Whether you’ve had a disability for most of your life, since birth or for a short time, you know how challenging completing regular tasks can be. If you live in the state of Kentucky, you’re likely eligible for a handicap parking permit. This will make getting into buildings a little easier and you may also be able to use certain amenities to increase your comfort.
Here are essential tips to keep in mind during the permit application process.
Determining Your Disability
Before you can receive disability benefits including a handicap placard, you’ll need to have your disability officially documented. If you’re working with an attorney to determine your handicap status. You may need to let a DMV representative know if you’re currently working or unable to work, and if you’re receiving Social Security benefits. If you have a temporary disability, you may need to disclose whether this mobility impairment will cause you to be out of work for a year or more.
A licensed doctor has to verify your disability and state in writing that you meet the requirements to receive a handicap placard. If you:
- Can’t walk more than 200 feet at a time
- You have a form of lung disease
- You have limited mobility because of an orthopedic condition, a health issue that affects your nervous system or arthritis
- You’re not able to use one or both arms or legs or are missing one or more arms or legs
- You’re legally blind
If you own or work for an agency that provides transports people with disabilities, you can apply for handicap parking privileges as well.
The Kentucky Disability Parking Plate Application Process
To start the process, you’ll need to fill out the Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit, which is Form TC 96-204. You can pick up the form by visiting your County Clerk’s office, or you can print the form online.
Your Kentucky physician must fill out part of the form as well. Make sure that you and your doctor sign the document and fill in all essential information. When you finish the application, you can give it to your County Clerk’s office.
The fee for disability license plates is $21. Before you can display your disability plates, you’ll have to return your old plates to the County Clerk’s office.
How Long Will My Placards Be Valid?
If you’re applying for permanent plates, your placard and license plate will be valid for up to two years. If you have a temporary handicap, your permit is valid for three months. This time could be shorter if your doctor indicates that you don’t need a full three months to recover from your disability.
You’ll need to renew your plates or placards by the July 31st date listed on the plate. The fee to renew your permit or plate every year is $21.
Just fill out the Application for Disabled Person’s Special Parking Permit. Mail the application in or take it to the County Clerk’s Office.
Disability Benefits for Veterans
Kentucky provides several benefits for residents who have served in the Armed Forces or are current members of the military.
As a disabled veteran, you’ll receive a fee waiver, which means your disabled veterans license plate is free. To qualify for this license plate, you must either be a resident of Kentucky or a non-resident who is stationed in Kentucky. Your disability must be at least 50% connected to your military service. The Veterans Administration has to verify your disability as well. Be sure to fill out an Application for Disabled Veterans Free Certificate of Registration and License Plates. Take the form to the County Clerk office near you.
You can also receive fee waivers for getting updated plates on your car if your vehicle registration needs to be renewed and you’re stationed outside of Kentucky. If your automobile is stored in Kentucky and you’re deployed elsewhere, you’ll usually have a month from the registration expiration date to renew your tags. You can also talk to your local DMV to receive a veterans designation on your drivers license.
If you’re not sure whether your disability will quality, contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.
Parking Laws In Kentucky
In the state of Kentucky, thousands or parking tickets are issued. However, you can avoid this by gaining a clear understanding of Kentucky parking laws. You should know about common penalties and violations, as well as the consequences for not paying a parking ticket.
After the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there are parking spaces in the state strictly reserved for disabled people. To legally park in a disabled parking spot, the driver of the vehicle is required to display a disabled placard or license plate. Parking in a handicap space without a permit could result in a fine between $50 and $200. Remember that your friends and family members aren’t allowed to use your placard if you’re not in the car. Violating this law could result in a fine as well.
All parking law violations in Kentucky are classified as non-moving violations, so you won’t accumulate any points on your drivers license. The most common violations of parking laws in Kentucky are parking at an expired meter or parking in a space for too long. In these cases, you’ll likely be given a ticket that you’ll have to pay at your local County Clerk’s office.
If you notice that someone is operating and vehicle and parking in a handicap space unnecessarily, you can tell the local authorities. You can also tell the property owners at your location about any parking violations you see. It’s important to provide as much information as you can, such as the color or style of the car and the license plate number.
These helpful guidelines will make the process of receiving a disabled parking permit seamless. Remember to keep your placard or license plate visible at all times and keep additional verification in your vehicle in case you need it.