If you are currently suffering from a disabling condition or anticipate having difficulty walking in your near future, having a Certificate of Walking Disability and the associated permit can enable you to use accommodations and resources specifically set aside to make your life a little easier.

However, these privileges are only of use to you if you know what they are! There are several privileges associated with a New Hampshire Disabled Parking Permit, but they can be taken away if they are not properly used. Read on for a complete guide to the rights and responsibilities associated with a New Hampshire Disabled Parking Permit.

Your Rights as a New Hampshire Disabled Parking Permit Holder

In New Hampshire, proper placement of a disabled parking permit in your motor vehicle entitles you to use parking spaces which are designated as for disabled use only. This will be made clear either by a nearby sign or paint on the ground noting the International Symbol of Access.

As these parking spaces are by their nature limited in quantity, please respect the parking spaces and their surrounding environments to maximize the number of people who will be able to use them.

Disabled Parking Spaces and Associated Access Aisles

If two or more disabled parking spaces are in a similar location, they will be separated (and possibly surrounded) by an access aisle. These access aisles will be marked by long diagonal hash marks on the ground.

As this space is crucial for allowing those with disabilities to use the spaces (for example, for those with wheelchairs and motorized ramps in their vehicles), please avoid parking in a way that would obstruct the use of these areas.

Disabled Parking Permits and Free City Parking

Also, your properly displayed parking permit will grant you free parking in any city or town within the New Hampshire state limits. If there are provided and posted guidelines about specific times during which this is applicable and other times in which this privilege is restricted, follow the guidelines posted at the site you wish to park.

Disabled Parking Permits and Dependent Transportation

If your disability or condition makes it difficult for you to drive, know that your disabled parking permit can be used by a relative or friend. However, this is only the case if you are being transported in the vehicle utilizing the disabled parking space, or if someone is coming to pick you up or drop you off at a specific location.

Number of Disabled Parking Permits per Persons With Disability

At the time of application, you can request up to two disabled parking permits at no cost. For an additional cost of eight dollars, you can request specific license plates stamped with the International Symbol of Access. However, you must choose one option or the other. You cannot have two parking placards and the license plates at the same time.

An exception to this rule regards motorcycle plates stamped with the International Symbol of Access. You may have these plates in addition to the two disabled parking placards which can be used in a separate vehicle.

What to Do if your Parking Permit is Lost or Stolen

If your parking placards are lost or stolen, you are entitled to a free replacement. Please write a letter to your Department of Motor Vehicles requesting new ones. The address for your nearest New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles can be found on the New Hampshire Department of Public Safety website. This letter should contain your full name, date of birth, address, and phone number.

If you believe that your placards have been stolen, please contact the police and report a theft. Please include a copy of the police report with your letter if this is applicable.

Renewal of your Permanent Disabled Parking Permit

One commonly asked question is regarding the expiration date for a New Hampshire Permanent Disabled Parking Permit. Each Permanent Disabled Parking Permit is good for five years from the date of issuance.

However, this is only true for permits after the first one you have been issued. The first disabled parking permit you obtain will be set to expire the next time that your New Hampshire Driver’s license will expire. If this date is less than five years from your date of issuance, then your disabled parking permit will expire on that date.

Proper Usage of your Disabled Parking Permit in New Hampshire

All of the above rights can only be yours if you have a properly issued and non-expired disabled parking permit. Therefore, it is in your best interest to ensure that your parking permit is always renewed.

Check the date posted on your disabled parking placards for their expiration, and make sure that two weeks before that time you take the steps necessary to renew your placards. To do this, simply follow the same steps you followed to obtain the parking permit in the first place.

This will involve your filling out the Application for Walking Disability Privileges, available on the New Hampshire Department of Public Safety website or at your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles, or video chatting online with a doctor to submit your application.

Perhaps the most important rule to remember is simply when to utilize your parking permit. Please place the parking permit on your rear-view window in the front of your car when you are parking, and only when you are parking. It is highly illegal for the parking permit to be dangling in your field of vision while the motor vehicle is in motion.

Remember that in New Hampshire, the permit is issued to you, not your car. Therefore, feel free to enjoy the associated privileges no matter which vehicle you happen to be utilizing.

In New Hampshire, there are several reasons to get a disabled parking permit. Proper usage of the placards or plates can ensure that you always have an easily accessible parking spot. Remember to exercise the rights and responsibilities with your permit, and always use the permit when you are using a disabled-only parking space.