The great state of Montana offers disabled parking permits to persons who experience pain or difficulty walking more than 200 feet. Disabled parking permits are offered in three possible stages.
- Temporary permits lasting up to six months
- Extended temporary permits lasting up to two years
- Permanent permits
These disabled parking permits grant the holder the right to park in designated handicapped parking spaces in their community. With icy or wet weather, or with large parking lots, disabled parking is essential to maintain the safety of Montana residents and visitors.
If you qualify for a Montana disabled parking permit you must obtain a physician signed certificate and file it with the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles. Forms may be filed by mail, fax or E-mail.
Your physician signed certificate can also be obtained from many other licensed Montana providers including nurse practitioners and physicians assistants. Alternatively, if you receive care from a specialist to manage your condition, they may also sign for you. This could be an optometrist, podiatrist, chiropractor, or physical therapist, for example.
If you are not currently seeing a regular care provider, or you want to skip the wait of an office visit, don’t worry. Many Montana residents are now choosing to have their examinations done in a virtual visit. Virtual visits afford you the same quality care, at your convenience and without the hassles. There are many qualified Montana providers available to meet with you virtually any time.
Who Qualifies for Permanent Disabled Parking in Montana?
While there is no hard list of conditions or disabilities that qualify a person for disabled parking in Montana, there are some guidelines used by providers.
- Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality
- A serious cardiac condition (class III or IV) including heart attack or stroke
- Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or the risk of falling
- Reliance on supplemental oxygen, or a severe breathing difficulty in motion or at rest
- Reliance on or use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace or wheelchair
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis
- Legal blindness or severe vision impairment
- Conditions causing seizures, dizziness or sudden loss of muscle tone
There are many conditions that fit these descriptions. Of course, as we age, walking long distances naturally becomes more challenging. Even if you feel that you aren’t sick, remember that disabled parking permits were created for your safety and comfort.
If you feel you may qualify, talk openly and honestly to your care providers about what you feel and experience. If it is determined that a disabled parking permit could keep you safe from falling, you should make sure to use it when possible.
Who Qualifies for Temporary Disabled Parking in Montana?
There are lots of injuries and illnesses which may grant a Montana resident temporary eligibility to the disabled parking permit program. Once again, there is no exhaustive list, but here are some common causes.
- A broken or sprained leg, ankle or foot
- An injury affecting the tendons or muscles of your legs, feet or ankles
- A pregnancy that has been identified by an OBGYN as needing bed rest or limited activity
- Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other severe but temporary respiratory illness
- Recovery from surgery
If you feel that your injury or illness is affecting your ability to walk safely and pain-free for more than 200 feet, you may qualify for a temporary permit. Be sure to talk with your care team about your eligibility to ensure your safety while you heal.
You can obtain your physician signed certificate from the emergency room or clinic where you first obtained treatment, or by making an appointment with your preferred care provider.
What Are My Responsibilities?
Once you obtain your disabled parking permit, make sure you know the rules and regulations of Montana disabled parking permits.
- Disabled parking permits are issued to persons with difficulty walking more than 200 feet.
- Disabled parking permit placards must be renewed every three years.
- Temporary placards are available for up to six months.
- Extended temporary placards are available for up to two years.
- Placards must be displayed any time a disabled parking space is used. Failure to do so may result in a fine and revocation of the placard.
- Disabled parking permit placards are not to be hung from the rearview mirror while driving. To do so is to create a hazardous obstruction of view.
- Disabled parking permit placards may be used in any vehicle the holder travels in, for their comfort.
- Under no circumstances may you lend, sell or give away your permit. To do so is a crime.
Remember that parking in a disabled parking reserved space without displaying a disabled parking permit placard is a violation. If you witness misuse or abuse of the disabled parking program, be sure to alert the authorities right away.
If you see a violation, call your local police and inform them of the time, location and license plate number associated. While abuse of the program should not be tolerated, remember that not all disabled persons look disabled. Never accuse a disabled parking permit holder of falsely using the program. Only make a report if you do not see a disabled parking permit placard displayed.
Remember that making this report is not just about punishing the driver, but keeping your community safe for disabled and elderly persons who need that space. In icy, wet or dangerous conditions, disabled parking spaces keep residents safe. Also, the extra loading room intended for wheelchair and walker accommodation is essential for some people.
Remember that the disabled parking program is intended to keep you and your neighbors safe in your community. If you feel you may qualify for a disabled parking permit, you owe it to yourself to talk with your provider.
Even if you feel you do not need disabled parking access every day, you might need it on bad days, or in inclement weather. Your community wants you to be safe and healthy. Be sure to talk with your provider about a disabled parking permit.