Having a New Hampshire Disabled Parking Permit can allow you to utilize parking spaces that have been set aside for the specific use of those who require easier accommodations. Because of this, it’s very possible that having such a permit will make your day to day life much easier!
However, it’s very important to know which things you can do with a Disabled Parking Permit, and which you cannot. Abusing the privileges associated with your disabled parking permit may result in revocation of your permit. Read on for a detailed guide describing the rights and responsibilities you will be held to regarding your New Hampshire Disabled Parking Permit.
Know which type of permit you have
One of the easiest but most crucial pieces of information which will help you manage your disabled parking permit is simply knowing which type of permit you have. In New Hampshire, there are two different types of disabled parking permits.
- Temporary. A temporary disabled parking permit will allow you to use parking spaces clearly designated as for disabled parking spaces for a specific time period of up to six months.
- Permanent. A permanent disabled parking permit will allow you to use clearly marked disabled parking spaces for an unspecified period of time (longer than six months). Permanent disabled parking permits last for five years before it is required for you to renew them.
Whether you have a permanent or temporary disabled parking permit, you will have to go through the renewal process to continue enjoying the privileges associated with your permit.
How to Renew your New Hampshire Disabled Parking Permit
When your disabled parking permit is getting close to its expiration date, please begin the steps to renew your parking permit. It is recommended that you begin the process no later than two weeks prior to the official expiration date, as it may take several business days for your renewal to be submitted and processed.
Here are the steps to follow to get your disabled parking permit renewed:
- Print out the Application for Walking Disability Privileges. This form can be found on the website of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, or at any local Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Obtain medical approval from a licensed physician. This can be either a local physician that you know and can visit in person, or a medical professional visited via video chat.
- Submit your application. If you spoke with a doctor in person to obtain medical approval, you will have to mail your application in or bring it by a Department of Motor Vehicles. If you decided to video chat with an online doctor, your application will be emailed to the New Hampshire Department of Safety.
After you submit your application, continue using your old permit until your old permit officially expires. Wait to receive your new permit in the mail before you resume using your disabled parking permit privileges. Do not use an expired parking permit to park in a disabled parking spot, as you may be liable to disciplinary action.
What to Do if you Lost or Mislaid Your Parking Permit
It happens to the best of us: If you find that you have misplaced your disabled parking permit, please follow the steps below.
- Write a letter to your Department of Motor Vehicles stating that you have lost your placard. You can find the address of your nearest department on the New Hampshire Department of Safety website. This letter should include your full name, date of birth, and your complete mailing address.
- Wait until you receive your replacement placards to enjoy the privileges associated with your disabled parking permit.
How to Use your Disabled Parking Permit
Once you have received your disabled parking permit in the mail, it’s important that you use it well or you may be subject to its revocation.
Please note that in New Hampshire the disabled parking permit is issued to you, and not to a specific car. You can, therefore, take it with you and use it in any vehicle in which you may be traveling.
When you have found and successfully parked in a disabled parking space (which will be marked by either a sign or a universal disabled handicap symbol painted on the ground), please take the parking placard and hang it from your rear-view mirror in the front of your car.
After you have completed your errand or appointment and are ready to leave the parking space, please remember to remove the placard from your window. As it is a large placard, driving with it still attached to the window will result in it dangling into your field of vision. Please avoid this dangerous and illegal situation by removing it at any time the vehicle is in motion.
Out of State Disabled Drivers
If you do not live in New Hampshire but are visiting and would like to enjoy the use of the disabled parking spaces, please make sure that you have a valid, non-expired parking permit from your current state of residence. Then, please follow all of the above rules as to its proper usage. Your home state placard will work for New Hampshire disabled parking on a temporary basis.
Similarly, if you are a resident of New Hampshire, travel outside of New Hampshire, and wish to use your disabled parking permit, please ensure that your permit is completely up to date. it can then be used outside of New Hampshire state lines for universal access.
The State of New Hampshire has made several accommodations for its contingent of disabled drivers, including easily accessible parking spaces, useful access aisles, and free parking during certain windows of time in the downtown area. However, you can only use these privileges if you apply proper practices to your parking permit.
Always remember to place your disabled parking permit on your mirror when you park and remove it when you drive. Remembering these simple guidelines will ensure that you will always be able to enjoy the privileges associated with your New Hampshire Disabled Parking Permit.