What’s the Fastest Way To Get Disabled Parking in Vermont?

The state of Vermont and the Department of Motor Vehicles offers disabled parking permits to any resident with disabilities relating to their safety walking. These disabled parking permits grant access to the handicapped spaces found in nearly every parking lot in Vermont, and the greater United States.

Spaces reserved for disabled permit parking, or handicapped spaces, are typically closer to the door and have an extra lane beside them for the loading and unloading of wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Use of these spaces is essential for persons with difficulty walking more than 200 feet unassisted.

The state of Vermont is committed to the safety and comfort of all residents, and that is what the disabled parking permit is all about. If you are a Vermont resident with difficulty walking more than 200 feet, look no further. In three simple steps, you will be parking closer to the door all over the Green Mountain State.

  1. Determine your eligibility
  2. Obtain your physician signed certificate
  3. File with the Department of Motor Vehicles

If those steps sound daunting, have no fear. Read the simple guide below to obtain your disabled parking permit.

How do I Qualify For Vermont Disabled Parking?

Disabled parking permits are for people with ambulatory disabilities. That is trouble walking more than 200 feet without help, pain, or risk of falling. Not sure if you qualify? Take a look at this list and see if you recognize yourself in it.

  • Partial or full amputation or paralysis
  • Use of a brace or prosthesis
  • Reliance on an ambulatory assistive device including wheelchair, walker or cane
  • Legal blindness
  • A class III or IV cardiac condition such as a history of heart attack or stroke
  • A severe and limiting respiratory disease such as a form of COPD
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen
  • Conditions causing dizziness or affecting balance
  • Seizures or sudden and uncontrolled loss of muscle tone
  • Any other condition causing severe pain or difficulty walking more than 200 feet

If one or more of those sounds like you, you may qualify for a Vermont disabled parking permit.

To obtain your permit, you will need to obtain a physician signed certificate. This certificate is a legal document stating the nature, severity, and duration of your disability.

Most applicants are seeking a disabled parking permit due to a chronic or lifelong condition. However, if you have had a serious injury such as a broken leg or a back injury, you might be eligible for a temporary permit. If so, the process is the same. You will need a physician signed certificate.

The name of that certificate is somewhat misleading. Many medical providers can sign that document for you, including most specialists that are part of your care team. If you see a chiropractor or a physical therapist for treatment relating to your disability, that caregiver can provide you with the physician signed certificate you need to file with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.

The quickest and easiest way to get your physician signed certificate is through a virtual visit. Virtual visits put you in touch with the most qualified Vermont practitioners in the most convenient and streamlined way possible. Right from the comfort of your home, you can be seen by a licensed medical practitioner within minutes.

How Do I File My Paperwork in Vermont?

Once you have your physician signed certificate, the road forks just a bit. Consult the chart below to find out which form to file.

Temporary placard

TA-VL-38

Permanent placard

TA-VD-119

Permanent license plate

TA-VA-113

In all three cases, you will need a photo I.D and a physician signed certificate. Then, based on your needs, you will be issued the placard that is right for you.

Temporary placards last six months, after which you will need to start the process over, physician signed certificate included, if you still need access.

Permanent placards have to be renewed every four years, but you won’t need another physician signed certificate.

If your placard is lost or stolen, report it right away. Not only will the Department of Motor Vehicles provide you with a new placard, but they will list the serial number of your old placard as lost or stolen. Stolen placards can be used to park illegally, which is a serious offense. People parking illegally in disabled parking spaces take that space away from people with a legitimate need.

Over 500,000 people in the United States were hospitalized for a fall last year. When a disabled person is denied the use of a disabled parking space, their risk of falls is increased, which can be fatal in worse case scenarios. That is why the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles and the Vermont Police Department take the offense so seriously.

Disabled Parking Rules of Vermont

Once you have your disabled parking permit, make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities.

