Disabled parking permits in Ohio grant the holder the right to park in the blue and white disabled parking spaces around town. You may be eligible for the disabled parking permit program if you have a chronic or long term condition that limits your mobility or makes it unsafe for you to walk unassisted more than 200 feet.
In addition, persons who have experienced an accident or illness that affects their ability to walk and lasts more than three weeks may be eligible for a temporary placard.
Eligible persons must be examined by a licensed Ohio medical provider and obtain a physician signed certificate. This certificate must be filed with the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles. After filing, you will be issued either a permanent placard for disabled parking or a temporary placard lasting up to six months.
How do I Qualify for Disabled Parking in Ohio?
The Ohio state disabled parking permit program covers persons with a disability or condition affecting their ambulation (ability to walk). While there is no exhaustive list of conditions or disabilities to guarantee eligibility, here are some of the guidelines used by Ohio providers to determine eligibility for the disabled parking permit program.
- 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
The above are chronic or lifelong conditions. Some people may experience an injury or illness that is not permanent or chronic but will affect them for more than three weeks. Serious injuries or illness may qualify for the six-month disabled parking permit placard. Broken bones, surgery, and severe pneumonia are common conditions that lead otherwise healthy people to seek temporary access to disabled parking.
Ultimately, this decision is based on your needs and is made by your provider, not the Department of Motor Vehicles.
How Do I Obtain a Physician Signed Certificate?
In the state of Ohio, a signed certificate is required when applying for a disabled parking permit. This signed certificate can be signed by a doctor, physicians’ assistant or by an advanced practice nurse. If you have a primary care provider, their whole team will be familiar with you and your needs. During your next visit, ask them about your disabled parking permit program eligibility.
If you receive care from a specialist relating to your disability, they may also sign the certificate for you. Examples of qualified medical professionals include an optometrist, physical therapist, chiropractor or podiatrist. If your disability leads you to the care of a specialist, then they are highly familiar with your needs and able to fill out the certificate for you.
Many people seeking access to the disabled parking permit program choose to have their examination done through a virtual visit. If you do not have a primary care provider, or cannot make an appointment in a timely fashion, don’t worry. There are many qualified Ohio providers available for a virtual visit who can sign your certificate.
How Do I File for Disabled Parking in Ohio?
Once you have obtained your physician signed certificate, you must file it, along with form BMV 4834. These forms can be filed at any local Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles office. Both the permanent placards and the six-month placards cost $3.50. Permanent placard holders may opt to purchase a disabled parking permit license plate. This is considered a license plate renewal and comes with the same associated fees.
Permanent placards must be renewed every three years. Temporary placards cannot be renewed. If you still need access to disabled parking after six months, you will need to obtain another physician signed certificate verifying your disability.
What do I Need to Know About Ohio Disabled Parking?
Once you have obtained your disabled parking permit placard, make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and responsibilities of disabled parking in Ohio.
- 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.
Remember that the disabled parking permit program was designed with you in mind. Disabled parking permits are issued to maintain the safety and comfort of all Ohio residents. Even if you feel you do not need a disabled parking permit, if you qualify, you should have one. Icy, wet or poorly lit parking lots pose a hazard to even the most prepared person. You may not feel you need to use your disabled parking permit placard everywhere you go, but it is important that you have the option when conditions become hazardous.
You deserve to be safe and comfortable in your community. That is why everywhere you go in Ohio, you will find the familiar blue and white icon that means disabled parking is available. You owe it to yourself to take advantage of this program to protect your health and well being as you go about your day.
If you have a disability or condition that limits your ability to walk more than 200 feet, talk with your doctor about your eligibility for the disabled parking permit program.