If you’ve been injured and won’t have full use of your limbs or other body parts that are necessary for driving, you may you can apply for a handicap parking permit or placard as a Connecticut citizen. These permits and placards are also available to you if you’re a Connecticut resident and have a permanent disability. Dealing with a disability has its challenges, even if you’ll only have the condition for a short time. Being able to find places to park that will make it easier to get to work or other important locations can make your day go a little smoother. You can even apply for handicap permits for your children to ensure you can park as close as you can need to when your little ones are in the vehicle with you.
If you’re not sure if your disability is eligible, here are some helpful tips that will assist you in the application process.
Qualifying Conditions
In order to receive your placard or permit, a licensed medical professional has to provide verification that you have a condition that impairs your mobility. This has to be done in writing, but there are some specifics that will help to determine your eligibility. For instance, if you:
-Can’t walk for more than 200 feet without taking a break
-You’ve visited with a certified optometrist and have been declared legally blind
-You have no use of one or both legs or limited use of your limbs
-Your ability to walk is significantly limited due to arthritis, an orthopedic condition or a neurological disorder
-You have a disability of the neuromuscular system that drastically limits your ability to move on your own or causes you to move slowly
The Connecticut Application Process
You can obtain the Special Permit Application and Impairment Certificate, also known as Form B225 by visiting the Connecticut DMV office closest to you or print out the application online.
You and your licensed physician, who must also be based in the state of Connecticut, have to complete your respective sections of the application will all applicable information. When the document is complete, you can submit it to the DMV by mailing, faxing or emailing the form at the addresses below:
Mail:
State of Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles
Handicapped Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161-5056
Fax:
860-263-5556
Email:
You can also submit the form to the local DMV office in person. If you’re submitting a form for a handicap license plate, make sure you submit a copy of your vehicle title or registration with your application.
Application Fees
There is no charge for permanent permits. The fees for a temporary permit is $5. You can bring the temporary form to the DMV or mail it in. However, you can’t fax temporary permit applications because you’ll have to send your payment in with the document.
Keeping Your Permit Current
In Connecticut, the length of time your parking placards or plates are valid depend on the type of items you possess. A permanent permit is valid in the state for 6 years and a temporary permit is in effect for at most 6 months, sometimes less depending on the nature of your condition.
Your Connecticut Handicap License Plates only need to be renewed by the expiration date displayed on your plate or disability placard, and you can complete this process by mail, which saves you the time of having to visit the DMV office in person.
Plates for Disabled Veterans In Connecticut
If you’ve served in the Armed Forces and are a Connecticut resident, you can apply to receive Disabled Veteran Handicap Plates. This is a service that many states offer as a token of appreciation for the men and women who have served our country and sustained serious injuries while on the job or in combat. To qualify, you should be a member of the Disabled American Veterans Organization. To get an application for license plates, contact the liaison for Connecticut residents here:
Richard H Pescatore: 860-529-1759
Be sure to renew your disabled veteran plates on the expiration date displayed in the corner of your license plate. You’ll follow a similar process as when you apply for a non-handicap license plate. After you file a claim, you can also take advantage of Social Security benefits due to your veteran status.
Reporting Handicap Parking Abuse
Unfortunately, there are times when people who don’t need handicaps permits or plates misuse these items, along with handicap parking spaces.
If you see that a person who has parked in a handicap space is able to move and walk freely when getting out of a vehicle, it’s likely that this individual shortly be parking there.
It’s also important to note that your family members and friends aren’t allowed to use your placard or plates unless you are driving the car or a passenger in the vehicle. If you’re not in the car, this is considered handicap parking abuse.
There is a fine for abusing handicap parking spaces and the first violation is $50 in the state of Connecticut. The second violation carries a fine of $250. Individuals who violate this law three or more times will likely have their vehicles towed or impounded until all applicable fees are paid.
If you witness handicap parking abuse, you can report by filing an official police report and informing your local Connecticut DMV office right away.
Where to Find a Connecticut DMV Office
There are Connecticut Motor Vehicle locations through the state that provide several services, such as issues drivers licenses, handicap parking permits title and registration transactions, road tests and license plate renewals. You may have to undergo one or more of these procedures to determine how safe it is for you to be on the road. Be sure to bring all necessary documents with you, and ensure that parts A and B are filled out and signed by yourself and your doctor so you can expedite the process of receiving your permits.