How do I File for Disabled Parking in Tennessee?

In the State of Tennessee, if you have difficulty walking more than 200 feet without assistance, you may be entitled to a disabled parking permit. This permit grants you the right to park in spaces reserved for disabled parking. Spaces reserved for disabled parking are marked with a white wheelchair icon against a blue background. These spaces are closer to the door and provide extra room for loading and unloading of wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices.

In order to obtain your disabled parking permit, you will need to determine if you are eligible, obtain your physician signed certificate and then file with the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you have done so, you will be presented with your disabled parking permit placard. This placard is valid in all fifty states, for your convenience.

Who Qualifies for Disabled Parking in Tennessee?

The state of Tennessee recognizes a long list of conditions and disabilities as disabled parking permit eligible. The basic guideline for eligibility is the inability to walk safely and comfortably more than 200 feet. This could be due to a physical injury, a neurological condition, a vision impairment or a cardio-pulmonary condition. While there is no master list of conditions found in the Tennessee state statute on disabled parking permits, here are some of the guidelines used by Tennessee medical professionals to determine eligibility for the disabled parking permit program.

  • Legal blindness including a vision of 20/200 or less without corrective lenses
  • A class III or IV cardiac condition such as a history of heart attack or stroke
  • Partial or total amputation or the use of a prosthesis or brace
  • Partial or full paralysis of a limb
  • Sudden and uncontrolled loss of muscle tone, seizures or dizziness
  • Reliance on a wheelchair, walker or cane
  • A condition that limits oxygenation such as bronchitis or emphysema
  • A tendency to drop below 95% SP02 on room air, or the reliance on supplemental oxygen
  • Severe arthritis or other physical deformity affecting ambulation

This is not a complete list, and no such list exists. The decision of disabled parking permit eligibility is made by your doctor, not the state of Tennessee.

If you have experienced an injury that limits your mobility similar to the above criteria but is not permanent, you may be eligible for temporary access. The disabled parking permit program also issues six-month temporary placards to injured persons. Common causes for eligibility include broken bones, back injuries, and surgery. If you feel that you are unable to walk more than 200 feet without undue hardship, talk to your provider about the disabled parking permit program’s temporary placard.

How do I Get a Physician Signed Certificate?

Once you have established that you meet the criteria for eligibility, it’s time to contact a Tennessee medical professional for your physician signed certificate. This certificate is a legal document you present to the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles to verify your disability.

This document may be provided by your regular care physician, physician’s assistant or advanced practice nurse. Next time you see your primary care team, ask them about your disabled parking permit eligibility.

If you are seeking a temporary permit due to a severe injury you may be able to obtain this certificate from the urgent care facility or the emergency room you visited when you were injured.

If you do not have an appointment scheduled soon, or do not wish to wait for your next scheduled appointment, you can also seek verification online from a virtual visit. Many Tennessee medical practitioners are available online at any time for a virtual visit. These visits take place in your home and are a quick, easy solution to your needs. A virtual visit is just like an office visit without the hassles. A Tennessee qualified provider can send you disability verification and help you file your paperwork, often the same day you request a visit.

Who do I File Within Tennessee?

Once you have established your disabled parking permit program eligibility and you have obtained a physician signed certificate verifying your disability, you are ready to file your paperwork. You must file form RV-F1310301 with the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles. You may file this form, along with you physician signed certificate, by mail or in person at a local Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Temporary placards lasting six months are red, and cost $10 at the time of filing. If after six months you feel you still need access to the disabled parking permit program, you can apply for a renewal. This will require a new physician signed certificate and will cost an addition $10. You may only apply for renewal once.

Permanent placards are blue and cost $21.50 at the time of filing. Disabled parking permit license plates are also $21.50 at the time of filing. Disabled parking permit decals, however, are provided free of charge.

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

Once you have received your disabled parking permit and have chosen how to display it, be sure you are familiar with the Tennessee disabled parking program rules.

If you have chosen a license plate or decal, you are all set. These are always visible on your vehicle and are the best way to ensure you are not fined for forgetting to display your disabled parking permit. If you have opted for a disabled parking permit placard, make sure to remember to display it prominently whenever you park. If you fail to display your placard, you may be fined.

