The state of Oklahoma values each of its citizens and seeks to make sure that everyone enjoys the accommodations which make their lives possible. This includes designating specific accommodations for those who are suffering disabilities which impact their mobility in such a way that they cannot walk far without assistance.
One of the most impactful accommodations which has been made is the reservation of specific disabled parking spaces which only those who have qualifying conditions can use. If you have a disabled parking permit, then you are entitled to those rights as well as a few others!
However, all rights come alongside responsibilities. If you are found not to be exercising the responsibilities associated with your permit, your right to enjoy the privileges may be taken away. Read on for a detailed guide to the rights and responsibilities that come with your Oklahoma disabled parking permit.
When to Use Your Oklahoma Disabled Parking Permit
If you’re looking for the single most important tip for successful usage of your parking permit, and the single easiest way to make sure that your rights are not taken away, read no further. The most important thing you can do to make sure that you are safely utilizing your permit in the correct way is simply in proper and timely placement.
The placard which came with your disabled parking permit is made to be hung on the rear-view mirror in the front of your vehicle. Please place the placard on the rear-view window when you have already parked in a disabled parking space.
When you are back in your car and preparing to leave your parking space, make sure that you take down the placard before you drive away. Potentially having a large dangling object swinging directly into your field of vision while your vehicle is in motion is not only extremely dangerous, it is highly illegal.
Please make a habit of putting your placard up only after the car has been completely parked, and taking your placard down before you start up your engine.
Who Can Use Your Oklahoma Disabled Parking Permit
It is important to note that in the state of Oklahoma, the disabled parking permit is issued to the person — i.e., you — and not to a specific car, as is the case with license plates. This means that you can take your parking placards with you from car to car to use as most benefits your specific situation.
There is one important caveat to this rule, however. If you are not the one driving the car in which you are riding, your vehicle can still utilize your Oklahoma disabled parking permit. This is only possible if you are in the car. If you are not using your car, and your permit is used, you may be liable for disciplinary action up to and including revocation of your disabled parking permit.
Your Parking Permit and Associated Access Aisles
If there is more than one disabled parking space in a specific location, then the spaces will be divided by and surrounded with a striped area. This striped area is referred to as an access aisle.
An access aisle is a strip of ground laid aside for the sole purpose of helping disabled persons enter and exit their cars. As many disabling conditions require the use of bulky equipment such as wheelchairs, motorized wheelchair ramps, canes, braces, walkers, or even just the assistance of multiple people, it is essential that there is room just outside the vehicle for this equipment to be deployed.
Whether you have a disabled parking permit or not, please do not park in a way that might obstruct this access aisle in any way. If you do, you may be subject to disciplinary action.
How to Renew Your Disabled Parking Permit
There are two types of disabled parking permits in the state of Oklahoma. Temporary permits are usable for up to six months, and permanent permits are usable for five years before they must be renewed.
When it comes time to renew your disabled parking permit, please use the same form that you used to apply for a permit in the first place. This form is available on the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety website, and it is called the Physical Disability Parking Placard application.
Download this form, and when you are completing the first section of it, you will be able to indicate whether you are requesting a permit for the first time, or if you are requesting a renewal or replacement. You can also request multiple placards (up to two).
It is recommended that you begin the steps for renewal one month prior to the expected expiration date for your parking permits.
What to Do if your Permit is Lost or Stolen
If you have mislaid your permit or disabled parking placards, please use the same form you used to apply for your permit in the first place to request a replacement.
If, however, you believe that your permit or parking placards were stolen, please call the police and file a report. Please include a copy of the police report with your application for a replacement parking placard. The Department of Public Safety requests that you remember that they expect all applications to take about twenty business days for them to process.
Please remember that you must wait to receive all of your materials (your permit and your placards) in the mail before you begin to enjoy the amenities associated with your Oklahoma disabled parking permit. You cannot park in a disabled parking space without a placard giving you the right to do so.
An Oklahoma disabled parking permit is a fantastic tool you can use to make your day to day life that much easier! However, you can only expect to keep it if you exercise all of the responsibilities that are associated with your rights. Refer to this guide whenever you need a refresher on the rights and responsibilities that come with your Oklahoma disabled parking permit.