You must display your placard prominently while parked. That means on the dashboard or hanging from the rearview mirror. One of the advantages of the disabled parking permit license plate is that it is always on display. Failure to display your parking permit could result in a large fine, or having your placard taken away. Make sure you don’t forget!

Your parking permit placard must not be hung from your rearview mirror while driving. Parking placards, along with air fresheners and other ornaments are considered an obstruction of view. Hanging anything from your rearview mirror could land you with a ticket.

Remember that your Vermont disabled parking permit is valid in all fifty states, so feel free to take it on the road! Just make sure when traveling that you always check local parking rules. The one thing that always stays the same is disabled parking. If you see a blue and white wheelchair icon, that space is for you.

If you struggle to walk more than 200 feet unassisted, make sure to be evaluated for eligibility to the disabled parking permit program. Not only will your trips to the grocery store become easier, it may even save your life.

How to Get Disabled Parking in Vermont

Vermont is known for its beautiful forests, historic buildings, and maple syrup. What Vermont residents might not know is how to sign up for disabled parking in the Green Mountain State.

Under Vermont guidelines, you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit if you experience difficulty walking more than 200 feet unassisted, or if you need extra loading space for a walker or wheelchair.

. If you are seeking your disabled parking permit in the great state of Vermont, look no farther. We can get you closer to the door in no time flat, with these three steps.

  1. Verify your eligibility under Vermont guidelines
  2. Obtain a physician signed certificate verifying your disability
  3. File with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

These steps are explained in detail below.

Vermont Guidelines for Eligibility for Disabled Parking

Disabled parking permit access is based on a person’s difficulty when walking more than 200 feet. This is a nebulous requirement intentionally, as all people are different. Not everyone reacts to the same conditions in the same ways, so there is no official list of conditions known to cause ambulatory difficulty.

That said, here are some of the things your medical provider will look for to determine if you have a legitimate need.

  • Partial or full amputation or paralysis
  • Use of a brace or prosthesis
  • Reliance on an ambulatory assistive device including wheelchair, walker or cane
  • Legal blindness
  • A class III or IV cardiac condition such as a history of heart attack or stroke
  • A severe and limiting respiratory disease such as a form of COPD
  • Reliance on supplemental oxygen
  • Conditions causing dizziness or affecting balance
  • Seizures or sudden and uncontrolled loss of muscle tone
  • Any other condition causing severe pain or difficulty walking more than 200 feet

If you feel you have a condition or disability that limits your mobility, talk to your doctor about your disabled parking permit eligibility.

If you have experienced a severe but temporary injury and you will have a hard time walking for more than three weeks, you may be eligible for a temporary placard. These temporary placards are issued along with the same guidelines but last for six months.

Vermont Providers of Physician Signed Certificate

If you believe you are eligible on either a temporary or permanent basis, you will need a physician signed certificate to file with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. Your primary care physician or other medical providers who work closely with them can sign for you. This very important legal document is ultimately what grants you eligibility.

Besides your primary care doctor and their team of nurses and physicians’ assistants, you might also be able to obtain your physician signed certificate from a specialist that you see. If you are treated by a specialist concerning your particular disability or condition, they will be able to verify that condition and provide you with a physician signed certificate. For example, blindness can be verified by an optometrist.

Lastly, if you do not have a regular care provider or want to skip waiting for your appointment, you can also receive your physician signed certificate through a virtual visit. This is the easiest and fastest way to obtain your physician signed certificate. Many of the best and brightest providers in Vermont are now available online for virtual visits. These visits take place at a time of your choice from the comfort of your home.

Vermont Filing Guide for Disabled Parking

Once you have obtained your physician signed certificate verifying your disability, it is time to file your paperwork with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. All paperwork can be filed either by mail or in-person from a local Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Temporary placards last six months. To apply for a temporary placard, file form TA-VL-38 along with your physician signed certificate.

Permanent placards must be renewed every four years. To apply for a permanent placard, file form TA-VD-119 along with your physician signed certificate.