While the placard requires you to remember to display it, it is a popular choice for many disabled parking permit holders because it can be used in more than one vehicle. Remember that you are allowed to use your placard to park in handicapped spaces any time you travel. That means if a family member takes you someplace, bring your placard with you to make use of it wherever you go.

Who qualifies for a handicap permit in Tennessee?

For someone who suffers from a medical condition that makes life more difficult, having the ability to use a handicapped parking space would be convenient and remove some burden. With different states having different views and regulations on who can and who cannot use these spaces, understanding if you fit into one of the requirement categories will save you lots of time and money from having to go all the way to a Tennessee DMV to see if you qualify. By going over the several categories of qualifications, you will be able to understand if you can pursue a parking permit and be on your way to more convenient parking.

First steps

When you are considering applying for a parking permit, it is important to understand that there is some level of involvement that you must be prepared for when considering applying for a permit. Filling out the required paperwork, getting a doctors approval, registering your information, and other expenses that add up to a lot of effort, so it is important to make sure that you do your research before pursuing a parking permit.

Qualifying disabilities

With disability permits requiring an licensed physician’s approval, it is important to understand that in states like Tennessee it is required for you to have a doctor to certify any disability you may have to ensure that you do in fact need a disability parking permit. By understanding what Qualifies you for disability parking you can better understand if you should consider pursing a doctor’s certification to obtain your parking permit.

What disabilities qualify?

Living with a disability can often be a great inconvenience, but it is important to understand what the state of Tennessee recognizes as a disability that warrants a special permit. To help understand what it takes to qualify, the Tennessee department of revenue has made a comprehensive list of what they consider to be disabilities that will allow for the recipient to qualify for a special parking permit that will be discussed next.

Paraplegia or amputation of one or more limbs

Whether you have been born without one or more limbs or have had a limb removed due to a medical procedure or accident, you could qualify for a handicapped parking permit in Tennessee. If you have a prosthetic that hinders your ability to walk comfortably, you are still able to apply for a parking permit and would also apply to other qualifications making it extra certain that you could receive a permit.

Requiring a wheelchair

Whether it is from old age or a preexisting condition that requires the use of a wheelchair to get around, you may qualify for a parking permit. With the need of a wheelchair, you may be able to receive a permit that you can use for as long as you are required to use the wheelchair to get around. However, if you only need a wheelchair for a temporary period then you will have to give back your temporary permit after you no longer need the use of the wheelchair.

Inability to walk 200 feet without rest

For those who are unable to walk 200 feet without rest or stopping for a while, you may be entitles to a parking permit for handicapped spaces. If you need a brace or cane to assist you in walking, then depending on the severity of your condition you may have access to one of several categories of disability compensation. With a fairly unique criteria, the disability qualification serves to justify the need of a doctor to make sure your walking disability warrants the need of a special parking space.

Pulmonary or cardiac illness

As heart disease rates grow and respiratory issues are always present, more people than ever are applying for parking permits due to the strain that long bursts of walking can have on their body due to their hearts inability to efficiently pump blood and their lungs struggling to keep up. With chronic illnesses and various forms of heart disabilities and breathing issues, it is important to make sure you get the parking permit you need so you don’t have to put any additional strain on your body.

Religious seeking treatment

One of the more unique yet recognized forms of disability, certain disabilities that are being treated through prayer in the practice of religion are also considered as permit applicable disabilities by the state of Tennessee. Whether you are suffering from a terminal illness or are suffering from a disease, having a certified Christian Science Practitioner confirm that they are using prayer and other medical services compliant with their practice to ensure that you are able to receive a parking permit that they can justify that you need. With this being a unique circumstance, it is unlikely that you will be able to register this pass in other states, but you will be able to use a Tennessee parking pass in other states.

Vision of less than 20/200

Being difficult for a disability, a visual impairment causing vision less than 20/200 can make driving much more difficult or even impossible depending on the severity of your visual impairment. With vision impairments being able to get a pass that makes getting to a destination easier can take a large burden of the shoulders of those with partial or legal blindness. It is important to remember that if you have been deemed unfit to drive due to severe blindness you should not be driving even if you think you would qualify for a specialized parking pass.

