Most people recognize the white wheelchair symbol on a blue background that means disabled parking, but what else is there to know about North Dakota disabled parking permits? These permits, issued to persons with a disability or injury that limits their ability to walk, are valid in all 50 states for your safety and comfort.
The disabled parking permit program is essential to persons in wheelchairs or at risk for falling. Particularly in inclement weather, when parking lots can be slippery, many disabled parking permit holders rely on the availability of disabled parking spaces for their safety. The extra room provided can help with the loading and unloading of walkers, wheelchairs or other assistive devices many people need to get around.
Even if you do not drive, qualified persons may use their disabled parking permit placards when traveling in another person’s vehicle. That way, when your friends or family take you out with them, you are kept safe. If you or a loved one suffers from a chronic or lifelong condition affecting ambulation, talk with a qualified medical professional about your eligibility for the program.
What are the Requirements for Disabled Parking in North Dakota?
Disabled parking in North Dakota is reserved for persons with difficulty ambulating more than 200 feet. This could be due to a neurological condition, or a physical disability. Here are some examples of chronic conditions recognized by the state of North Dakota as an ambulatory disability.
- Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality
- 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 or sudden loss of muscle tone
If you have experienced an illness or injury that affects you seriously for more than three weeks, you may qualify for a disabled parking permit issued on a temporary basis. These three-month placards are issued commonly to persons who have experienced a broken bone or are recovering from surgery.
Ultimately, this decision is based on the recommendation of a qualified North Dakota medical provider. Talk with your doctor about your needs and concerns to determine eligibility.
What are the Rules of Disabled Parking?
Disabled parking permit placards, the tags that hang from your rearview mirror, are considered an obstruction of view by the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Department. Make sure not to hang your placard until after you have parked, or you could receive a ticket for obstruction of view. Remember that this law is for your safety. Some drivers choose to leave their placard on their dashboard, where it is still visible to parking enforcement, but will not obstruct their view
You must have a placard visible any time you make use of a disabled parking space. Unless of course, you have a disabled parking permit license plate, in which case you are always covered. Even if you have a valid disabled parking permit issued to you, if it is not displayed when you park, you could be fined, or have your disabled parking permit revoked!
While the license plate is a great way to make sure you never forget to display your disabled parking permit placard, remember that when you travel in someone else’s car, you will need your placard to make use of those blue and white spaces. Remember to keep the placard with you in your purse or coat pocket.
If you witness a violation of these rules, you should report it immediately to your local law enforcement. Misuse of the disabled parking program is not just rude, it is dangerous to those who need those spots for their safety and comfort. If someone parks in a disabled parking space without displaying their disabled parking permit placard or license plate, call your local authorities with the time, location, and license plate number as soon as possible.
While you should never tolerate misuse or abuse of the disabled parking program, make sure you are not falsely accusing someone. If they are displaying a disabled parking placard, chances are, they are legitimately in need of it. Many people who make use of disabled parking permits do not look disabled, but may still need it for a condition or injury that you cannot see.
They could also be picking up a loved one or friend who is inside the building and needs access to the disabled parking space. For the most part, if you see a placard, do not accuse and do not assume. But if you do not see a placard, report it right away, because it is likely a violation. Violations cause harm to disabled persons when they take up the spots needed by those with disabilities.
North Dakota Disabled Parking: Five Facts
- Disabled Parking placards are for drivers or passengers
- Temporary three-month placards are red and permanent placards are blue
- ND parking placards are valid in all 50 states
- Placards should not be hung while driving and must be displayed while parked
- Failure to display a placard or misuse of a disabled parking space should be reported immediately to law enforcement
Make sure you are adhering to these rules when using your disabled parking permit placard. If you or a loved one suffers from a condition affecting their ability to walk more than 200 feet in safety and comfort, they may be eligible for the program. Talk to your provider about obtaining a disabled parking permit to keep yourself safe and comfortable. Remember that the program was designed for you, and even if you don’t feel that you need “special treatment”, you owe it to yourself to be safe and cared for in your community.