Laws vary from state-to-state when you are looking to apply for a handicap parking permit. These changes can cause difficulties if you are not sure where to begin. If you are applying in Massachusetts, allow the below guide to help you.
How to Determine If You are Eligible
In Massachusetts you will need to check if you legally qualify for the parking permit. See the following qualifications to help you determine when to apply:
- You have lost permanent use of a limb, or lost a limb
- You cannot walk 200 feet or more without help
- You are legally blind (will cause you to automatically lose your license)
- You have severe arthritis
- You have chronic lung disease with forced expiratory volume in one second less than one liter
Why You Need a Physician
You will need to find a health care provider to certify your disabilities. You will fill out the first page of the application and your provider will fill out and sign the second page. Veterans may apply if your disability is 60% service-connected and confirmed through the Veteran’s Administration
How to Apply
You are encouraged to visit, in person or online, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Medical Affairs (RMV) office for the application. You may choose to bring the application in person or mail the application but beware of mailing cash for the fees.
If you are needing a handicap placard, only, there are no fees. If you need a license plate you will be charged $60 for vehicles or $20 for motorcycles. All the veteran plates will be free, if you are eligible and can be picked up at the Massachusetts RMV.
What is a Massachusetts Disabled Veterans Plates?
The application process is like your standard application for a parking permit. Additionally, you will need to submit your verified letter from the Veteran’s Administration (VA) along with your application through the Massachusetts RMV. Many benefits come after an approval of plates, such as:
- Acquiring your Driver’s License with no fees
- Registering your Disabled Veterans plate, free
- You will have no sales tax on your vehicle that is registered (eligible on vehicles no older than November 1, 2006)
- You will be exempt from the Excise Tax on your same vehicle
After satisfying all requirements, you will not need to renew your Disabled Veterans Plate for two years.
How to Renew Your Plates and Placards
If you have a temporary disability placard, you will be required to submit a new application with a new certification from your health care provider. For your permanent placards, a new one will be mailed to you by the time of your expiration.
Massachusetts is one of the most relaxed states for temporary placards. These placards are valid from 2-24 months, depending upon your disability and your medical certification needs. You are allowed to transfer your temporary status to a permanent status with the correct certification by your medical doctor and payment of any fees appropriate to your status change.
Your permanent placard is valid for five years and will automatically renew when yours expires. The new placard will be sent in the mail two weeks before the expiration date. Once you receive the new placard, immediately return your expired placard to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Medical Affairs office.
What You Need to Do to Report Permit Abuse
If you suspect or see a disabled parking permit not being used properly you will be required to report:
- The vehicle’s license plate number
- The location where you saw the abuse
- A description of the vehicle in question
- A description of the person you believe to have committed the abuse
- Your description of the events leading you to believe abuse is happening
The RMV may ask you to provide documentation to authenticate your information used in your application. If you falsely provide information to obtain a placard, you will be investigated by the RMV and are subject to fines associated with abuse. You must place your placard to be visible through the windshield of your vehicle, or you are subject to a $50 fine.
How to Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Placard
If you need to have your disability placard replaced for any of the above reasons, you need to submit the following to the Massachusetts RMV:
- Your Date of Birth
- Your Social Security number
- Your Placard number (if you know it)
Your lost, stolen, or damaged parking placard will be cancelled, and you will be issued a new placard at no additional cost to you. If you have more than one replacement in 12 months, more than three in a five-year period, you may be subject to fines and penalties associated with misuse.
The Massachusetts RMV reserves the right to deny you any replacement placards based on:
- Your replacement requests for temporary or permanent placards
- If evidence of misuse against you or another person is found by the Massachusetts RMV
- A formal review of your original submitted application for a placard
- If your updated medical ailments will allow you to drive safely
- Your medical certification is up to date from your health care provider
- Your sworn affidavit of any instance leading up to your request for a replacement
Abuse of your placard or any attempt to replace your permit by lying will result in a $500 fine for your first offense and $1,000 for your next offense.
How to Find a Massachusetts RMV Location
There are many branches of the Registry of Motor Vehicles across Massachusetts. Generally, Massachusetts encourages you to apply at the closest location to your residence. Luckily, most counties in the state have an RMV office for you to apply in person.
Conclusion
Massachusetts’ handicap parking permit laws seem extensive for you to follow, but if you abide by them and follow the guide, you will be able to obtain your placard in no time. Keep your medical certification up to date and your medical doctor well informed of your condition.