It’s easy to get the wrong information or get confused by the maze of information that is the world of disabled parking and disabled parking permits. You may find different laws depending on which state you’re in; and, you may even find different rules from city to city.

This leads to many misguided thoughts on the issue. Here is a helpful guide to clarify some of the most confusing misconceptions and perceptions of disabled parking in Ohio.

Even If They Don’t Look Disabled, They Still Might Be

One of the most common misconceptions in the disabled world is that someone may not look like their disabled. Those in this category may face persecution or receive negativity from their peers. It’s important to know that not all disabilities present themselves in physical appearance.

Here are some things that you may overlook when thinking of someone who disabled.

  • They may have a brain injury or tumor.
  • They may have a severe lung condition.
  • They may have a severe brain condition.
  • Back injuries are common and aren’t always visible to the untrained eye.
  • They may have had recent surgery.
  • They may suffer from blackouts or a seizure disorder.
  • They may have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue.

All of these issues may allow someone to own a disabled parking permit. If you see someone using a designated disabled parking space that doesn’t seem disabled, stop and think if they may have a disability that you can’t physically see.

So, now that we’ve gone over some of the things we might not see, what are the actual legal qualifications?

Qualifications For A Disabled Parking Permit In Ohio

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding who can own a disabled parking permit. Ohio is no different. Those who own a permit must meet at least one or more of the criteria the state has provided.

Here are the standards that the state has adopted for who can apply for and own some types of disabled parking permit:

  • You are blind.
  • You are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • You cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • You cannot walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices.
  • You use portable oxygen.
  • You have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • You are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 millimeters of mercury on room air at rest.

The qualification in regards to the American Heart Association’s standards is regarding those who suffer from cardiac disease. The Association has classifications of functional capacity. That means, they classify people with cardiac disease in regards to how physically limited their disease makes them.

Someone who is Class III is someone with a cardiac disease resulting in a marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. And, less than ordinary activity causes fatigue palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal pain

Someone who is Class IV is someone with a cardiac disease that is resulting in the inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of heart failure or the anginal syndrome may be present even at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased.

Finally, the last qualification listed can be a doozy to make sense of as well. Spirometry is the most common of all the pulmonary function tests. It is used to help asses breathing patterns of several different conditions.

These conditions can include asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and COPD. These are also several good examples of a disability that may not present itself to the naked eye immediately.

There Are Many Types Of Permits And Applications

Depending on what type of permit you’re applying for, there are different ways to complete a disabled parking permit application. Because of this, you’ll see different kinds of permits and sometimes even ones that are differently colored. Here are the differences:

Disabled Parking Permit License Plates

  • A disabled parking permit license plate may be given to several different users
  • It may be given to a person with a disability.
  • It may be given to a vehicle that is altered to accommodate people with disabilities.
  • It may be given to a bus that transports those with a disability.
  • If you’re interested in a license plate permit, you’ll need to submit the Physician/Chiropractor’s Certification of Eligibility for License Plates for Persons with Disabilities. It’s also called Form BMV 4834.
  • There is no fee associated with his permit.

Disabled Parking Permit Placards

  • Placards given may be temporary or permanent.
  • Temporary placards are red.
  • Permanent placards are blue.
  • These may be given to an individual or to an organization that provides transportation for a single or multiple persons with a physically limiting disability.
  • Temporary placards cannot be renewed. Those wanting another must fill out a new application.
  • Permanent placards are given an expiration date by a medical professional. They can be renewed and no additional medical certification is necessary.

Disabled Military Placards

  • A placard issued to military personnel with a service-connected physically limiting disability.
  • Must complete a form called Application for Removable Windshield Placard for Active Duty Military / Veterans with Disabilities. It’s also called Form BMV 4531.
  • That applying must submit a current letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. The letter must state that the applicant’s disability is service-connected.

Conclusion

This guide is meant to help clear up some of the confusion and common misconceptions about disabled parking in Ohio. You now know all the ins and outs of some of the more complicated topics in the disabled parking world!