Businesses and public buildings all across Oregon are outfitted with handicapped parking spaces to protect the well being of Oregon residents and visitors. We have all seen the blue and white sign indicating a parking space is reserved for disabled parking.
If you believe you would benefit from the use of the disabled parking spaces in your community, check and see if you qualify for a disabled parking permit. The process is quick and easy, and most importantly, filing is free. Check the article below for information regarding your eligibility.
Who Qualifies for Disabled Parking?
Disabled parking permits are provided to Oregon residents who have trouble walking more than 200 feet. Persons who are at risk for falling or experience pain when walking are eligible. Oregon medical providers look at many factors when determining if a person is eligible for disabled parking. Here are some of the conditions that make a person eligible under Oregon guidelines.
- A neurological condition causing seizures, shaking, sudden loss of muscle tone or dizziness.
- A physical deformity or condition affecting the feet or legs including pedal edema, gout, arthritis.
- A class III or IV cardiac condition such as a heart attack or stroke
- Use of a prosthesis or brace
- Full or partial amputation or paralysis
- Reliance on supplemental oxygen
- Use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a wheelchair, walker or cane
- Any other condition that poses a serious fall risk to an individual
This is not an exhaustive list but should give you an idea of the kinds of conditions that qualify for disabled parking.
If one or more of these conditions sound like something you experience, talk with your medical provider about your eligibility. In order to file for disabled parking, you will need a physician signed certificate stating the nature of your disability. Your primary care doctor or some members of their care team can sign that certificate for you.
If you receive care from a specialist regarding your disability, they can also sign your paperwork. Physical therapists, optometrists, podiatrists, chiropractors, any provider who works closely with you should be able to sign for you. These specialists are highly familiar with your specific condition and needs.
If you are not currently being seen by a primary care doctor or by a specialist, you can quickly and easily obtain your physician signed certificate through a virtual visit. Virtual visits are convenient and quick, taking place in the comfort of your home. Many qualified Oregon providers are available virtually for your convenience.
The state of Oregon also issues temporary placards to people who are injured or ill. These placards are issued to people who experience difficulty walking more than 200 feet for more than three weeks. These temporary placards are valid for up to six months.
Eligibility for temporary placards is similar to the permanent placards. Difficulty walking caused by a broken bone, recent surgery or other hardship may qualify for disabled parking permits. Talk with your medical provider to see if a temporary disabled parking permit is right for you.
How do I File for Disabled Parking?
The application for disabled parking permits is form 765-235, which can be filed with the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Service Division. This form can be filed in person at any local Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Service office, or by mail. There is no cost for filing.
According to your needs, as stated by your physician signed certificate, you will be issued either a temporary placard, good for six months or a permanent placard. If after six months you still require the use of your disabled parking permit, you will need to apply again with a new physician signed certificate.
Permanent placards expire along with your driver’s license. When renewing your driver’s license, make sure to renew your disabled parking permit. You will not need a new physician signed certificate in order to do so, and there is no extra charge.
What Should I be Aware of When Parking?
Once you have obtained your disabled parking permit placard, be sure to display it prominently in your windshield when you park in disabled parking spaces. Failure to do so could result in jail time, a fine, or revocation of your permit. Make sure that you do not hang your placard from your rearview mirror while you drive, however. This is an obstruction of view and could be dangerous.
If you see someone parking in a space reserved for disabled parking who fails to display their disabled parking permit placard, be sure and report it to local authorities as soon as possible. This person is committing a crime and taking away that spot from someone who truly needs it. Your community relies on you to report this kind of violation to keep your neighbors safe.
Disabled parking permits are issued to keep Oregon residents safe. When someone abuses those parking spaces for their convenience, a disabled person denied use of the space could become injured. That is why it is important to report the misuse and abuse of parking spaces in your community.
In addition to your Oregon community, your disabled parking permit placard is valid in all fifty states. Make sure to obey all traffic laws while you travel and check local signage carefully before parking in an unfamiliar place. If you are traveling in another state and see a handicapped parking space, you have permission to park there as a visitor to the state, so long as you display your Oregon disabled parking permit placard.
Disabled Parking in Oregon
Let’s review the application process. If you are seeking access to the disabled parking permit program in the state of Oregon, you have three steps to take.
- Determine your eligibility
- Obtain your physician signed certificate
- File with the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Service Division, in person or by mail
Three easy steps and you are ready to enjoy the shorter walks and increased loading space of the handicapped parking spaces around town.