Like most states, Maryland issues disabled parking permits on a temporary and permanent basis. If you are eligible because of a temporary mobility issue like a broken leg or pregnancy you may be eligible for a Maryland disabled parking permit for six months. If you suffer from a chronic condition or require an assistive device for walking, you are entitled to a permanent disabled parking permit in the state of Maryland.
These permits, of course, allow the user to park in designated handicap spots but come with a few other perks as well. Not everyone knows about all the features and privileges of their disabled parking permits in the great state of Maryland. If you or a loved one have a disabled parking permit, or you believe you should, read on to discover what you need to know about disabled parking permits.
When Can I Use My Disabled Parking Permit?
Most people think of disabled parking permits as being used by a driver in their car to park more in a more accessible location. Handicap spots at grocery stores, shopping malls, and doctors’ offices are familiar to the eye. But did you know you can use your disabled parking placard as a passenger?
Not only can you use the permit as a driver, but if you are a passenger in your car or the car of a loved one, they can use the permit to ensure your comfort and safety when you travel together. Lots of disabled persons no longer drive, but may still benefit from the extra loading room and proximity to the door provided by the handicap parking spaces throughout their city.
If you are carrying with you a wheelchair, walker, or other assistive device, that extra loading space provided is essential! Even if you don’t drive, it is worth talking to your medical provider about having a disabled parking placard you can use when you travel with another driver.
Your MD disabled parking permit is also valid in other U.S states if you are traveling, but make sure to follow local laws regarding parking.
Where Can I Use My Disabled Parking Permit?
Disabled parking signs are familiar to the eye and can be found in almost every parking lot. Grocery stores, doctor’s offices, banks, shopping malls, you name it.
What many people don’t know is that disabled parking permit holders are not compelled to pay for ADA non-compliant parking meters. That means that if a parking meter does not have a familiar blue wheelchair symbol, it is not ADA compliant and is therefore free parking for disabled parking permit holders. Also, disabled parking permit holders in the state of Maryland are granted twice the displayed meter time to a maximum of four hours, to ensure they can travel safely and comfortably.
Be aware that there are many more ADA compliant meter spaces than there used to be, so always check all signage and verify that you can park for free. The ADA is not responsible for your parking fines!
What Are My Responsibilities When Using Disabled Parking?
Disabled parking permit placards, the tags that hang from the rearview mirror, are considered an obstruction of view by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Department (MMVD). Do not place your placard on your rearview mirror while driving, as you could find yourself with a hefty ticket for obstruction of view.
You are obliged to display your placard any time that you park in a handicapped spot unless you have a disabled parking license plate. If you do not display your placard, even if you have one, you may be ticketed. The license plate is a great way to make sure you are always compliant with this rule, however, when you are traveling in someone else’s car, don’t forget to use your placard!
When using your disabled parking permit, you are still responsible to follow all signage regarding parking regulations and all traffic laws. Fire lanes and yellow marked curbs are never acceptable parking places.
If you see someone misusing a handicap parking space, contact your local police as soon as possible. When you do, be sure to tell them the time, location, and license plate associated with the offense that you witnessed. When disabled persons are denied access to disabled parking spaces because of the actions of non-disabled people, injury and pain are the results.
While misuse of disabled parking should never be tolerated, make sure of what you are seeing before you make an accusation. Some people do not look disabled at first, but may genuinely need access to that parking spot. Others could be picking up a family member who is not yet present but will be getting into the vehicle. Those are both valid uses of the disabled parking placard. Be careful not to accuse someone if you see a disabled parking placard.
As a general rule, if you see a placard displayed, it is probably a legitimate need, even if the driver does not look disabled to you. If you do not see a disabled parking placard, however, you are witnessing a violation and should report it right away.
Five Facts About Disabled Parking in Maryland
- Parking placards can be used as a driver or a passenger
- Disabled parking permit holders may be exempt from meter fees in non-ADA compliant spots
- MD parking placards are valid in all 50 states
- Placards should not be hung while driving and must be displayed while parked
- Failure to display a placard or misuse of a disabled parking space should be reported immediately to law enforcement
Use these tips to make the most of your disabled parking permit. If you don’t already have one, but think you may be eligible, be sure to ask your provider about your eligibility. For drivers and non-drivers with either temporary or permanent disabilities, the disabled parking permit is for your safety and comfort. Make sure to use your placard to stay safe and minimize your risks while about town.