Conclusion

Determining whether you or someone you know can obtain a parking permit it can be a confusing process determining what conditions Tennessee recognizes as warranting a parking pass. Hopefully after reading some of the conditions mentioned and consulting with a doctor for a recommendation to pursue a permit you are now able to understand where you fall on the qualification list you can decide to fill out the paperwork and find a way to make your life just a little bit easier.

The fastest way to get a parking permit in Tennessee

Making sure that you are able to live your lie to the fullest is always most people’s main goals and not being able to get to certain places due to parking restrictions can severely impede on that freedom. If an accident or illness comes up in your life or the life of someone you know, the first thing you want to do is make sure life is able to go smoothly and without inconvenience. Being able to get a handicap permit for a short time or a lifetime can be a lengthy and complicated process but if you are diligent and efficient you can get your permit in no time. With the introduction of new and innovative technologies that are changing the way we interact with one another and spread information, it also offers new ways to speed up the process in which we are able to get back on our feet and moving again.

Saving time with qualifying

When applying for the parking permit, the first thing you must consider is if your disability is one that allows for you to register for a handicapped permit. Whether you are looking for a temporary or a permanent pass, you must look at the states’ requirements for what conditions must be present for the candidate and how long they expect to be living with the conditions. For example, if you now require a wheelchair or walking aid to help you move around, you can apply for a temporary pass that will allow you temporary access to handicapped spaces if the condition persist. If you suffer from chronic diseases or sensory issues, you may qualify for permanent parking privileges as you will be living with conditions that will make life harder to navigate for the foreseeable future.

The fastest paperwork filing

In the state of Tennessee, the application for a temporary or permanent handicap permit can be found online and printed out in a matter of minutes. When you fill out the required RV-F1310301 from , you will find a lot of personal information that relates to the nature of the application as well as the status of permit you wish to receive. Once you print out the permit sheet and pick your desired length of membership you will have to find a doctor to sign off on the paperwork. With the online world having so much power, there are even programs to help you file paperwork online for added convenience.

Fastest way to a doctor

Trying to get paperwork filed as quickly as possible, the last thing you want to do is have to go to the doctor’s office or hospital to wait in line for hours to get a signature. Thankfully, for cases where only some prior information and consultation are needed you can be on your way to a permit much quicker than before. Thanks to the advances in modern technology and digital data, you are now able to speak with a licensed professional from the comfort and convenience of your own home. Thanks to the security and ease of use of new applications you can sign, consult, and make sure your information gets to the right place on time.

Quick Registration

After you have either gone and visited a doctor or quickly consulted via the internet, you are now able to go to a Tennessee motor vehicle office to register and set up your tag information. One downside to going to the registry is that it may be inconvenient with your current condition or it may not be a good time to go on a long drive just to have to wait at a registry for a long time to file simple paperwork. Once again, thanks to the convenience of modern technology you can skip the drive and the lines by having all your information sent to the registry via the internet. Once your online doctor or consultant has deemed your application valid, they can send it to the registry for you and have them take care of your data for you so you don’t have to spend energy and time going out to the office just to hand in some paperwork.

Fastest permit acquisition method

After the paperwork is filled out and you have been consulted, you are finally able to go and pick up your placard or license plate. If it is only a temporary disability that you registered for, then they will supply you with a temporary placard that will allow you to park in handicapped spaces for a limited amount of time until it expires. If you applied and were consulted under the impression that this would be a long term or permanent issue, then they will register you with a license place that will allow you to hold your handicapped status for four years without having to go and get registered again. Finally, if you were injured in combat as a veteran, they will offer you a special veteran plate that recognizes you were disabled in combat and you will only have to reregister your plates whenever you decide to register your vehicle. No matter the method of recognition you chose, you can go and pick it up from the registry once the documents have been filed and completed, or if you have chosen the online route the registry is able to send you your information in the mail for added convenience.

Conclusion

In your greatest time of need, you look for the most reliable and fastest options to get you moving again. Looking to find a solution as quickly as possible and putting yourself in the best place possible all requires finding the best and quickest way to ensure lesser struggles dealing with whatever has been thrown your way. By utilizing the power of internet technology and its ability to connect people, the services you need are at your fingertips and can be a lifesaver when time is of the essence.

