If you require the use of a handicap parking placard in Hawaii, whether it’s short term or long term, it can be frustrating trying to navigate all the information that’s out there about the process.

We understand that if you need a handicap parking placard you don’t want to have to spend hours trying to figure out how to make it happen. Use this helpful guide to learn everything you need to know about getting a handicap parking permit in Hawaii.

What is a Handicap Parking Permit?

If you’ve been driving in the United States for a while you’ve surely noticed that parking lots have designated spaces in close proximity to every business. A handicap parking permit is a placard that you hang on your rear view mirror to indicate that you qualify to use one of these designated spaces without being fined.

Laws regarding designated handicap parking

Places of business are required by both state and federal law to provide an adequate number of handicap parking spaces. This number depends on the total number of parking spaces available. For example, if the business has only 25 total parking spots, 1 of those is required by law to be handicap parking only. A larger business with between 151 and 200 total spots must have 6 designated handicap parking spaces and so on.

While there is no set distance limit for how close the designated handicap parking spaces must be in relation to the business, there are several legal requirements of businesses that provide parking. Here are some things to look out for when you’re using handicap parking spots:

  • Handicap parking must be marked with the standard signage.
  • Handicap parking spots must be located within the shortest route possible between the lot and the building entrance.
  • Handicap parking spots must be level with the building entrance or include acceptable and accessible ramps for easy access.
  • Handicap parking spots must have an access aisle, or an 8 foot area of clearance on either side of the parking spot. This allows vehicle mounted lifts and devices like wheelchairs or walkers to be easily removed from the sides of the vehicle.

Where to start

The best place to start is with your physician, if you have any questions about your qualification for a handicap parking placard, a doctor will be able to help you. Not only this but you’ll also require a certification from a physician as part of the paperwork for obtaining the handicap parking placard.

Qualify

You’ll need your doctor to sign off of one of the following conditions which makes you eligible for a short term or long term handicap parking placard in Hawaii.

Anyone with a condition (arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, oncologic, renal or vascular) which impairs their mobility may be eligible for a handicap placard.

Those that are unable to walk a distance of 200 feet without resting due to various conditions may be eligible for a handicap placard.

Individuals that have lung disease and/or are required to carry a portable oxygen unit can qualify for a handicap parking placard.

If you rely on a prosthetic limb, wheelchair, walker, cane or other mobility devices you may be eligible for a handicap parking placard.

Certification from your doctor is all that stands between you and a handicap parking permit, so obtaining the proper paperwork from a licensed physician is the most important part of this process.

Submit your paperwork

First time and temporary handicap parking placard recipients must physically deliver their paperwork to an issuing office in Hawaii in order to receive their parking placard. Forms can be found at the state of Hawaii website or in person at your counties Department of Motor Vehicles.

Along with your paperwork, be sure to bring the certification from your physician as well as a valid form of identification.

For first time, long-term, parking permits there is no charge in Hawaii.

For renewals and temporary handicap parking permits the fee is $12.

What if I can’t go into the office in person?

Your physician must indicate within the certification document that you are unable to physically deliver the handicap parking permit forms. In this case you can have another person with valid photo id bring your completed paperwork as well as your valid identification OR a clear copy of your valid identification.

How do I renew my handicap parking placard?

In Hawaii you can you mail in your renewal notice as well as the appropriate fee. You will, however, need to obtain and send an updated physician certification form in order to renew the permit.

For long term disability your doctor can sign off on a 6 year permit. When the 6 years comes to an end the doctor will re-evaluate and can choose to sign off on another 6 year permit. There are also shorter term permits (as little as 1 month) so be sure to check when your parking permit expires.

Park in Designated Handicap Spaces

Since you’ll need to indicate the make, model, year and license plate number of your vehicle when you fill out your handicap parking permit paperwork, you should only use the placard in the car you indicated.

Make sure your placard is clearly visible through your windshield.

Always have the acceptable identification on your person when driving using your handicap parking placard in case you are asked to produce it.

You do not have to be the driver of the vehicle in order to use designated handicap parking spaces as long as you have your placard visible.

Conclusion

Only your doctor can officially recommend that you move ahead with the request for a handicap parking placard so be sure to ask him or her as soon as possible so you can start benefitting from designated handicap parking spaces today.