Over the past decade, and even before that, Colorado has become one of the most popular destinations in the United States. People are flooding into Denver, more and more each year. Universities in Colorado continue to increase in popularity, businesses are increasingly choosing the state as a base of operations, and there are plenty of reasons for this. It has some of the most beautiful scenery not only in the country, but in the entire world. The Rocky Mountains are magnificent and they run all through the state. The canyons and the red rocks create some of the most breath-taking views you’ll ever see.
With all of these factors taken into consideration, perhaps you are considering moving to Colorado, or maybe you are just visiting, or maybe you already moved there. Now, you are looking to get your hands on a disabled parking permit. What you’ll find is that Colorado is similar to a lot of the other states in terms of how permits are acquired, as well as some of the rules that need to be followed and the rules for out-of-state individuals.
If I am just visiting the state, will my out-of-state permit work?
Yes, Colorado does not require visitors to get a special type of disabled parking permit for their stay in the state. Regardless of what state you are coming from, the permit is still going to be honored. If you are moving to Colorado permanently, then you will need a new permit because moving out of your former state causes the permit to be voided.
Do I need to be in a wheelchair to get a permit?
No. If you are in a wheelchair there is an almost guaranteed likelihood that you’ll be able to get a disabled parking permit. However, it is far from the only way to be deemed eligible.
What are the other ways to be eligible?
There are a few different types of permits, but generally speaking it can be broken into two categories: long-term and short-term. To get a long-term parking pass you need to have some sort of long term condition that makes walking over 200 feet very difficult. It needs to be confirmed by a doctor as well. The condition can be a physical disability and it can also be a condition with the lungs. Respiratory problems can make it very hard for people to get around, even very short distances.
When it comes to short-term permits, these are the type that are acquired due to injury usually. If you break an ankle and you’ll be in a cast for 4 weeks, you’ll be able to get a short-term parking permit. The short-term permits are available for anything that will be less than 90 days.
Where do I begin the process?
The first thing you will want to do is either apply with the state for the permit, or go see your doctor to get clearance. You can also do all of this online. If you decide to do the doctor consultation first, make sure that you tell them your intentions. They are going to need to fill out a part of a form in order for the state to clear you for the permit.
Is doing it online safe?
When it comes to this type of online activity, these networks are very secure and so yes, it is safe. People are increasingly engaging in online consultations with doctors. For this reason, there is some risk in personal information getting out. However, due to the liability on the end of the doctors, they are sure to use the most secure networks possible.
Can my parents or spouse use the permit?
Yes, but only if you are in the car. They cannot take the permit with them for the day and use it as though it is their own. If they do that and they are caught, they will be in the same violation as someone with no permit at all.
If you are disabled and your spouse is the person who gets you around, then they can absolutely use your parking permit in their vehicle while you are inside.
If I am temporarily disabled, can I just use the spots?
No matter what, you need to have some sort of permit to use the disabled parking spots. Even if you broke your leg and you have a giant cast, and you obviously should be allowed to use one of the spots, it doesn’t matter. You must go and get a short-term parking pass before you can start parking in these spots.
What happens if I park in the space without a permit?
It probably would not be worth trying it, even if you are just running into a store for a few minutes. A police officer probably isn’t going to have much sympathy for you if you are using one of these spots when you don’t have to and are not authorized.
The fine that you get can be anywhere from a couple hundred dollars all the way up to five thousand dollars. You might even need to do some community service. Usually the more severe punishments are for repeat offenders. Also, consider the fact that someone might show up who actually needs the spot. It’s best to leave the spots for the people who really need them and are allowed to use them legally.
Do I need to pay for parking?
Most people with disabled parking permits are still going to need to pay for parking. If you have a short-term parking permit, you definitely need to pay for parking. However, a recent law that was passed makes it so people who have more severe disabilities do not need to pay for parking. This is only if it is determined by a licensed physician that accessing the parking meter is sufficiently difficult for them that they will be exempt from paying for parking.
Can I use my placard in any car that I own?
Yes, your parking privileges apply to you whether you are in one of your cars or another. Some families have multiple cars so whichever one you are using will be authorized.