How to use a handicap permit in Tennessee

When considering applying for a handicap parking permit, there are many factors that go into deciding which pass to get and how you will get value out of it. One question that is most often overlooked when getting a new permit is how can I use my new handicap permit? With so many laws and restrictions with who can use the permit, where it can be used, and many other factors, understanding how to legally get the most out of your parking pass will provide you peace of mind for years to come.

Registering for a parking permit

Similar to other government sanctioned registrations, getting registered for a disability parking permit requires some information before moving on to other steps. To start the registration process, you must fill out a RV-F1310301 form. This form is a way for the state of Tennessee to understand who is applying for the permit, what their current medical conditions are, how long they need the permit, and a few other pieces of information regarding the duration of the permits use. Most of the information is basic and can be filled out with ease, but there is a certain amount of information that needs to be filled out by your doctor to validate the legitimacy of your case that ensures you have the disability that you are filing for. Thankfully due to modern innovations and technology you can consult with a doctor online if your disability prevents you from travelling to go see your doctor or if is simply an inconvenience. After filing the paperwork all you must do is pay a small fee and decide which style of pass is most relevant to you condition and its duration.

Displaying the id

Although the registration is complete and you have your ID, making sure to remember when you need to use it is just as important. When you are planning to park in a designated handicapped sport, you must display the placard from the windshield in order to make sure the law enforcement and parking area is aware that you are entitled to use the space. Failure to remember to put up the placard when parking could result in a fine or the eventual removal of your placard privileges. When your vehicle is in motion, you must remove the placard from the windshield as it is illegal to drive with any placard hanging from your rear-view mirror. However, if you have a Tennessee license plate or sticker displaying the status of your permit then you do not need to worry about the placard rules.

Out of state parking

After registering and receiving a parking plate or placard on your vehicle, you are now free to park in any handicap space that is open. One benefit to an officially licensed parking permit is that not only does it allow you to occupy handicap parking spaces in the state of Tennessee, but it also allows you to park in handicap spaces anywhere else in the United States of America. Being able to travel from state to state knowing that you will be accommodated no matter where you go is not only a convenience, but it can also be the difference between travelling and not for many people who suffer from disabilities.

Reporting illegal parking

When using a handicap permit and seeing no available spots left, you may unfortunately have to park somewhere else. If there is someone parked in a handicapped sport without the correct license plate or windshield badge, then every state encourages you to contact the owner of the store the violation is occurring at and even the police. While many are ignorant to the usage of these limited spaces for others, it is not only rude, but it is also illegal and should be dealt with. If an establishment also decides to restrict the time usage or days of the handicapped space that Is also illegal as handicapped spot must always remain open and are not allowed to be shut down for certain times or events as according to the law.

Restrictions

Making the most accommodations possible for those with disabilities is a goal for most states, but there are still some restrictions that apply to those with specialty parking permits. For example, even if you have the plates or placard, you are still required to pay for certain parking features such as event parking and street side parking meters that are not dedicated for handicapped use. Another issue many people forget to remember is the duration of their permit or license plate. Even if you have a registered license plate or placard for a permanent disability, the state of Tennessee requires you to renew your temporary placard or get your plates renewed every two years for permeant plates or every six months for a temporary permit. If you decide to park in a handicap space with an expired remit or license plate, it is essentially the same as just parking there with no permit at all in the eyes of the law.

Other driver permit use

One of the harder rules to determine, determining when it is allowed and when it presents a violation for someone else to use the placard differs. If the person who the placard was issued to is in the vehicle, then it may park in the Handicapped space. If the disabled person is not in the car and the placard is used however than it is a violation of the parking code and results in the removal and need for reapplication of the originally issued placard or plate due to the misdemeanor of allowing someone other than the person it was given to illegally park without a disability.

Conclusion

Trying to remember all of the rules and restrictions that are in place when you pick up a parking permit in Tennessee can seem daunting, but checking in with the rules every now and then to refresh your memory and remembering to get you permit renewed will save you time and frustrations in the future.

How can you get a handicap permit in Tennessee?

