When I comes to getting a disability parking permit, or handicap parking permit, where exactly you can get one will vary from state to state. Some states have them available when I comes to getting a disability parking permit, or handicap parking permit, where exactly you can get one will vary from state to state. Some states have them of you available at the Department of Motor Vehicles, while others require you to make a trip to your local city office.

What About Illinois?

For the state of Illinois you are required to go through the Secretary of State’s office. There is usually one of these offices available in each county. Largest cities, such as Chicago, have multiple offices for the Secretary of State. You can find the one closest to you by entering in your city or zip code here and then choose how far you’re willing to travel.

Getting Qualified

Before you visit any city office, make sure that you qualify for disability parking permit in the state of Illinois. There are a variety of diseases and disabilities that qualify for the handicap placard. Some of these can be issues such as vision impairment, obesity, lung disease, or a certain type of cancer. There is a process when it comes to getting qualified. First, take a look at this list below to see if you made the necessary requirements.

  • You can’t walk 200 feet without rest
  • Your mobility is severely impaired due to arthritis, neurological, oncological, or orthopedic condition
  • You have loss of function or are missing your hand or arm
  • You have lung disease to such a degree that your forced expiratory volume (FEV) is 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter

In addition, you may also be approved for a meter-exempt permit as well. This is exactly what it sounds like. With this pass you’ll be able to park at peters without paying a fee and often times you’re able to park in spots for longer periods of time. To see if you qualify for a meter-exempt permit in the state of Illinois, take a look at the requirements below:

  • You can’t manage, manipulate or insert coins, or obtain tickets in parking meters and ticket machines due to lack of fine motor control in both hands
  • You can’t reach above your head to a height of 42 inches above the ground because of impaired arm strength or mobility
  • Because of your wheelchair or other device, you can’t approach parking meter
  • You can’t walk more than 20 feet with extreme mobility impairment

Medical Permission

Meeting the qualifications and requirements above aren’t the only things you have to do in order to get a disability parking permit that is valid in Illinois. You will also need to have a medical assessment done by physician. You and the physician will need to both fill out the application for a disability parking permit. This will need to be done when a permanent handicap placard expires, which happens to be every five years.

Handicap Parking Etiquette

Lastly, let’s talk a bit about etiquette and how it relates to handicap parking. Whether you or a loved one is disabled, there are proper procedures to follow when it comes to handicap parking. Many people have heard of myths or have misconceptions about handicap parking. Below you will find a handful of etiquette rules to follow that will make it easier on you or anyone else who is using a handicap parking space.

Different Types of Spaces

First we’re going to be discussing the different types of handicap parking spots. Many people think that all handicap parking spaces are the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth. There are technically three types of handicap parking spaces that people with disability parking permits can use. There is a standard parking space, a one-sided entry wheelchair van parking space, and a two-sided entry wheelchair van parking space. Many states, including Illinois, don’t have laws that specify which of the three parking spaces you need to park in.

The type of parking spot that most people are acquainted with is a standard handicap parking spot. You are usually find these spaces with a stenciled wheelchair icon painted on the pavement. There will also be a blue and white sign at the front of the parking space reading is that it is for handicap parking only. The standard handicap parking is best used by those who drive smaller vehicles or don’t use a wheelchair.

On the other hand, if you do use a wheelchair or drive a large vehicle such as a van, you may need to park in a one or two sided entry wheelchair van parking spot. These are usually visible with a sign that says “van accessible”. These spots are much wider and provide enough room on each side of the parking space to allow people to easily get in and out of the vehicle in a wheelchair.

Illegal Permit Use

Another handicap etiquette you should follow is to legally use your permit. This means you should only be using a permit if you are in the vehicle. Disability parking permits are not to be used by family members or friends for any reason if you or the disabled individual is not in the vehicle. Landon your parking permit to friends and family when you’re not in the vehicle can result in you losing the handicap permit.

Judgement From Others

When people think of the word etiquette, they often think of manners and how you treat others. Whether you are disabled or you have a loved one who is disabled, it is important not to judge people who are using handicap parking. Not every illness is visible.

People are approved for disability parking permits for a number of reasons. It is a fairly thorough process to get approved for and can take a lot of effort for some patients. Chances are, if someone is using a handicap parking spot, a medical professional has come to the conclusion that it is medically necessary.