Many of you are wondering how you can apply for a parking permit in your great state of Massachusetts. The application process can be lengthy and time-consuming for many disabled and elderly people. The process is simple, if you follow through to the end and remember that all states have varying laws for disabled parking placards.
You will have to meet several qualifications for you to be considered for a disabled parking placard. You will need to find a licensed physician to help with your application and will be required to give you a medical certification. There are several ailments that will help you meet the requirements of the Massachusetts handicap laws:
- If you cannot walk 200 or more feet
- If you are legally blind
- If you have severe arthritis
- If you require oxygen or cannot breathe more than one liter of air in one second
- If you have a chronic lung disease
Your physician will be the deciding factor for your disability, if you have a disability. For you to apply, you will need to visit a location closest to you of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You must be a year-round resident and cannot have any parking or traffic tickets.
Along with your application, you will need to attach fees if you are registering your vehicle as a plate, instead of a placard. Those fees are $60 for a vehicle and $20 for a motorcycle. You may choose to send your completed application through the mail, but the Massachusetts RMV discourages cash through the mail.
Massachusetts does offer a Veterans Disabled Plate option, for you who are applicable. Much like the original application, you will need a verified letter from the Veteran’s Administration. The Veterans Disabled Plate allows exemptions of the Excise Tax and state sales tax of your registered vehicle, along with free registration for the veteran’s plate and free driver’s licensing.
- Handicap Accessible Parking
Additional to your application, you may apply for a handicap accessible space in your city. You will need to have your application notarized by you and certified by your physician like the application for the disabled parking permit. You will need to have your disability placard or plate approved and this application process takes anywhere from six to eight weeks.
There are requirements you must meet to have a handicap accessible space near your home. You will need to meet the same residency requirements of one year or longer, your disability has to be one year old and your mobility must be severe, you must have a vehicle registered at your address, and you must use your car daily.
What to Do After Your Application is Accepted
Following approval of your application, you will need to pick-up your disability placard from your Massachusetts RMV. You will need to hang your placard in the rearview mirror of your car and be sure the expiration date is visible through the windshield. You will not be allowed to have your placard hanging while you drive.
Massachusetts is a convenient state when it comes to disabled parking permits, you may travel state-to-state and your placard will remain valid, and vice-versa. The laws state that if you are an out-of-state traveler, your placard will be valid in Massachusetts. However, there are policies in place to protect you and your placard from harm.
- If Your Placard is Abused or Misused
There are numerous laws in place to protect those of you that are using disabled parking permits. Unfortunately, handicap parking permit abuse is all too frequent in Massachusetts, Boston particularly. The State had to place consequences on those who chose to disobey the parking regulations.
If you are found to misuse your placard, the Massachusetts RMV will be forced to revoke your disability placard and you will not be permitted to apply again. Lying on your application will cause an investigation into you, anyone you live with, and your physician. You will also be subject to fines in excess of $1,000.
- How to Report Abuse
- Identify the location of alleged abuse
- Call your local police station to report
- Identify the car of alleged abuse
- Provide descriptions of the person and the vehicle
How to Prepare Your Renewal and Replacement Procedures
Another set of rules apply to you and your placards when you renew or replace. After the new placards have been sent, you are instructed to return your expired placard instantly to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to avoid a $100 fine.
Your permanent disability placard will renew every five years and your temporary disability placard is renewable between 2-24 months. Your temporary disabled parking placard can be transferred, but a new application, medical certification, and fees are due. Your permanent placard will be sent two weeks before the expiration date of your current placard.
If need be, you may have your placard replaced if it is lost, stolen or damaged at no additional cost. You need to be observant and keep record of your replacement placards, because if you have more than three replacements within five years it could be detrimental to your future applications for disabled permits. For you to be able to have your disability placard replaced you will need to provide your:
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number
- Disability Placard Number, if available
Where are Your Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Locations?
By now, you are familiar with your city and state RMV locations. Remember, you must be a permanent resident to receive a disabled parking placard or plate, in Massachusetts. You need to go directly to your branch that is closest to you.
There are 30 locations to serve your individual needs from Attleboro to Worcester. You will need to ensure all of your paperwork and your medical certification is up to date. Your application will likely need to be notarized, so check to see that your signature and your doctor’s signature is valid.