When looking up information about disabled parking permits you may come across a lot of confusing information. With rules, regulations, and requirements varying from state to state, how do you know what applies to you?
Today we’re going to talk about some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to disability permits specifically for residents of Illinois. Hopefully this will provide you the answers that you are looking for.
Can you use an Illinois handicap placard in other states?
You are more than welcome to use your Illinois handicap placard in any state. This only applies to travelers. If you move to another state, you are required to get a new disability permit for that state. It also may be important for travelers to know that in some jurisdictions you may not be allowed to benefit from free parking, even if you have a meter exempt parking placard.
How Do You Get A Handicap Placard In Illinois?
Getting a handicap placard is rather easy for Illinois residents. First, what you need to do is see if you’re qualified by reading the disability requirements. If you meet these requirements you will then have to schedule a meeting with your doctor to get a medical assessment.
After this, you and your doctor can fill out the application and mail it in to the secretary of state or Illinois. To give you a better idea of what can qualify you for a disability parking permit, some of the more common requirements are listed below:
- You can’t walk 200 feet or more without needing to rest
- You have limited mobility due to arthritis, neurological, oncological, or orthopedic condition
- You are missing an arm
- You have limited mobility in at least one arm
- You have a forced expiratory volume of one second due to a severe lung condition
How Long Will It Take To Receive My Permit?
If you meet the disability requirements, get an assessment from your doctor, and turn in the application, it can take between 45 and 60 days to process. You will then receive your parking permit in the mail. This mainly applies to people who are applying for the permanent parking disability permit. If you are applying for the temporary disability parking placard, you can visit the Secretary of State offices in your county to receive the permit.
Can I Use My Disability Parking Permit In Different Vehicles?
One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to disability parking permits in the state of Illinois is whether or not you can use the parking permit on more than one vehicle. The short answer is yes. As long as you are in the vehicle, the disability parking permit may be used. This can be incredibly convenient for those who can’t always drive themselves or have multiple vehicles in your family.
With all of this being said, it’s important to note that if you have handicap license plates, you cannot transfer these two other vehicles. You must reach out to your local DMV when needing to get new handicap plates for a different vehicle.
Who Qualifies For An Illinois Disabled Parking Permit?
This is a loaded question as there are many factors that go into whether you qualify or not in the state of Illinois for a disabled parking permit. Below you will find some of the more common disabilities or diseases that people who qualify for a handicap placard.
- Vision impairment
- Diseases that require oxygen tanks
- Having a high risk of falling when walking
- Obesity
- The loss of one or multiple limbs
- Different types of cancer
- A disability that results in the use of a wheelchair or walker
- Lung disease
- A lack of motor skills
- Most cardiac conditions such as heart disease
What Exactly Does A Handicap Placard Do?
If you’ve taken the necessary steps to apply for a disability parking permit and you get approved, x you maybe wondering what exactly that means. Many people don’t realize that having a handicap placard applies to more than just a closer parking spot.
Though this is the main benefit of having this permit, depending on the jurisdiction you live in, there may be a few other benefits that come with it. This can include things like extended time on parking meters, a waived fee at parking meters, and curbside parking.
Signs of Handicap Parking
There are a handful of ways to be able to tell if a parking spot or area is meant for handicapped individuals. The most well-known sign is the wheelchair symbol that is universal and painted on the ground on most handicap parking spots. In addition there is usually a sign in the front of the spot that lets drivers know that it is a handicap specific parking space.
There are also crosshatch parking spaces that can be found next to disability parking. These crosshatch parking spots should remain empty and are put in place to make it easier for people with wheelchair lifts to get in and out of the vehicle. There are also curbs that are painted specific colors to indicate handicap parking. These colors can vary from state to state, but they are most often blue or white.
Bottom Line
There are already so many myths and misconceptions about being disabled and disability permits. It doesn’t help that the rules and laws vary from state to state. This can make it even more stressful and overwhelming for someone to find the information they’re looking for.
Hopefully you found an answer to a question you’ve had on your mind. Make sure to check up on the laws for your specific county to make sure that you’re using your disability permit parking appropriately. Remember not to share it with loved ones unless you’re in the vehicle with them. Also, remind yourself that if you’re able-bodied or your illness isn’t visible that your disability is still valid and you deserve to use a handicap parking spot as much as anyone else who’s disabled.