If you qualify for a permanent placard, you have the option to obtain a disabled parking permit license plate. To do so, you must file form TA-VA-113 along with your physician signed certificate.

Lost or stolen placards can be replaced by reporting your old placard lost or stolen and re-submitting your forms. Temporary placards that are lost or stolen will require a new physician signed certificate. Permanent placards do not.

Vermont Parking Rules

Once you’ve gotten your disabled parking permit placard, make sure you understand the rules of disabled parking.

First off, you must be sure to always keep your disabled parking permit placard visible when you park. Failure to display your placard can land you with a ticket.

Make sure that you don’t hang your placard from your rearview while you drive, though. This is an obstruction of view and is also a cause for a ticket.

Remember that you can use your disabled parking permit placard in all fifty states, so take it with you wherever you go. Just be sure and read the signs and familiarize yourself with local parking laws.

If you see someone parked in a handicapped space, marked with the blue and white wheelchair symbol, check if they have their disabled parking permit placard on display, or if they are sporting a disabled parking permit license plate. If not, they are parking illegally. Illegal parking should always be reported, but especially when it has to do with disabled parking!

Lots of folks, like yourself, need those spaces to be safe and comfortable in their community. If you witness a violation, report it as soon as possible to local law enforcement. Be sure to tell them the time, place and license plate number that you witnessed. Your disabled neighbors and friends will thank you for keeping their community safe and accessible.

If you struggle to walk more than 200 feet without assistance or pain, or you rely on a device such as a wheelchair or a walker which requires extra loading and unloading room, talk to your doctor about a disabled parking permit.

What Steps You Need to Receive a Disability Parking Placard in Vermont?

Whether you began your search or are still searching ways to get a disability parking permit, you must review your state laws. Each state falls under the American governed laws for disabled persons but have variations on the laws. The best way for you to assess what you will need is outlined step by step below.

The State of Vermont disabled persons laws are similar to other states but have a few more qualifications and restrictions. Conduct some research to figure out if you are eligible and decide how you want to proceed.

What are Vermont’s Laws for Disability Parking Permits?

To apply in Vermont, you must be a permanent resident of the state. You are required to submit several forms of identification with your application and forms from your physician to stay current. As an individual with disabilities, your civil rights are heavily guarded under the Americans with Disabilities Act. You are entitled to Reasonable Accommodation as stated under the laws.

  • Gasoline Services

Each gas station and/or convenience store are required to post if they offer handicap accommodations. You may request full-service at the offered location and an attendant must service you at the self-service cost.

  • Utilization of Placards

Never lend your disability parking placard to someone to use on your behalf or allow anyone with your permission if you will not be present with them.

  • Punishment

Fines may be assessed for misuse or abuse up to $1,000 and punishable up to six months in jail (Misdemeanor)

What Criteria is Required to Apply for Parking Permits?

After a quick glance at your state’s procedures, you will need to get an application and contact your medical provider for a recommendation for services. You must use this form to determine if you are eligible for a Vermont disability parking placard.

  • Do not have mobility without a crutch, brace, cane, wheelchair, or other person
  • Your vision is restricted at 20/200 with corrective lenses or have worse vision
  • Severe lung disease restricts your breaths
  • Portable oxygen tank for breathing
  • Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • Cardiac disorders classified as III or IV (determined by the American Heart Association)

Keep in mind, only your physician may disclose and approve of your disabilities for your application. Your condition for each ailment will be classified as a temporary or permanent disability.

How You Know What Category You Fall Into

Once your medical provider determines your eligibility, it will be decided if you need a temporary parking placard or a permanent parking placard. Your temporary status means that you need assistance for no longer than six months. Your permanent status means your condition never changes or will worsen over time.

  • Temporary Parking placards are not eligible to renew
  • Permanent Parking placards will automatically renew every four years

You may choose a disabled license plate, only if you have a permanent disability. Your disabled license plate will renew every three years, on the date of your registration renewability. You will have to pay appropriate fees for a license plate.

Why Do You Need a Physician?