For those who suffer from a disability or are unable to go about daily functions as easily as others, many everyday activities such as driving and getting to a store can be inconvenient and uncomfortable with the amount of difficulty involved in getting from a crowded parking lot to your desired destination. To help those with disabilities, states like Tennessee issues special handicapped parking permits to those in need. By understanding who is eligible for these services, how to obtain them, and how to renew them to ensure that you are able to get the most out of life and make sure your disabilities don’t limit you by getting the most out of your parking permit as possible.

Filling out the application

If you decide to consider applying for a parking permit, the first thing you must do is recognize if your disability is one that allows for you to register for a handicapped permit. Whether you are looking for a temporary or a permanent pass, you must look at the states’ requirements for what conditions must be present for the candidate and how long they expect to be living with the conditions. For example, if you now require a wheelchair or walking aid to help you move around, you can apply for a temporary pass that will allow you temporary access to handicapped spaces if the condition persist. If you suffer from chronic diseases or sensory issues, you may qualify for permanent parking privileges as you will be living with these conditions indefinitely and require the assistance of better parking. Understanding which category you fit into in the eyes of the Tennessee department of revenue will better allow you to understand what the application wants you to disclose about your status and driving needs.

Information to file

Similar to filing for tax benefits or other government issued forms, getting a specialized parking permit requires information and validation. You first must file a Application for Disabled Person License, or RV-F1310301, form.BY filling out this form, you are telling the state of Tennessee about your current driving status, your personal details, and information regarding the duration of your disability. Most of the information is fairly basic and can be filled out with ease, but there is a certain amount of information that needs to be verified by a letter of approval by an approved physician that ensures you have the disability that you are filing for. Thankfully due to modern innovations and technology you can consult with a doctor online if your disability prevents you from travelling to go see your doctor or if is simply an inconvenience. Once the paperwork is in order you may also have to pay a small fee depending on how you wish to display your status which can range from ten dollars to twenty-two dollars.

Where to get the permit

Once you have been cleared by a licensed physician or quickly consulted via the internet, you are now able to go to your local Tennessee vehicle registry to register and set up your permit information. One downside to going to the registry is that it may be inconvenient with your current condition or it may not be a good time to go on a long drive just to have to wait at a registry for a long time to file simple paperwork. If you would rather not make the drive to go to the registry or are unable to, you can always have online services take care of the information for you and help you get registered. After your doctor or consultant has deemed your application valid, they can send it to the registry for you and have them take care of your data for you so you don’t have to spend energy and time going out to the office just to hand in some paperwork. Many offices will be able to mail your new permit to you if that is within their protocol, but if they are unable to mail it to you then you can go to your local registry to pickup the permit and shouldn’t have to wait in any long lines.

Changing your permit status

With some temporary conditions getting much worse for an extended period of time, there are certain forms and permits you need to reregister to ensure the legality and convenience your vehicle is entitled to. BY going to a doctorand getting reevaluated and they feel as if you have a condition that has worsened then you may be entitled to a permanent plate or placard that will allow you to park in handicapped spots all over the country that you will be allowed to use until the expiration date of the new permit.

Different permit types

While you are filing out the permit information, they will give you various options on how you want to display your status based on your completed documentation. Your choice will primarily be based on the extent of your permit and condition or the method that you want to display your permit. There are four different methods to choose from all with various traits to give insight to the condition of the owner that are as follows:

  • Permanent Handicap Placard: Disability placards issued in Tennessee are given to those who have been diagnosed with a medical disability that allows them to park in handicapped spaces for as long as they continue to renew their placard for and are valid for two years.
  • Temporary Handicap placard: Like the permanent placard, this identification is displayed in your mirror when parking, but cannot be used after six months of registering and can only be renewed once.
  • Handicap License Plate: Instead of having to put up the disability placard anytime you want to park in a designated handicap space, the users’ license plate would indicate the handicapped status and is available to those with long-term conditions valid for two years.
  • License plate handicap decal: Instead of having a license plate registered for handicap parking, you can simply place a sticker on your current plates and renew the sticker validity the same as the past methods.

Conclusion

With an understanding of the process and types of parking permits available to Tennessee residents, you can be on your way to more convenient driving in no time!