When you have a disability, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings so you’ll know which amenities are available to you. If you travel around the city often or have to visit several locations for work or school, taking advantage of close parking spaces can save you time and energy.
If you’re a North Dakota native, you may be eligible for a disability parking permit. Here are some essential details you should know about the application process.
How to Know If You Qualify
If you live in North Dakota, you can get a handicap parking permit if you use a portable oxygen tank. The state will also give you a permit if you have severe lung disease or suffer from orthopedic and neurological conditions that inhibit your mobility. You can also receive a permit if you have to stop and rest or need assistance from someone to walk 200 feet or more. If you have a cardiac condition that is deemed Class 3 or Class 4 by the American Heart Association, you can request a parking permit. Individuals with severe lung disease are also eligible for a permit.
Filling Out Your Application
Your application should be filled out completely and signed before you turn it in. Your doctor also has to sign and fill out part of the application. You can also ask your nurse practitioner or chiropractor to sign the form for you.
If you’re an individual applying for a parking permit, you’ll need to fill out Form SFN 2886, which is the Application for Mobility Impaired Permit. You can also apply for handicap parking permits if you run an organization that provides transportation to handicapped individuals. If you need permits for business purposes, you should fill out form SFN 54306, the Application for Care Providers Mobility Impaired Parking Permits.
Permanent and Temporary Disability Placards
If your condition is long-term and can’t be reversed, it is considered permanent. When you turn in your form, you’ll receive a blue placard. You’ll only need doctor certification once; when you renew your placard, your physician doesn’t have to sign your form. Your placards must be renewed every three years. Before your permit expires, you’ll receive a notice by mail. The placard will no longer be valid on December 31st of the expiration year.
If your disability is temporary, you’ll get a red placard. The placard is valid for three months. You’ll need doctor certification if you have to renew your form. There is a small $3 for temporary placards. You’ll have to pay the fee again if you need an additional placard. Your doctor will also have to verify that you need an additional parking permit.
Permanent disabilities are described above. However, there are other specialized health conditions that require you to have a permanent parking permit. These conditions must be detailed and verified by your doctor. Temporary disabilities include conditions like postpartum recovery or a broken leg or arm. If you’ve had surgery recently or you’re recovering from a sports injury or automobile accident you may be eligible to receive a disability parking permit.
Where to Pick Up Your Placard and License Plates
Once you turn in your application, you can visit the motor vehicle licensing division near you to receive your placard.
Every individual who qualifies for a placard will receive two. However, if you have a permanent disability and want to get a license plate for your car, you’ll have to surrender one of your placards. A disability license plate costs $5 in North Dakota.
Keep in mind that handicap parking permits are not available at drivers license locations in North Dakota.
How to Use Your Placard
You can use your handicap parking permit for any of the vehicles that you drive or are a passenger in. Even if you have a disability license plate, you should have at least one permit in your name in case you need it when you’re riding in a vehicle that doesn’t have handicap plates. If you’re using a vehicle that displays your disability license plates, you don’t have to display your placard when you park.
Your parking permit has to be on the rearview mirror of your vehicle when the automobile is parked in a handicap space. Remember to remove the placard when you’re driving so it won’t interfere with your vision.
Disabled Veteran Plates
In North Dakota, you can park in handicap spaces if you have a Disabled Veteran license plate. To receive this license plate, you must qualify according to the state’s mobility impaired requirements and the guidelines of the Veterans Administration. Your disability must be connected to your time in the military to receive a Disabled Veteran license plate.
Lost or Stolen Permits
If you lose your placard or it is stolen, you’ll have to send a letter to the motor vehicle registration office requesting a new permit. Include the placard number and a replacement fee of $3. You can also receive replacement permits in person at your nearest motor vehicle location.
Remember that all the information on your permit application must be true and accurate. Providing false information on your forms for the purpose of getting a disability permit will result in a fine of at least $100.
You should also report handicap parking abuse when you see it. If someone who is able-bodied parks in a handicap space and isn’t transporting a disabled individual, you can report the incident to the closest business owner or security guard. If there are law enforcement officials on hand, you can tell them about the incident as well, particularly if the unavailable parking space has caused you to park further away from the building. In most instance, people who park illegally in handicap spaces will have to pay a $100 fine.
Remember that you can use your North Dakota parking permit in another state. Make sure you have your application approval and ID card on hand in case you are asked to verify that you are the owner of the permit.
Keep these tips in mind when applying for and using your North Dakota parking permit so you can continue to take advantage of your benefits.