Every state requires anyone applying for a disability parking placard to have a medical certification. Only a medical provider/physician is permitted to certify your condition. Vermont procedures say that you must keep your medical certification current at each renewal. If your disability changes, it will need to be reported to your local Department of Motor Vehicles agency, directly.

Where Do You Submit Your Application?

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles oversees all disability parking permits or plates applications. They uphold the laws of the state and require your identifiable documents to receive a parking placard. Throughout Vermont several locations are available to you, you must submit your application in person or through the mail. Be sure you visit an office located closest to you.

What is the Next Step After Receiving Your Parking Permit?

You must follow the proper use techniques assessed by Vermont and the Department of Motor Vehicles. You have few restrictions, but if not obeyed you could face serious punishment as permitted by law.

  • Always place parking placards in your rearview mirror inside your vehicle
  • Be sure your placard’s expiration date is clearly visible through the windshield
  • Never show your placard hanging when you or your driver is operating the vehicle

Additionally, you may be a passenger of the vehicle being used for parking in a handicap accessible space. You must be in the vehicle in use, if it is not registered to you. If your placard is damaged, stolen or lost, submit the appropriate forms for lost and stolen parking placards (you must file a complaint with law enforcement). If your placard is damaged, surrender to your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office and fill out a form for damaged placards. You will receive new placards in the mail in 6-10 days.

If you find that you never received your placards, after waiting the adequate time period, you must visit the DMV in person to find out what step is needed from you. Always have your receipts or copies of your originals on hand.

Where You Can Park

You are permitted to park anywhere in the state that has an accessible parking sign placed. Remember to never park in the stripes next to the posted space, as these spots are reserved for wheelchair accessible vehicles and individuals. You will be allowed to use your parking placards in other states without having to reapply, check state rules to see if you need a traveler’s disability parking permit. Know your parking placard colors (red=temporary, dark blue=permanent, and light blue=wheelchair handicapped) to avoid unnecessary violations.

What You Need to Do Next

After concluding that you can apply for a Vermont disability parking placard, gather your documents and determine to send in the mail or submit in person. Vermont allows a few special rules for those that are residents, so visit your local DMV for specifications and help. Allot processing times for applications and allow this outline to guide you for your disability parking placards.

What Laws You Need to Follow in Vermont to Access Your Handicap Parking Permit

When you’re in a pinch and you need to get your disabled parking permit, you search for your best option. The United States set laws to abide by the ADA restrictions and procedures, though they may vary from state to state. You will need to research how your state laws effect your accessibility to achieve your disability parking permit.

Vermont has many working parts in its laws that you will need to review. You should follow the guide to assist you in determining your eligibility, usage, and gaining knowledge in this process. Your parking placards will decide who, how, when and where you are able to get them.

Who is Eligible to Receive Disability Parking Placards?

You’ll need verification from your physician to determine if you meet the qualifications. Research your local Department of Motor Vehicles for what application fits your needs. Vermont has three specific types of parking placards:

  • Temporary
  • Permanent
  • Disabled License Plates

If you have already been determined as temporarily disabled, you will need a Temporary Disability Parking Placards Application and Medical Form, for your doctor. If you are not expected to recover from your condition, you are permanently disabled and will need a Disability Parking Placards Application and Universal Medical Evaluation Form. Your doctor will decide if you:

  • Cannot walk more than 200 feet without rest
  • Cannot see, or have worse than 20/200 vision
  • Can see better than 20/200 vision, but need glasses
  • Cannot walk without help from a person, cane, brace, crutch, wheelchair, or prosthetic device
  • Have a chronic lung disease
  • Require portable oxygen
  • Have a Class III or Class IV heart condition

What are Disabled Parking License Plates?

You visited your doctor and found you have a perpetual disability and instead of applying for a parking placard, you want a license plate. You are able to apply for your disabled license plate, if your registration is valid and your ability to operate a vehicle is not restrained. An organization is able to apply for a disabled license plate on your behalf if you require this type of transportation.

