Whether you just started looking or have been on your elongated journey to find the laws of a New York disabled parking permit, you need to pay attention. Over the years, the ways and rules of the land have changed when receiving a disability parking placard. Interstate laws vary and the changes can cause you to become overwhelmed but follow these steps to assist you.

New York has become one of the largest cities, with an excessive growth rate of people per capita, in the United States. If you don’t receive help with the application process of your handicap parking placard, you will find yourself dazed and confused.

How You Receive Admissibility

The first step on the way through the development of your application, is to collect all of your identifying information; your driver’s license, state ID card, your car registration, current emission inspection, and medical certification. You must receive your medical classification through your health care provider to verify your disabilities. You will need to download and print an application from the New York Department of Transportation or visit a local branch of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.

In order to qualify one of the ailments listed needs to affect you:

  1. You are legitimately blind
  2. You have lost all use, or fractional use of your legs
  3. You have a neuro-muscular condition that severely affects your walking abilities
  4. You have any other mental or physical health disability that interferes with your public transportation ability

Only a New York licensed physician is allowed to apply for your condition classified as temporary or permanent disability.

You and your medical provider must completely fill and sign your application. You are urged to submit your application in person at the New York Department of Motor Vehicles with the appropriate fees if you are submitting for a disabled persons license plate of $28.

Your Intrastate Parking Permits

Next, you need to decide if you are applying for a New York State disabled parking permit or a New York City disabled parking permit. Each parking placard is different, so do some research to determine which parking permit fits your conditional needs. If you are a New York City resident, brush up on your local policies before you select this parking permit.

If you are a resident of New York State, you will be permitted to utilize your parking benefits in other states and in Canadian provinces, but it’s always best to check with national and international laws. As a state disability parking placard holder, you are able to park anywhere in the state of New York in a handicap accessible space.

As for New York City disability parking permit holders, you are allowed to park in any handicap accessible space that is not on city streets (unless you are eligible according to your severity in condition) in shopping malls, apartment buildings, and office spaces. Additionally, you do not have to pay for metered parking as other city citizens are obligated to do so. Certain restrictions will apply, however, like:

  • No parking on sidewalks, driveways, or crosswalks within city limits
  • No parking in a No Stopping Zone
  • Do not park in a Hotel Loading Zone
  • Do not park in bus stops
  • Do not park in No Standing Zones between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., daily

Your Renewal and Replacement Outline

Each of your state and city parking permits do have expiration dates. Keep up with your renewability timeframes by following the laws from the New York Department of Transportation. If you have a permanent state parking permit, you do not have to renew for five years. If you have a temporary city parking permit, you will be sent a renewal in your mail six weeks before your permit expires. Remember to fill out each renewal and have your medical provider renew your medical certification, as needed.

Now, if you need to replace your disability parking permits or placards due to loss or theft, you must file a statement with the nearest police department. You will need to provide the location of where the loss or theft occurred and your valid driver’s license or state ID card. After the complaint is filed with law enforcement, retrieve a copy of your statement and get a case number. You must fill out a form for stolen and lost parking permits with the New York Department of Transportation and include all of your information.

Do not ask for replacement of your parking permits more than twice, otherwise the New York DOT can decide if you are eligible to receive any further permits. Allow a portion of time to pass if you have not received your parking permit. Submit the form by mail for your non-received disability parking placard with all of your proper documentation.

Where are the New York DMV Locations?

You are encouraged to submit all forms and applications through the mail, to the correct offices of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles. If you must, apply at your neighboring DMV branch and be sure your selected office offers the service necessary. There are multiple locations of the New York Department of Motor Vehicles across the state.

What You Need After You Have Your Placards

Always be sure your vehicle is not in use when your disability parking permits, or placards are visible. You must place your rectangular New York City permit on your dashboard and hang your New York State placard in your rearview mirror. Remember that your expiration date must be visible through the windshield of your vehicle and red placards equals temporary permits; blue placards equal permanent permits.

Your Take-Away Knowledge

Now that you have finished this guide, complete your due diligence to apply for your New York Disability Parking Permit. You are not alone in this process, although time consuming, you comprehend your state and local laws and procedures for the New York Department of Transportation. Stay updated on your medical condition and use for guidance.