In the State of Montana, disabled parking permits are given out to persons who cannot walk more than 200 feet without pain or risk of falling. These permits are issued on a temporary, extended temporary basis or a permanent basis. Temporary permits last up to six months and extended temporary permits last up to two years.
If you qualify for the Montana state disabled parking permit program, you will need to file form MV5 with your local Montana Department of Motor Vehicles office. This form may be filed by U.S mail, by fax or by E-mail. Instructions and assistance with the filing process can be found on the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles website, or by visiting a local Montana Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Form MV5 requires a physician signed certificate that verifies your disability, injury or illness and guarantees your eligibility for the Montana disabled parking permit program.
You will receive your disabled parking permit placard by mail. These placards are provided free of charge to persons eligible for the program. If you choose the disabled parking permit license plate, there is no additional fee, but you must pay the usual fees associated with renewing your license plate.
How Can I Qualify For Disabled Parking in MT?
The state of Montana and the Department of Motor Vehicles has no official list of conditions or injuries which qualify for a disabled parking permit. Instead, there is an open-ended set of criteria used by Montana providers to determine eligibility. Those guidelines are as follows.
- 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
While the guidelines above focus mainly on chronic or lifelong conditions, there are many injuries or illnesses which may grant a person temporary eligibility. Broken bones, leg injuries, surgery, and severe pneumonia are just a few common examples.
If you feel that you struggle to walk more than 200 feet safely and pain-free, talk to your doctor about your needs.
Who Can Sign a Physician Certificate?
Your primary care doctor can sign the certificate for you, but so can most members of your care team. Nurse Practitioners and physicians assistants are recognized by the state of Montana as qualified providers. You can obtain your physician signed certificate from one of several members of your care team during your next scheduled visit.
If you receive care from a specialist, they may also sign this document for you. Chiropractors, podiatrists, optometrists, and physical therapists are all specialist providers who work closely with you on a specific issue. They are more than qualified to verify your disability.
If you are seeking a temporary permit for an injury or illness, ask the emergency room team or urgent care clinic where you first received treatment. Having worked with you initially, they should be the most familiar with your specific needs.
If you are not currently seeing a regular provider, or you want to skip the long wait times, don’t worry. You can obtain your physician signed certificate through a virtual visit. Many qualified Montana providers can work with you, from the comfort of your home, to verify your disability.
How Do I File For Disabled Parking in Montana?
Once you have obtained your physician signed certificate, you must file form MV5 with your local Montana Department of Motor Vehicles office. This form may be filed by U.S mail, by fax or by E-mail. If you need help with the filing process, you can find step by step guides on the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles website. If you prefer a human touch, you may wish to try visiting a local Montana Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Montana Disabled Parking: What You need to Know
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.