Pennsylvania has a large variety of types of disabled parking permits and ways you can get them. They also have one of the more complex sets of standards, rules, and regulations behind disabled parking.

Because of this, it can be tough to fully understand all of the information out that. And, on top of that, each state has its own set of laws. Even cities can have different rules for disabled parking!

This guide will serve as the expert on your shoulder as you dive into all of the different kinds of disabled parking permits, their differences, and their benefits.

The Different Types Of Disabled Parking Permits

Before we get to who and how to apply, it’s important to know the different types of disabled parking permits, their benefits, and who they’re for. Here’s a list explaining just that:

Persons With Disability Registration Plates

These registration plates are meant for a passenger car or truck. They’re typically used by those with a permanent disability. Here are the benefits associated with this type of permit:

  • You may request local authorities to place a sign, or multiple signs, on the highway as close as possible to your residence. This sign indicates that the place is reserved for you if you have a disability.
  • You may park in designated areas as long as the owner of the permit is present.
  • Your placard allows you to park the vehicle for an extra hour longer than the legal parking period permitted. The exception is where local ordinances and regulations provide more accommodation to traffic.

Persons With Disability Motorcycle Registration Plates

These plates are almost the same as the normal disability registration plates. They’re also typically used by those with a permanent disability. However, they’re made for motorcycles.

When using this type of permit, you’ll also be able to park an extra 60 minutes in parking spaces with a time limit, as well as being able to park in designated spaces and request a sign from the local authorities.

Disabled Veteran Registration Plates

These registration plates are for veterans who have incurred a service-connected disability that limits them enough to need a disabled parking permit.

Applicants for this plate will need to have a certification from the service unit of the armed forces or by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator. They’ll certify if the disability is service-connected and issue a special license plates

These plates also carry the same benefits as previously listed above.

Severely Disabled Veteran Plates

Severely disabled veteran plates are slightly different than a normal veteran’s plate for disabled parking.

If a veteran is interested in these plates, they must certify that their service-connected disability is at 100% by the service unit of the armed forces in which the veteran served or by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator.

You may also self-certify by providing a legible photocopy of your Letter of Promulgation, and Awards Letter, or a Single Notification Letter. The documents must indicate a 100 percent service-connected disability.

 This license plate is special only for those who are severely disabled veterans. They also include the same benefits as listed above.

Severely Disabled Veteran Motorcycle Decal

This motorcycle decal permit is much like the license plate for severely disabled veterans. Those wanting this decal must also verify that their service-connected disability is certified at 100% percent by the service unit of the armed forces in which the veteran served or by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator.

A veteran can also self-certify by providing a legible photocopy of their Letter of Promulgation, Awards Letter, or Single Notification letter.

They include the same benefits as the previously listed permits but are a special decal for motorcycles.

 

Permanent Persons With Disability Parking Placard

Permanent placards are meant for any vehicle that is operated solely by or for the benefit of a person with a disability.

The stipulation is that it may only be used when the person(s) with disability are being transported in the vehicle. You also must have the placard hung from the front windshield rearview mirror when using a designated space. Remember to remove it while the vehicle is in motion as it may be counted as an obstruction to your vision.

Here are the benefits:

  • You may park for an excess of 60 minutes in legal parking spaces that have a time period you’re allowed to park there. This may change depending on local ordinances and regulations about the flow of traffic.
  • You may request local authorities to place a sign(s) on the highway as close as possible to your residence. They serve to indicate that the place is reserved for someone with a disability.

Severely Disabled Veteran Placard

 These placards are almost the same as the license plates for severely disabled veterans. The disability must be service-connected and certified at 100% by the unit of the armed forces in which the veteran served in or by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office Administrator. They’ll issue one placard.

The benefits are the same normal disability parking placard.

Temporary Persons With Disability Parking Placard

Temporary placards are great for those with a short-term injury or reversible disability. They’re valid for up to six months and are issued in red color.

They carry all the same benefits as the permanent parking placards. However, you cannot renew them. You’ll need to fill out a new application to receive another permit.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania has one of the largest varieties of disabled parking permits you can apply for. Each has its benefit and is meant for different people.

It’s important to understand the differences and benefits associated with each one, especially if you or someone you love has a disability.

Hopefully, you’re now an expert in everything there is to know about the different disabled parking permits offered in Pennsylvania.