the armed forces in which the veteran served or by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator.

A veteran can also self-certify by providing a legible photocopy of their Letter of Promulgation, Awards Letter, or Single Notification letter.

They include the same benefits as the previously listed permits but are a special decal for motorcycles.

 

Permanent Persons With Disability Parking Placard

Permanent placards are meant for any vehicle that is operated solely by or for the benefit of a person with a disability.

The stipulation is that it may only be used when the person(s) with disability are being transported in the vehicle. You also must have the placard hung from the front windshield rearview mirror when using a designated space. Remember to remove it while the vehicle is in motion as it may be counted as an obstruction to your vision.

Here are the benefits:

  • You may park for an excess of 60 minutes in legal parking spaces that have a time period you’re allowed to park there. This may change depending on local ordinances and regulations about the flow of traffic.
  • You may request local authorities to place a sign(s) on the highway as close as possible to your residence. They serve to indicate that the place is reserved for someone with a disability.

Severely Disabled Veteran Placard

 These placards are almost the same as the license plates for severely disabled veterans. The disability must be service-connected and certified at 100% by the unit of the armed forces in which the veteran served in or by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator. They’ll issue one placard.

The benefits are the same normal disability parking placard.

Temporary Persons With Disability Parking Placard

Temporary placards are great for those with a short-term injury or reversible disability. They’re valid for up to six months and are issued in red color.

They carry all the same benefits as the permanent parking placards. However, you cannot renew them. You’ll need to fill out a new application to receive another permit.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania has one of the largest varieties of disabled parking permits you can apply for. Each has its benefit and is meant for different people.

It’s important to understand the differences and benefits associated with each one, especially if you or someone you love has a disability.

Hopefully, you’re now an expert in everything there is to know about the different disabled parking permits offered in Pennsylvania.