The state of North Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles issues disabled parking permits to persons with difficulty walking more than 200 feet. If you qualify for a disabled parking permit, you must verify your eligibility with a physician signed certificate. Once you have obtained your certificate, you may file it in person at a local North Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles office.
North Dakota disabled parking permits grant the holder the right to park in designated handicapped parking spaces in their community, as well as in any state they may travel to. Disabled parking spaces are marked with a white wheelchair icon on a blue background.
These spaces are provided beside businesses and public buildings to protect the safety of North Dakota residents and visitors. If you feel you would benefit from the disabled parking permit program, talk to your medical provider about your eligibility.
Who is Qualified for a Permanent Placard?
North Dakota disabled permit parking placards are granted based on a person’s difficulty ambulating more than 200 feet. This could be due to a neurological condition, a vision hindrance or a physical disability. While there is no comprehensive list of conditions that grant eligibility to the disabled parking permit program, here are some of the guidelines used by North Dakota providers to determine eligibility.
- Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality including amputation or paralysis
- A serious cardiac condition (class III or IV) including heart attack or stroke
- Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or the risk of falling
- Reliance on supplemental oxygen, or a severe breathing difficulty in motion or at rest
- Reliance on or use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace or wheelchair
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis
- Legal blindness or severe vision impairment
- Conditions causing seizures, dizziness, loss of balance or sudden loss of muscle tone
While this is not a complete list, these are the most common conditions that result in disabled parking permit program eligibility. Talk with your doctor about your chronic or lifelong condition and how it relates to your ability to ambulate.
Who is Qualified for a Temporary Placard?
North Dakota issues disabled parking permits on a temporary basis for those who have experienced an illness or injury affecting their ability to walk more than 200 feet. If your injury or illness severely limits your mobility for more than three weeks, you may be eligible for a three-month disabled parking permit placard. Every person is different, and injuries affect us all differently as we age. There is no definitive list of injuries that qualifies you for a disabled parking permit. Some of the common kinds of injuries are as follows.
- A broken or sprained leg, ankle or foot
- An injury affecting the tendons or muscles of your legs, feet or ankles
- A pregnancy that has been identified by an OBGYN as needing bed rest or limited activity
- Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other severe but temporary respiratory illness
- A recent surgery
- A serious back injury
Ultimately, this decision is made by your medical provider, not the North Dakota Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles. If you feel that you need access to the disabled parking permit system, talk with your provider about what you are feeling and experiencing.
The goal of the North Dakota disabled parking permit program is the safety and comfort of all North Dakota residents.
How Do I File my Paperwork in North Dakota?
Once you have obtained your physician signed certificate from a licensed North Dakota provider, you must file it with the North Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles. Form SNF 02886, along with your physician signed certificate, must be filed in person.
Disabled parking permit placards issued on a permanent basis are free of charge and must be renewed by mail every three years. Instructions for renewal will be sent by mail. Once you have obtained your disabled parking permit placard, you may purchase a disabled parking permit license plate for $5.
Disabled parking permits issued on a temporary basis cost $2 and are valid for three months. After that time, if you still require a disabled parking permit, you must obtain a new physician signed certificate and apply again.
North Dakota Disabled Parking Permits
North Dakota disabled parking permits are issued to persons with difficulty walking more than 200 feet. These permits are designed for your comfort and safety in your North Dakota community as well as on the road to the other 50 states.
When using your disabled parking permit placard, here are some rules to remember.
- Placards must always be displayed when parking. Failure to do so may result in a fine or revocation of your placard.
- Placards may not be hung from the rearview mirror while driving, as it is an obstruction of view.
- All other parking and driving regulations must be obeyed.
- Placards must be renewed every four years.
- Placards can be used in any car you travel in, even if you are not driving.
- Placards are valid in all 50 states
- Placards may not be lent to another person at any time for any reason. This is a crime.
If you witness misuse or abuse of a disabled parking space, report it to your local police force immediately. Not only is it illegal to park in a disabled parking space without a disabled parking permit, but it poses a real danger to those who genuinely need access to those spaces.
If you encounter a vehicle parked in a disabled space, be sure to note the time, location and license plate number of the offense. Then contact the local parking authority to report the crime.
Remember, reports are not just intended to punish the driver, but to maintain the safety of the community. Disabled persons in need of these spaces are at risk of falling when they are denied the use of the space by inconsiderate drivers.
Remember, not all disabled persons look disabled. Also, placards may be used when picking up a disabled person who is not yet in the car but will be entering the car. Do not ever accuse someone of falsely using a disabled parking permit placard. If you see a placard displayed, it is most likely being used correctly. If you do not see a placard displayed, report it immediately, because it is a violation.