The United States implemented specifications for laws of disabled or handicapped persons. The laws have been amended at the state and local level, of each state in the nation. If you find yourself in desperate need of assistance to apply for your disabled parking permit in North Carolina, continue reading this guide.

For further information and guidance not found in this manual, please visit the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles department in your city.

How to Qualify for North Carolina Parking Permits

North Carolina proves like-minded with its laws as in other many other states. You must gather all of your identification and required documents to complete the Application for Disability Parking Placard. Your physician is required to fill and sign a portion of your application to successfully provide your medical certification. You are eligible for a disability parking placard if:

  • You cannot walk without help from another person, brace, crutch, wheelchair or other assisting device
  • You have a severe lung disease that affects your mobility
  • You have vision loss, or completely blind (certified by authoritarian of Division Services of the Blind)
  • You have a cardiac disease as a Class III or Class IV as described by the American Heart Association
  • You have other arthritic, neurological or orthopedic issues that reduce your mobility
  • You cannot breathe without oxygen, or are a portable oxygen tank user
  • You cannot walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest

In North Carolina, you are required to have your physician re-certify your medical conditions every five years if you are a permanent disability placard holder. Keep up with all of your certification histories and renewals, you will be required to provide this information upon any investigation by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

What Your Disabled Parking Placards Do for You

You must resolve what type of disability parking placard you will need; is it temporary or permanent? If you have a temporary ailment, your parking permit will only be valid for up to six months, as determined by your physician. Temporary parking placard holders are not eligible to renew; if your disability is permanent you will renew your parking placard every five years. Placards, whether temporary or permanent will cost you five dollars each and you will be issued two parking placards.

If you choose to apply for a disabled license plate, your vehicle must have a valid registration and you carry a current insurance policy. Your disabled license plates will be eligible to renew every 12 months, along with your registration. You will also be obligated to have your physician certify your medical condition every five years. The fee to register your vehicle and receive a disabled license plate is $36.

If you are a Disabled Veteran as described by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, you are eligible for disabled veterans license plates. You must have a verification letter from the Department of Veteran’s Administration, in order to qualify. You are subject to the same policies and procedures that other disability parking placard holders are ordered to follow.

What are the Other Rules Associated with Disability Parking Placards?

As a North Carolina handicap parking placard holder, you will not be subject to parking fees if you park in town owned parking lots and spaces. If you park in any other undesignated spot you are not exempt from metered fees or privately-owned businesses and lots.

Do not allow any other person than yourself to use your disabled parking placard, those of you who abuse your privileges, will result in fines up to $250 and criminal punishment with possible jail time. Additionally, do not lie to obtain a parking placard or disability plate. If you are caught parking illegally, your vehicle will be towed and stored by the determination of your local law enforcement agency.

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Plates and Stickers

Keep in mind that as a disabled plate holder, you are obligated to carry insurance on your vehicle in order to ensure your eligibility for replacement plates. Each replacement disabled parking plate will cost you an additional charge of $20. You will be asked to provide proof of liability insurance upon any of the following conditions.

If your disabled license sticker has faded, rusted, or mutilated before it is time to renew, you must return your license plates and submit an application for replacement plate or sticker through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. The same rule applies to you if your plate was lost.

If your disabled license plates have been stolen, you are required to submit a statement verifying you are entitled to a replacement. (Your insurance proof)

How Do You Use Your Disability Parking Placards or Plates?

After you receive your disability parking placard, you will need to hang your placard in the rearview mirror of your vehicle. Positively, ensure that the expiration date shows through your windshield, to avoid unnecessary fines and fees.

Your disability parking placard is available to use in ride-sharing vehicles and other vehicles as long as the placard holder is the utilizer of the transportation method.

Fortunately, in most states, including North Carolina, you are permitted to use your parking placards out of state and throughout the state, just be sure you check each local rule for accessible parking use.

Where are Your North Carolina DMV Locations?

North Carolina is a smaller state, so there are various locations that you can visit. Your North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles insists that you print your applications and/or forms and bring them in person to the location that is closest to your home or town.

This manual will allow you to grasp your state of North Carolina laws and regulations. Remember to completely fill out all of your required information and submit with your medical certification. Maintain your eligibility at renewal and follow all local and state laws to guarantee your future as a North Carolina Disability Parking Placard holder.