If you or someone you know has recently considered or already acquired their handicap permit for the state of Georgia, then you may have a strong understanding of what it takes to correctly utilize and respect the rules of the handicap pass. By understanding not only how to obtain a parking pass and how to properly utilize it in accordance with the Missouri state laws, you will be on your way to a more complete and safe understanding of how to live a more convenient life.
Getting the pass
As is the case with most government sanctioned registrations, getting registered for a disability parking permit requires some information before moving on to other steps., you first must file a 2769 form. This form is a way for the registry to understand the applicant, their license status, desired duration of permit, and some information at the eligibility. Most of the information is basic and can be filled out with ease, but there is a certain amount of information that needs to be verified by a doctor to validate the legitimacy of your case that ensures you have the disability that you are filing for. Thankfully due to modern innovations and technology you can consult with a doctor online if your disability prevents you from travelling to go see your doctor or if is simply an inconvenience. After filing the paperwork all you must do is pay a small fee and decide which style of pass best suits your needs.
Which ID should I get?
When you are at the, they will give you various options on how you want to display your status based on your completed documentation. Your choice will primarily be based on the extent of your permit and condition or the method that you want to display your permit. There are four different methods to choose from all with various traits to give insight to the condition of the owner that are as follows:
- Disability Placard: Disability placards issued in Missouri are given to those who have been diagnosed with a medical disability that allows them to park in handicapped spaces for as long as they continue to renew their placard for and are offered for both temporary and permanent conditions alike.
- Disability License Plate: Instead of having to put up the disability placard anytime you want to park in a designated handicap space, the users’ license plate would indicate the handicapped status and is available to those with long-term conditions.
- Disabled Veteran Plates: For those with the status of a disabled veterans, you can receive a special plate that signifies your status like the standard plate.
What benefits do I have?
Once you have a fully licensed and valid plate or placard on your vehicle, you are now free to park in any handicap space that is open. One benefit to an officially licensed parking permit is that not only does it allow you to occupy handicap parking spaces in the state of MIssouri, but it also allows you to park in handicap spaces anywhere else in the United States of America. Being able to travel from state to state knowing that you will be accommodated no matter where you go is not only a convenience, but it can also be the difference between travelling and not for many people who suffer from disabilities.
What if there are no spots?
If you are someone with a handicap permit and there are no available sports left, you may unfortunately have to park somewhere else. If there is someone parked in a handicapped sport without the correct license plate or windshield badge, then every state encourages you to contact the owner of the store the violation is occurring at and even the police. While many are ignorant to the usage of these limited spaces for others, it is not only rude, but it is also illegal and should be dealt with. If an establishment also decides to restrict the time usage or days of the handicapped space that Is also illegal as handicapped spot must always remain open and are not allowed to be shut down for certain times or events as according to the law.
What restrictions do I face?
While most businesses and parking areas want to accommodate those with disabilities, there are still some restrictions that apply to those with specialty parking permits. For example, even if you have the plates or placard, you are still required to pay for certain parking features such as event parking and street side parking meters that are not dedicated for handicapped use. Another issue many people forget to remember is the duration of their permit or license plate. Even if you have a registered license plate or placard for a permanent disability, the state of Missouri requires you to renew your temporary placard or get your plates renewed when your vehicle is inspected depending on the predetermined duration you have been assigned to utilize the service. Parking in a handicap space with an out of state permit is the same as parking with no permit at all.
Can others use my placard?
One of the trickier rules, determining when it is allowed and when it presents a violation for someone else to use the placard differs. If the person who the placard was issued to is in the vehicle, then it may park in the Handicapped space. If the disabled person is not in the car and the placard is used however than it is a violation of the parking code and results in the removal and need for reapplication of the originally issued placard or plate due to the misdemeanor of allowing someone other than the person it was given to unfairly using the plate.
Conclusion
With so many rules and regulations to follow when getting your parking permit, it can be overwhelming to understand all the rules. Hopefully after understanding when you can and cannot use your permit makes the process a little less confusing and expands your understanding of your permit.