Getting a disabled parking permit in the United States can be confusing because there are various laws and guidelines for every state. There are multiple factors you have to consider when finding out where to start – including your state, county, reference, specific disability, and more. If are ready to start the process for getting a disabled parking permit in Maine, you should start by following the steps in this guide.

Do You Qualify?

Since there are certain guidelines that are specific to every state, it is important to know what qualifications you need to obtain a permit unique in Maine. Before starting the process to receive one, you have to confirm that you meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • You cannot walk 200 feet without rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, assistance from another person, or an assistive device.
  • You have lung disease to such an extent that your forced expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter when measured by a spirometer.
  • You use portable oxygen
  • You have a cardiac condition that limits your functions to the extent that they are classified as Class III or class IV in severity according to standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • Your ability to walk is severely impaired due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.
  • You are recovering from childbirth (temporary placard only):
    • For a cesarean delivery, a temporary placard is only valid for 1 week after you get it
    • For the birth of preterm infant, a temporary placard is valid for up to 6 months

Agencies and organizations that transport disabled clients or patients could also be able to receive a handicap placard.

Where To Turn In Your Application

You can get the Application for Disability Plates/Placards by going to your nearest Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office or you can print the form from their website – there is no fee required.

You will need a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse to fill out sections of the application with the necessary information and sign it in the respective field. Then you will have to fill out the remaining parts of the application and sign where you have to as well. Once you complete the application, you can submit it by using any of the following methods:

  • Bringing it in to your local BMV Office
  • Through fax: 207-624-9204
  • Mailing it to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at:

Disability Clerk

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

If you’re applying for plates, you’ll have to send a copy of your current registration with your application.

How To Use Your Placard

The placard must always be displayed by hanging it from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in a designated space. You cannot drive with the placard hanging up on the mirror because it could get in the way of your view while you are driving.

A vehicle displaying a permanent placard, a temporary placard or a disability registration plate may park in a parking area with a meter without a charge, and can park a length of time that is not more than twice of the time limit allowed.

A person may park in a disability parking space with an access aisle when a disabled person needs the access aisle to enter or exit the vehicle or when no other disability parking space is available. The vehicle must display a disability parking plate or placard, and must be transporting a disabled person. No vehicle should ever be parked in a way that blocks an aisle.

Misuse of an access aisle is considered a traffic infraction and is subject to a fine of $200.00 or more.

How To Renew Your Permit

You have to update or confirm your contact and mailing information with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles every time your handicap placard expires and when your driver’s license or state identification card expires. You will also have to complete the top section of the form you initially completed to receive the placard. 

A blue placard is a permanent placard given to individuals with a permanent condition and red placards are issued to people for up to 6 months for a temporary condition.

Maine handicap plates and placards need to be renewed by the expiration date on the plate or placard and can be done by mail.

Replacing A Lost Placard

If your placard gets stolen or you discover that it is lost, it is quick and easy to receive a replacement. Simply contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or visit your nearest Motor Vehicle Branch office for a rnew one. Your application must be on file and current with BMV. The expiration date of the new replacement placard will be the same as the old placard you had.

Where Are The Maine BMV Offices?

There are many BMV Offices throughout the state and you should have no trouble finding one. They offer a variety of services, including driver license services, disabled parking permits, registration and title transactions, license plate renewals, etc. Here are a few locations and phone numbers for reference, but you should find the location closest to you.

  • Augusta
    19 Anthony Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330
    207-287-3330
  • Bangor
    Airport Mall, 1129 Union Street, Suite 9, Bangor, ME 04401
    207-942-1319
  • Calais
    23 Washington Street, Suite 2, Calais, ME 04619
    207-454-2175
  • Caribou
    14 Access Highway, Suite 2, Caribou, ME 04736
    207-492-9141
  • Ellsworth
    24 Church Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
    207-667-9363
  • Kennebunk
    63 Portland Road, Suite 4, Kennebunk, ME 04043
    207-985-4890
  • Lewiston
    36 Mollison Way, Lewiston, ME 04240
    207-753-7750
  • Portland
    125 Presumpscot Street, Unit 4, Portland, ME 04103
    207-822-6400

Report Handicapped Parking Space Abuse

There seems to be many cases of people who aren’t eligible for handicap parking misusing handicap parking spaces, plates, and placards, and you can report them. Misuse of disability and access parking spaces are considered traffic violations, and when they are abused, the abuser could be subject of a fine of at least $200. You can report handicap and disability parking abuse by contacting local authorities and property owners.

Conclusion

If you are looking into getting a handicap accessible placard, following these steps will definitely help you through the process.

For additional information regarding the issuance of disability plates and disability parking placards in the State of Maine, contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at 207-624-9000 (extension 52149) or by email at [email protected]