How Do You Apply?

The first step for any application is to gather all of your paperwork. You will need your driver’s license or ID and fill out the entire application, be sure to include if you are applying for one or two placards. Your doctor will fill out your medical form and you may submit in person or by mail to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles. After your application is received, you must be patient and allow four to six weeks processing time. You will receive your disability parking placards by mail, so please keep your address updated.

What Happens When You Receive Your Placards?

When you receive your parking placards you will also receive brochures full of information on using and any contact information needed in the future. You must be sure that you follow the rules for using your placards. While using the placard, hang it in the rearview mirror of your car, but do not use while your vehicle is in motion (this is a violation of Vermont Disability Parking Placards law).

You are permitted to park anywhere a handicapped accessible space is located throughout the state. Be sure you are parking in the correct space as they are color coded to your placards. Wheelchair dependent placard holders are light blue, permanent placard holders are dark blue and temporary placard holders are red.

  • Renew

Permanent parking placards are up for renewal four years after you receive your original parking placard. Temporary parking placards will not be able to be renewed, if your condition worsens, then you will need a new medical certification from your physician to reapply and submit as a permanent disability.

How Do You Replace Placards if Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?

If your parking placard is damaged, you must take your placard to your local Department of Motor Vehicles and surrender. You will receive a new placard in the mail within six to ten days.

If your parking placard is stolen, you must file a report with law enforcement and identify specifics of the alleged theft. Get a copy of the police report to take to the DMV, along with your Driver’s License, and submit the correct form. If you lost your placard, follow the same rules as stolen property. Allow time to process, but you do not have to have your physician verify your disabilities again.

What Other Options are Available to You as a Placard Holder?

Vermont allows extra benefits to those of you that are disabled, written into law. As a parking permit holder, you have special privileges while filling your gas tank. The Vermont law, Gasoline Services to Disabled Persons, state:

  • An attendant or service representative at gas stations and convenience stores are required to give you full-service, at your request.
  • You get discounted prices on gasoline for your vehicle, even if you are full-serviced.

Although the law requires gas stations to follow the guidelines, if a station only has one operator and is self-owned, that station is exempt from the law. If the stations are not exempt, they will display the nationwide accessibility symbol at the station.

What Does the Law State for Misuse of Parking Placards?

As many other states assess fines and punitive damages, Vermont follows similar procedures. If you are found of misuse of your parking placard, you could be fined up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Any misuse or abuse of your disability parking placards could cause them to be revoked and you will not be able to reapply. No one may use your placard, even if you say they can (form of misuse and abuse of privilege).

If you allege abuse of a parking permit, you are directed to report to your local police department. You must file a report and offer details surrounding the allegation.

How to Move Forward

Once all information is evaluated, do a little research into Vermont’s laws. You will need to know what is expected of you as a disabled person. These rules outlined will help you receive your disability parking placards or plates.

How to Obtain Your Handicap Accessible Parking Permit in Vermont

Having the luxury to park whenever, wherever may be difficult if you are disabled. Fortunately, the Americans with Disabilities Act was founded and implemented in 1996, allowing you to be able to park closer to your destinations. Disabilities effect Americans throughout our nation and you must follow your states guidelines to access a handicap parking permit.

What Qualifies as a Disability?

If you live in Vermont, you’re likely following some standard policies that reign throughout the nation for disabled persons. Remember, you must have some sort of restriction regarding your mobility, to receive a special parking permit. You will need to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for your specific rules and eligibility qualifications.

Analyze the below list to see if you qualify:

  • You cannot walk without resting for 200 feet or more
  • You have a dangerous lung disease
  • You must use a cane, crutch, brace, wheelchair, or another person to walk
  • You need portable oxygen
  • You have a harsh cardiac condition Class III or Class IV
  • You have harsh walking conditions related to arthritis, and neurological and orthopedic disorders
  • You have a vision scale of 20/200
  • Your vision is improved of 20/200, but you cannot see at an angle less than 20 degrees

What’s Next After You Meet the Criteria?

