Finding a parking spot can be a challenge in any parking situation. Trying to find a disabled parking spot can be even more challenging. Usually there aren’t enough disabled parking spaces. Sometimes drivers park in disabled parking spots when they don’t qualify as needing the space. If you have a condition where you need to park in disabled parking spaces then you should apply for a disabled parking license plate or placard. Every state has different requirements for applying. In Michigan it is a fairly simple process.

Qualifying For a Disabled License Plate

Disabled license plates can be issued for drivers with a disability or for a vehicle in which the driver has to transport an individual in their household who is disabled. The condition must be permanent and not expected to improve. A medical professional must certify your condition and provide information which explains why an individual has a limited ability to walk. For purposes of the license plate a disability is defined as:

  • Blindness
  • Any condition that greatly limits a person’s ability to walk more than 200 feet without having to stop and rest. Your doctor has to provide the diagnosis which causes this limitation.
  • Any condition that requires a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or other assistive device such as prosthetic legs
  • A lung disease that causes the volume of the air you breathe out to be less than one liter
  • A heart condition that rates as a 3 or 4 on the New York Heart Classification Scale
  • A heart condition that shows the individual does not meet the minimum standards of cardiovascular health. This is determined by the American Heart Association and approved by the Michigan Department of Health
  • A neurological, orthopedic, or arthritic condition that greatly reduces your ability to walk
  • A continual reliance on an oxygen tank

Getting the Plate

Individuals have to fill out the Application for a Disability License Plate (form MV-110) which can easily be found online and printed out. Applicants will fill out the first part and include basic personal and vehicle information. Part II is filled out by a medical professional professional to certify your disability. It doesn’t matter which city or county you live in, the application can be taken to any Secretary of State’s office or mailed to:

Michigan Department of State
Renewal by Mail Unit
Lansing, MI 48918

It can take up to four weeks to receive your license plate so be on the look out.

Fees For the License Plate

Unlike disability parking placards, which are provided at no cost, a disabled license plate comes with standard registration fees. If you have a vehicle with a regular license plate but are now in need of disabled license plates then there will be no charge. Also, if you’re a wheelchair user and you use your van to drive for someone in your household you are eligible for a 50% discount off the standard fee for disability license plates.

Renewing Disabled License Plates

You can renew your license plate because they do expire on the vehicle owner’s birthday. You do not need to resubmit an application with a doctor’s certification to renew your plates. All you have to do is pay the required renewal fee.

Using Your Disabled License Plates

Once you receive your plates and attach them to your vehicle you are able to park in designated disabled parking spaces. Be sure not to park in the striped lines since those are used by vehicles with wheelchair lifts or for those who need the space to enter and exit their vehicle with a wheelchair.

Free Parking With Disabled Plates

Unfortunately just having disabled license plates does not qualify you for free parking. A disabled parking placard with a yellow free parking stickers must be displayed on the rear view mirror. A doctor must sign off on your condition on part three of the disabled parking placard application to receive the sticker. Garages or parking lots that are privately owned are not required to give you free parking even if you have the placard with the yellow free sticker. One of the following has to apply to qualify for free parking:

  • You’re unable to insert coins or grab a parking ticket in a parking meter because both hands do not work properly.
  • You don’t have the strength or mobility in your upper extremities to reach above your head at least 42 inches from the ground.
  • Your use of a wheelchair or other ambulatory device prevents you from coming up to a parking meter.
  • You have an orthopedic, heart, or lung condition that is so severe that you are unable to walk for any distance that is farther than 20 feet.

Types of Disabled License Plates

There are two versions of disabled license plates available. The standard version looks like all other Michigan plates but with handicap symbol on the left side. The Spectacular Peninsula version has a bridge with a yellow sky background and the handicap symbol on the left side. Plates can also be personalized for additional fees and do not qualify for any discounts.

Vehicles That Can Use Disabled License Plates

Most vehicles qualify to use disabled license plates. All passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and motor homes qualify as long as they are not being used commercially. Pickups and vans, both full size and minivan types, qualify for the license plates as well. Vans don’t need to have a wheelchair lift in order to be eligible.

Rules For Using Your License Plate

You don’t want to park in the striped lines because that space is needed for wheelchairs. It can get frustrating for other disabled individuals to find vehicles parked or partially parked in the striped lines because they end up not having space for their wheelchair lift. Even if a lift is not used, there ends up being limited space to enter and exit the vehicle with a wheelchair. Your disabled license plate allows you to use disabled parking spaces anywhere in the United States. You are not limited to parking only in Michigan. Also be mindful if other drivers use your vehicle. Remind them not to park in a disabled space if they are not disabled and prevent the abuse of using your license plate.

Conclusion

If you are in need of a disabled license plate in Michigan getting the application is simple. It might be a hassle to have a doctor sign off on the application but it is a necessary step so that those who need disabled parking spaces actually qualify. Hopefully this guide has outlined the process and given you useful tips when using your new license plates.