Every state in the U.S has its own set of laws about disabled parking and disabled parking permits. Because there is such a large discrepancy across the country, it can be confusing to understand all the regulations that apply to you. This guide will help you navigate through all the twists and turns of disabled parking in New Mexico.

Who Qualifies For Disabled Parking?

It’s a common question because the regulations can vary so much wherever you go. The state of New Mexico uses its predetermined qualifications for those who can obtain a disabled parking permit and use the designated areas. Here is the set of qualifications:

  • You must use portable oxygen.
  • You must have a severe cardiac condition.
  • You are so severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, orthopedic, or neurologic condition that you cannot ascend or descend more than 10 stair steps.
  • You cannot walk without the use of a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, prosthetic device, other people, or other assistive devices.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced respiratory volume when exhaling for 1 second when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 milliliters on room air at rest.

Understandably, some of these qualifications can be confusing. It’s always best to check with your doctor if you’re unsure if you meet one or more of them.

Those who qualify for a disabled parking permit must then go through the application process.

What Is The Application Process?

The application process for a disabled parking permit can be lengthy. To begin, you must complete and sign a Certificate of Eligibility. It’s also known as MVD-10383. These must be submitted to a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division office. They also won’t accept photocopies so the original is required.

While completing the form you’ll have to give your personal information such as driver’s license number and name. You’ll also select if you’re applying for a placard or license plate.

Those interested in license plates will have to complete a separate form. The form is called the Application for Mobility Limitation or License Plate.

Whichever option you choose, your next step is to visit with a medical professional. They’ll confirm that you qualify through one or more of the criterium listed above. This is a good time to talk about how exactly you qualify and which type of disabled parking permit is right for you.

After you’ve completed the entire application and received your certification from a medical professional, you’ll need to submit your documents. You can mail them to this address:

New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
1100 South St. Francis Drive
Sante Fe, NM 87505

Or, you can simply submit it in-person to any New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division field office.

Who Exactly Can Use Disabled Parking Spaces?

This question can be a little more complicated than you might think. Of course, those with a disabled parking permit can use the designated spaces. However, there are some exceptions. Here is a list of who can use a disabled parking space:

  • Those with a New Mexico disabled parking permit. This can be in the form of a license plate or a placard. They may be temporary or permanent.
  • If you’re out of state and have a disabled parking permit, you’re in luck! Fortunately, New Mexico recognizes out-of-state permits. Don’t sweat it if your permit is from another state. However, if you do move to New Mexico you will need to fill out a new application.
  • Your vehicle must visibly display your placard if you’re using a designated space. It should be in your rearview mirror. If you don’t have one, a good idea is to place it with its information visibly showing on your dashboard. This can be easy to forget because you must remove the placard while the vehicle is in motion. If you don’t, it could count as obstruction of your vision.

It’s also important to note that you cannot use disabled parking spaces unless the owner of the permit is present. If you’re using a vehicle and you use a designated space while the owner isn’t present, it is illegal. Even if the permit is legally obtained, the owner always must be present for it to be used.

You should also know that parking in an access aisle is never permitted. Those are the spaces with slanted stripes across a rectangular area. Whether you have a disabled parking permit or not, these areas are never legal to park in. They’re meant for individuals who need the extra space to in and out of their vehicle. They may be bound to a wheelchair.

Can I Renew My Permit Or Replace It?

Yes! However, the process may vary depending on the circumstances. Here are the regulations:

Lost Or Stolen Placards

Life happens, and sometimes you’ve lost or had your placard stolen. If you need a new placard you can call the Motor Vehicle Division at (888) 683-4683. You’ll need to provide a driver’s license or identification number.

If you simply wish to replace a damaged placard, you can bring it to any field office. They’ll reissue a new placard at no cost.

Renewals

You must submit an application for renewal before the expiration date. But, some differences are depending on what time of permit you own.

A permanent placard holder will need to submit another application but no medical certification is needed again. On the other hand, a temporary placard holder will need to re-apply entirely for a renewal. License plate holders will automatically renew when you register your vehicle annually.

Conclusion

You should now be an expert in the best information to know about disabled parking in New Mexico! This guide serves as a useful resource in learning about how disabled parking and permits work in the state of New Mexico.