Disabilities come with a variety of challenges that can make getting around the city difficult. So, when you arrive at work or school, you likely want to be able to get to the entrance as soon as possible. To park in handicap spaces in New Jersey, you’ll need a disabled parking permit. It’s important to know the regulations for receiving a permit and how to renew your placard when it expires so you can continue experiencing the benefits provided by the permit.

Where to Get Your Permit

If you’re getting a placard for a permanent disability, you can receive it from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The permit allows you to legally park in a handicap space. You have to fill out SP-41 and attach a document from your medical professional indicating your disability. There is no fee for this type of permit, but you have to provide a copy of your current vehicle registration. Your plates and placard will last for three years. It’s best to renew them before the expiration date to ensure your permit is valid at all times. If you apply for or renew your permanent disability materials in person, you’ll receive them right away. If you complete the process by mail, you’ll have your permit and plates within six weeks. Send your application and all necessary materials by mail to:

MVC

Special Plate Unit

P.O. Box 015

Trenton, NJ 08666

You can also apply for a temporary disability permit. However, in New Jersey, you should contact your local police department to get a permit, since the placards are distributed by the local police chief. You’ll have to fill out Form SP-68, which is the Application for Temporary Placard and pay a $4 fee. If you need the placard for longer than six months, you must fill out a new application and have your doctor verify your ongoing disability. You’ll also pay an additional $4 fee.

Determining Your Eligibility

Temporary disabilities are conditions like a broken arm or leg or limited mobility due to a sports injury or automobile accident. If you’ve recently had surgery, this can also classify as a temporary disability. These conditions usually only last for a few weeks or months, and you can apply for a parking permit that will allow for easier parking access while you’re recovering.

If you have a long-term or permanent disability, you can apply for permanent handicap parking permits. However, you must meet one or more of several qualifications established by the state of New Jersey.

If you no longer have use of one or more limbs or are missing one or more limbs, you likely qualify for a permit. If you are an amputee, are disabled due to paralysis or have a condition that restricts or limits the use of all your limbs, you can apply for a disability permit.

You are also eligible for a permanent disability permit if you’re unable to walk without assistance. Whether you need the help of another individual or have to use a crutch, cane, brace, walker or wheelchair, you can receive a permit for convenient parking.

The state of New Jersey also issues permanent disability parking permits for individuals with heart conditions. If your cardiac condition inhibits your ability to walk or function and is labeled as a Class 3 or Class 4 condition by the American Heart Association, you can receive a parking permit.

If you have severe nerve pain or damage, suffer from arthritis or have orthopedic issues that make it difficult to walk, you can submit a permit application for approval. This also applies to New Jersey residents who are unable to walk more than 200 feet without having to stop and/or take a break.

Permits and Plates for NJ Veterans

If you’re a disabled veteran or have received a Purple Heart while serving in the military, you can receive plates and placards free of charge. You’ll have to submit a letter from the Veterans Administration stating your disability and your Purple Heart status. When you have the plates on your vehicle or the placard is displayed on your car, you can park in metered parking spaces for no penalty for 24 hours. This rule also applies if you, the disabled veteran, are a passenger in a car that is parked at a metered location.

Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients must bring a DD-214 or DD-215 to the nearest New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in addition to the Veterans Administration letter. You should also submit a signed application, which is form SP-47 to the MVC or submit the form(s) by mail at:

NJMVC

Special Plates Unit

P. O. Box 015

Trenton, NJ 08666-015

Your Purple Heart and disabled veteran tags and placards must be renewed every three years. Your placards will show the expiration date for your items. The month and date to renew your placard will be punched out to help you plan ahead and schedule your renewal before your materials expire.

Reporting Parking Abuse

If you see anyone who is parking in a handicap space who doesn’t need to do so, the person is likely committing parking abuse. This is a misdemeanor in New Jersey and offenders have to pay a fine of up to $250. Those who are caught parking illegally a second time may have to pay the $250 fine again, along with 90 days of community service.

You can avoid parking abuse by making sure your permit is visible when the car is parked. Keep all your disability materials, including your ID card and placard, up to date in case you have to provide verification. Remember that your friends and family members can’t use your handicap placard unless you are a passenger in the car. If you see someone parking illegally, let local business owners know and notify nearby security or police officers. This ensures that you’ll have a place to safely park when you visit your favorite New Jersey locations.