You have assessed your disability, but now you must visit your medical health care provider. The most important part of your application depends on how your doctor rates your needs, based on your condition. Your doctor will fill out his part of the application to determine if you are in need of a disabled parking placard, temporarily or permanently.

If your disorder meets the expectations of a temporary disability, you will be permitted use of a parking placard not exceeding six months. You will need an application form for Temporary Disability Parking Placards and a medical form.

If your disability is expected to last longer than a year, your doctor will establish you as having a permanent ailment. You will fill out the Disabled Parking Placard Application and obtain a Universal Medical Evaluation/Progress Report Form, for your physician to complete.

As a permanent disabled person, you may choose to receive a disabled license plate over a parking placard. You will need to fill out the Registration/Tax/Title Application and the Universal Medical Evaluation/Progress Report Form.

How Do You Submit Your Forms and Applications?

Before applying, you should gather all of your documents to confirm your disabilities. You’ll need a copy of your driver’s license, vehicle registration (if you’re applying for plates), and any other paperwork the application asks for. Once all the necessary information has been satisfied, you must submit your application to your local Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles branch, in person or by mail.

Where are the DMV Locations?

Prior to submitting your forms and applications, you need to find a Department of Motor Vehicles location near you. You can access the branch information by Google or any other search site, online. Luckily, there are 11 locations you can visit throughout the state:

  1. Montpelier
  2. Bennington
  3. Dummerston
  4. Middlebury
  5. Newport
  6. Rutland
  7. Saint Albans
  8. Saint Johnsbury
  9. South Burlington
  10. Springfield
  11. White River Junction

How to Renew or Replace Your Parking Permits?

Vermont offers individuals with disabilities up to two parking placards when you first apply. Check your local laws to determine how to renew, but generally follow these specifics:

  • Temporary Parking Placards are non-renewable
  • Permanent Parking Placards are renewed every four years
  • Disabled License Plates are renewed every three years

In the event your placard is lost, stolen or damaged and you will need to have your parking placard replaced. When your placard is damaged, you must visit your DMV branch with your damaged placard for a replacement. If you do not take your placard, you will not be able to replace it.

If you lost your parking placard, you’ll need your receipt from your original placard and submit an application for replacement. You do not need a new medical certification from your physician as long as you have your original parking placard receipt. Your new placard will arrive through the mail ranging from four to six weeks after your request.

If your parking placard was stolen, you must report to your local police station to file a complaint. You will need a copy of the police report, your driver’s license, and any other information necessary to file for a stolen placard. Again, you need a copy of your original receipt to bypass a new medical certification.

How You Use Your Disability Parking Placards

In Vermont, each parking placard is color coded as defined in your state laws. Temporary disability parking placards are red, permanent parking placards are dark blue, and if you are using a wheelchair, your parking permit will be light blue.

You may be a passenger of a vehicle when using your parking placard, but you must be present in the vehicle. You are not allowed to let anyone borrow your parking placard on your behalf. When parked in a handicap accessible space, be sure to hang your placard in your rearview mirror so that the expiration date is visible through your windshield.

What You Can Face if Your Parking Placards are Abused

As explained above, you are in violation of misusing your disabled parking placards if you allow anyone other than yourself to borrow your placard. You will be held in contempt of use and have the possibility of having your parking placards revoked. You could also face fines and criminal punishment if you continuously abuse the use of your parking placards.

If you deceive the Department of Motor Vehicles by lying to obtain a parking placard, you will face excessive fines and possible jail time. If you suspect abuse or misuse, you are directed to contact the police and provide adequate information of the suspected allegation. Keep in mind that if your parking placard is expired, you are not permitted use until you receive your new parking placards.

What to Do Next

Remember to always follow your state and local laws when applying or using your parking placards. If you need to visit your DMV location, research branches and determine your closest one. If you don’t know what you need, review the guides described above.