In the state of Oregon, disabled parking permits are offered to residents with a condition, injury or disability that limits their mobility. The disabled parking permit program is designed to keep those residents safe from falls and pain-free when they travel around the community.
In every Oregon community and across all fifty states you will find disabled parking spaces provided in the parking lots of businesses, banks, doctors’ offices, and public buildings. These spaces are closer to the door for your convenience, and also have an added loading zone next to them. This loading zone is to help you maneuver wheelchairs, walkers or other assistive devices you might need.
The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Service Division makes filing for your disabled parking permit fast and easy. You can have your disabled parking permit in three easy steps.
- Verify your eligibility, either permanent or temporary
- Obtain a physician signed certificate
- File form 765-235 with the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Service Division
See the below guide to help you with these steps.
Who Qualifies for Disabled Parking in Oregon?
The state of Oregon determines disabled parking permit program eligibility based on difficulty walking more than 200 feet. This could be based on a physical disability, neurological condition or cardiac condition. Here are some of the guidelines used by Oregon medical providers to determine eligibility.
- Sudden and uncontrolled loss of muscle tone
- Full or partial paralysis or amputation
- A class III or IV cardiac condition including heart attack or stroke
- Reliance on supplemental oxygen
- Reliance on an ambulatory assistive device including wheelchair, walker or cane
- Conditions causing seizures or dizziness
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis
- Legal blindness or severe vision impairment
- Use of a prosthetic or brace
This is not a complete list, but a few examples of chronic conditions that may result in eligibility. Talk with your medical provider to be certain of your eligibility.
Temporary placards may also be issued to persons who experience a severe but not permanent injury or illness which affects their ability to walk. This could be a broken bone, tendon damage, severe respiratory illness or the recovery time from surgery. Your urgent care or emergency room care team can answer any questions you might have relating to temporary permits. These permits last six months.
How do I Get a Physician Signed Certificate?
To file for a disabled parking permit in the state of Oregon you will need a signed certificate stating that you are disabled. This certificate can come from your primary care physician, or another member of their care team including a physicians’ assistant or advance practice nurse practitioner.
If your condition is treated by a specialist, that specialist may also sign for you. For example, if you are legally blind, your optometrist can verify that disability. If you have a severe back injury, you may ask your chiropractor. Physician signed certificates are intended to verify your disability, so if you feel that a member of your care team should be able to sign, be sure to ask them during your next visit.
If you do not have a primary care doctor at this time, you can also be seen by an Oregon provider through a virtual visit. Virtual visits allow you to skip the wait time for an office visit and can be scheduled at your convenience, from the comfort of your home.
Where Can I File for Oregon Disabled Parking?
Once you have established eligibility to the program and have obtained your physician signed certificate, all that remains is to file with the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Service Division. This can be done by mail or in-person at a local office. You must file form 765-235 along with your physician signed certificate.
Once filed, you will be given either a permanent permit or a temporary permit, according to your needs. Temporary permits last six months, after which you will need to obtain a new physician signed certificate if you still require the use of disabled parking.
Permanent permits expire along with your Oregon drivers license. When renewing your license you will need to renew your disabled parking permit as well, but you do not need a new physician signed certificate.
If you wish, you may purchase a disabled parking permit license plate. The cost of obtaining a disabled parking permit license plate is the same as the standard costs associated with renewal. Once you have obtained your disabled parking permit placard, ask about a set of disabled parking permit license plates the next time you renew your license plates.
Disabled Parking in Oregon: What I Need to Know
Once you have obtained your Oregon disabled parking permit placard, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and responsibilities.
- Always display your disabled parking permit placard when parked. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
- Do not place your disabled parking permit placard on your rearview mirror while driving. This is an obstruction of view.
- If you see someone parking in a disabled parking space without displaying a disabled parking permit placard, report it immediately to local authorities. Include in your report the time, location and license plate.
- You may use your disabled parking permit in any car you travel in, not just your own
- You may not under any circumstances lend, sell or give away your disabled parking permit placard. This is a crime and may be punishable by fines, jail time, and the revocation of your permit.
- Your disabled parking permit placard is valid in all 50 states.
If you feel you would benefit from the Oregon disabled parking permit program, talk with your medical provider about your eligibility.
The disabled parking permit program was designed to keep residents and visitors safe in Oregon communities. If you suffer from a condition that limits your ability to walk 200 feet without pain or risk of falling, be sure and apply for your disabled parking permit.