It is important with any permit or license issued to you by the state of Delaware, that you use it properly and according to the law. The misuse of permits and documents can result in their revocation or worse civil and criminal penalties.

The following guide will help you to better understand the proper use of your disabled parking permit issued to you by the state of Delaware. If you follow all of the laws and terms of use, you will have a useful tool in your permit allowing access to the disabled parking system in the state of Delaware, and within any other state that recognizes other permits.

Where you may not use your permit

If issued, you will have access to all indicated disabled parking spaces, as well as possible preferential access to non-designated spaces. However, you are not allowed to park in the following areas:

  • In a space or zone where the parking, standing or stopping of all vehicles is not allowed
  • In a space or zone that is designated for the use of other special types of vehicles
    • For example:
      • Ambulance parking
      • Police Parking
      • Delivery Vehicles
      • Transportation vehicles
  • In a space or zone that is assigned to personal use for residential or business purposes
  • Where parking is restricted due to heavy traffic flow during morning afternoon or evening rush hours
  • Where parking would clearly present a traffic hazard

Proper usage of your disabled parking permit requires that you do not park in any of these areas.

Who is authorized to use your permit

You must be present during any and all usage of your disabled parking permit. You do not have to be operating the vehicle in which your permit is disp[layed but you must then be a passenger in that vehicle.

Any usage of your permit by another person in a situation that you are not present is a violation of the law. If you knowingly consented to this type of use of your permit then you are subject to a penalty.

Falsifying your conditions

If you are not forthcoming about your condition of impairment during the medical certification process of obtaining a permit or if you presented false information to the physician to get the certification, you have illegally obtained your disabled parking permit. The state of Delaware considers this offense to be an unclassified misdemeanor, and you will be fined.

When to Return Your Placard to the Department of Motor Vehicles

There are several reasons given by the state of Delaware under which you should return your disabled parking placard to the Department of Motor Vehicles. These are:

  • When you are reapplying for a placard
  • When the placard expires
    • 3-year expiration for a permanent placard
    • 90-day expiration for a temporary placard
  • When you no longer need the placard due to:
    • No longer being disabled
    • No longer in the business of transporting disabled individuals
  • The person who the placard was registered to has died

Where you can use your disabled parking permit

There are many spaces and zones that your disabled parking permit issued to you by the state of Delaware can be used. Generally, spaces that are designated for your use will have the universal symbol for disabled parking.

The universal symbol is a blue and white sign with a picture of a wheelchair. This is usually indicated by a sign above the parking space or is painted directly on the parking space.

You may also have preferential access to non-designated spots. This could be the case during special events in which regular parking spaces are cordoned off for the used of disabled permit holders.

In some states, holders of a disabled parking permit are not subject to parking meter fees. It is well-advised that you look up this information before assuming the state your in has this policy. Otherwise, you may receive a parking fine.

There are many states throughout the country that recognize the validity of your Delaware disabled parking permit, just as Delaware recognizes a permit from any other state. Again this is a piece of information that you should research before assuming that your Delaware disabled parking permit is usable in a state that you have traveled to.

Follow all traffic laws

Although your disabled parking permit gives you access to designated parking spaces that other motorists cannot use, you are still subject to all other traffic laws. Outside of parking, there are no laws that your disabled parking permit exempts you from.

You are also subject to laws pertaining to the usage of your disabled parking permit. When parking in a designated space, your permit must be displayed at all times.

You are required to remove your permit when your vehicle is in motion. The placard acts as an obstruction to your view of the road. If you are operating a vehicle in which the placard is obstructing your view you made be held liable for any infractions or accidents that you are involved in as a result.

It is important to be aware of your surroundings when operating a motor vehicle. Preferential treatment when it comes to the parking of that vehicle should not affect your operation on the roadways.

Replacing your disabled parking placard

If your disabled parking placard issued to you by the state of Delaware is somehow lost, damage, or stolen, you need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Department of Motor Vehicles will then instruct you in the process of replacing your placard.

There is usually a small replacement fee issue by the Department of Motor Vehicles. This fee may be waived depending on the circumstances in which the placard needs replaced.

Conclusion

It is always important under normal circumstances that you follow the law. A disabled parking permit issued to you by the state of Delaware is a great advantage to assist you with your limited mobility. However, it is important that you follow all of the laws pertaining to its usage.