If you work outside of the home, attend school or attend special events with your family and friends often, you know how challenging it can be to find parking some days. Getting the right parking space can help you stick to your schedule and keep you from having to frantically rush into work or school. Now, think about how important it is to find an ideal parking space if you’re disabled. When you have limited mobility and aren’t able to walk long distances without pain and discomfort, it’s crucial that you have access to convenient parking.

If you live in the state of New Jersey, there are a few things you should know about obtaining a handicap parking permit. Keep this information in mind when you apply for your placard.

What Qualifies You For Handicap Parking In New Jersey?

You’ll have to meet one or more conditions outlined by the state of New Jersey to receive a disabled parking permit. For instance, if you:

  • Have lost one or more limbs or lost the use of one or more limbs because of amputation, paralysis or another permanent disability
  • Are severely disabled and can’t walk without holding onto someone or use a crutch, cane or brace
  • You wear a prosthetic device or have to use a wheelchair or walker for mobility
  • You have lung disease and your expiratory volume is less than one meter for one second when measured by spirometry
  • You have a heart-related condition that is considered Class 3 or Class 4 by the American Heart Association
  • You have arthritis that affects your mobility
  • You have nerve pain and damage that affects your mobility
  • You have orthopedic pain and damage that affects your mobility
  • You can’t walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest

You can also receive a placard if you have permanent sight impairment in both eyes. This information must be certified by the New Jersey Commission of the Blind.

Getting An Application

To apply for a handicap parking permit in New Jersey, you must complete the New Jersey Application for Disability Parking Identification. This application is for a placard or permanent handicapped license plate. You can visit the MVC facility closest to you, obtain the form online, or call 888-486-3339 for more information.

If you need a permit for a temporary medical condition, the placard is valid for up to six months. You can receive temporary disability placards from the nearest New Jersey municipal police department.

Medical Certification

As of August 2013, the state of New Jersey required disabled persons to receive certification of their disability from a medical practitioner. This certification is part of the handicap permit application and renewal process. If you live in New Jersey, your primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, chiropractor, podiatrist or physician assistant can certify that you do indeed have a disability. Any medical professional who signs your application must be licensed to practice medicine in New Jersey or a neighboring state. You can also receive certification from a doctor who is stationed at a naval or military base in New Jersey but is licensed to practice medicine in any state.

Once you fill out your half of the form, the second half of your application must be completed by your doctor.

Types of New Jersey Disability Plates and Placards

If you have a permanent disability, you can choose from one set of license plate with the wheelchair symbol, one disability placard or one set of license plates and one placard. If you have a temporary disability, you simply get your placard from the local police department. Make sure you bring documents that indicate that your doctor has deemed you temporarily disabled. The doctor may also state how long you’ll need the placard in your paperwork.

Permanent disability placards are blue and temporary placards are red. This clear distinction makes the permits easy to see and reminds you of the stipulations attached to each of them.

Renewals and Expiration

If you’re applying for a permanent disability placard, you’ll need to renew the placard every three years. When you’re nearing your renewal date, you can obtain an application from the MVC and ask your doctor or medical practitioner to sign and fill out your permit forms. You don’t have to pay a fee to renew your permanent disability placards.

For temporary placards, the cost is $4. The placard is valid for six months. If you think you still need the parking permit after the first six-month period, you can apply for a new placard. Your doctor will have to confirm that you need an additional parking permit, and you’ll pay an additional $4. If you need to replace your permit or lose it, you can contact your local police chief for a replacement.

Adhering to Parking Laws

In New Jersey, you are not allowed to park your vehicle in a handicap space if the vehicle is not properly identified. According to state law, you could face a fine of up to $250 and/or 90 days of community service.

If you’re traveling from another state and have handicap plates or placards, New Jersey will recognize these items as valid. Just make sure your plates and permits are up to date.

If you see someone parking in a disabled parking space who is not handicapped, you can report the incident to the local police or the security company responsible for the property. You can also share this information with the property owner to reduce the chances of further parking abuse.

Remember that your handicap placard should always be visible when your car is parked; you should remove it when the car is in motion. Your friends and family can’t use your handicap parking permit when you’re not in the car. Make sure your loved ones know this so they can avoid parking illegally and having to pay a fine.

These helpful suggestions will make applying for and renewing your New Jersey handicap parking permit easier.