Whether your handicap is temporary or you live with a disability, it’s important to know the benefits that are afforded to you in your state. These benefits could improve your ability to access local facilities. A parking permit can certainly come in handy when you visit various Maine locations, especially places you go often, such as work or school. If you’re going to a special event and want to make sure you won’t have to walk far, disabled parking is essential.

In many cases, facilities that offer disabled parking will also have amenities you can utilize while you’re inside, such as larger elevators for your mobility vehicle or accessible restrooms. If you’re a Maine resident, there are a few important things you should know to obtain a handicap parking permit. Knowing these state-specific regulations can expedite the process so you can start taking advantage of the benefits that come with a placard, permit or license plate.

Are You Eligible?

A medical provider, such as a nurse or physician, must verify your limited mobility by stating you meet the requirements for eligibility. There are specific details that the DMV will consider, but in general, if you:

  • Need to stop and rest after walking for 200 feet or less
  • You have lung disease with a forced expiratory volume that is less than 1 liter for one second when measured by spirometry
  • Your ability to walk is limited due to a neurological condition, and orthopedic condition or arthritis

In the state of Maine, you may also receive temporary disability placards if you’ve recently given birth. If you’ve had a C-section, you can receive a permit that is valid for one week after the receipt of your application. If you’ve given birth to a pre-term baby, your disability permit will be valid for up to six months.

You may also qualify for a handicap parking permit if you work for or own an organization or agency that transports disabled patients or clients.

The Application Process

You can obtain the Application for Disability Plates/ Placards, which is Form PS-18 by visiting your local Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Office or printing the form online.

You’ll need to fill out one section of the form, and your Maine physician, nurse practitioner, registered nurse or physician’s assistant must fill out the other section of the document. When the form is complete, you can submit it in person, or by mail or fax at the following addresses:

Fax:
207-624-9204

Mail:
Disability Clerk
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

If you’re also applying for license plates, you’ll need to submit a copy of your vehicle registration with your application. No fees are required.

How Long Will Your Maine Permits Be Valid?

The length of time that your disability plates or placards are valid will depend on whether your disability is temporary or permanent. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months, sometimes less depending on your condition. Permanent placards are valid for up to four years. Your plates and placards just need to be renewed by the date displayed. You can complete the renewal process in person or by mail.

License Plates for Disabled Veterans

Maine residents can receive Disabled Veteran plates. However, their disability must be 100% a result of military service. This information must be verified by the Veterans Administration. When you apply for your plates for the first time, you must visit the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle Main Office or mail a request for a license plate. Don’t forget to include your vehicle registration and a letter from the Veterans Administration.

You can visit the following locations to receive your Disabled Veterans plates or mail your forms to:

Main Office:
101 Hospital Street
Augusta, ME 04333-0029

Mailing Address:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Registration Unit
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333

Once you qualify for your license plates, you’ll be exempt from paying the vehicle registration fee, as well as all title fees, excise taxes and sales taxes.

Once you experience the benefits of having Disabled Veteran plates, you’ll just have to renew your license plates before the expiration date. You’ll can also receive your Social Security benefits after you file a claim.

Reporting Handicap Parking Abuse in Maine

You may see individuals using handicap parking permits and placards to park in spaces that are reserved for disabled individuals. This is considered a traffic violation in Maine; the fee for this offense could be up to $200. Vehicles are also not allowed to block handicap spaces at any time.

Remember that if you have a handicap parking permit, you can’t allow your friends or family to use the placard or plates unless you are in the vehicle.

If you notice that an able-bodied person is using a handicap parking space, contact the local authorities. You can also inform the property owners of handicap parking abuse. If you want to report parking abuse, try to provide as much information as possible to the police or security professionals, including the make and model of the automobile and the license plate number.

Finding Your Main BMV Office

There are Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicle Offices throughout the state that provide several services, such as drivers license issuance and renewal, disabled parking permits, title transactions, and vehicle registration. To find the office near you, you can call 207-624-9000.

Evaluating Your Disability

To determine whether you have a disability that warrants a parking permit in Maine, it may be best to work with an attorney. The attorney will represent you and provide documentation for why you are unable to work. You may also need legal representation if you can’t work for a year or more because of your disability. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits, it’s important to tell your lawyer about this, since this will help determine if you qualify for a parking permit.

Remember to keep your eligibility current and contact your local DMV with any questions or concerns.