Frustrating challenges can arise when you try to get your handicap placard in the United States, due to the shifting laws between states. However, when you need to apply for your handicap parking permit, it’s always best to check your state and local laws. If you are applying in Maryland, please see the guide below for help.
Be Sure You Qualify
Since each state is different, Maryland sets forth its qualifications for legally obtaining your disabled parking permit. Prior to filling out the application, look to see if you satisfy the qualifications below:
- You require a wheelchair for mobility
- You are unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
- You are unable to walk 200 feet without assistance from another person, or the use of a cane, brace, crutch, prosthetic device, or other assistance device
- You have lost an arm, hand, leg, or foot
- You have a permanent disability that severely affects your walking ability
- You have a permanent impairment in both eyes equal to 2/200 vision
- You require oxygen or have a lung disease that forces you to breathe for one second at 60 mm/hg of room air at rest
- You are classified as having a Class III or Class IV cardiovascular disease
How Do You Acquire a Physician Certificate?
One of the most common challenges for you to overcome when applying for your permit, will be gathering the correct paperwork. The State of Maryland requires you and your Physician to fill out and submit your application through the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA), in person or by mail.
You will need to seek a Physician who can certify that you are legally disabled. Your selected Physician is the only one who can certify your disabilities. The following licensed medical providers may help you fill out your application:
- Physician
- Nurse Practitioner
- Optometrist (vision only)
- Chiropractor
- Podiatrist
- Physical Therapist
How to Mail Your Documents
When you mail your documents to the MVA, you will need to visit your local office, in person. Keep in mind, there is not a fee to receive a placard. However, if you need a handicap plate with the placard, there is a $20.00 fee. If it is time to renew your vehicle registration an additional fee will be assessed for the cost of registering the vehicle. The Motor Vehicle Administration does not accept cash through the mail.
After your application is filled out and submitted, you will need to go to an MVA location to retrieve the placard or plate. New permit holders can pick up your placards, only, through the full-service Motor Vehicle Administration locations. The license plate option may be requested individually, or by an authorized transportation service for people with disabilities, such as:
- Passenger vehicles
- Multi-purpose vehicles
- Trucks weighing up to one ton
- Motorcycles
- School buses
- Passenger buses
When You Receive Your Permit
Once all presented documentation is satisfied by law, you will receive your permit or license plate. Pay attention on your application and check to see if you are applying for a temporary or permanent permit. A temporary permit is only valid for up to six months, whereas a permanent permit is valid for a lifetime.
It’s imperative to hang your placard on the inside rearview mirror of your vehicle. Avoid penalties and fines by displaying the expiration side of your placard outwards, so that it is visible. In order to hang the handicap placard, you must carry your medical certification with you. You are not permitted to have the placard visible while driving.
How to Renew and Return Placards
A temporary placard is valid for up to six months, you may renew or change the status of your application at any time. At the end of your term for the temporary permit, you are required to return the placard or plate to your Motor Vehicle Administration office, immediately. Permanent placards and plates never have to be renewed and are valid until the death of the person requiring the permit.
When Using a Rental Car
You are permitted to use the placard if a rental car is used to park in a handicap space. However, you must always be present in the vehicle. You will be obligated to present your medical certification upon questioning of law enforcement.
What to Do If Your Placard is Lost or Stolen?
If your placard is stolen, contact your local law enforcement agency and file a report. Once you receive your report number, then apply for a new handicap parking permit. Be sure to include your report number and proceed to the MVA, full-service or express service location, to pick up your substituted placard, after submitting all your required information.
If you lost your parking placard, you will have to fill out and submit apply for a lost placard. Once approved, you will mail or visit the full-service MVA to retrieve a new placard. If you are applying for a new license plate, you will be required to pay another fee of $20.
How to Report Permit Abuse
Anyone with an invalid plate or placard will be subject to a fine up to $500. The fine may be issued to those of you committing fraud or misrepresentation of information on your application. Your placard or plate will be revoked if your disability ailments are not satisfied by Maryland law.
Where are the Maryland Office Locations?
If you are applying for your handicap parking permit in Maryland, there are several locations in each county, across the state, that you may visit to apply. Go online to learn about available locations or look through a phone book for an office near you. There are only 19 full-service locations in Maryland, so be sure to search thoroughly before you head to the MVA.
Conclusion
Following this guide will help you to be knowledgeable of the Maryland handicap parking permit law. Always keep a copy of your medical certification with you and hang the placard in the rearview mirror.