Figuring out how to get your disabled parking permit can be a difficult task. You have to qualify, fill out the application, receive a medical certification, and more. Because each state has its set of rules and regulations about the disabled parking permit, it can be easy to get lost in all the information out there.

Here is a simple guide to show you how to quickly get your disabled parking permit in the state of Rhode Island. We’ll begin with the basics.

Who Can Qualify?

This is the first step in ensuring you obtain your disabled parking permit quickly. You must understand each criterion to know if you can or cannot get a permit. It’s imperative to correctly fill out your application, so it’s important.

The answer to the question is probably more complicated than you think. Of course, disabled parking permits are meant for those who have a disability. However, each state has its own set of standards that define what disabilities qualify. So, the qualifications may differ if you move into a new state. You must meet one or more of the criteria.

Here are the qualifications the state of Ohio has adopted for owning a disabled parking permit:

  • You must not be able to move without an assisting device such as a brace, crutch, cane, wheelchair, prosthetic device, or another person.
  • You must suffer from lung disease to such an extent that forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest.
  • You must need portable oxygen
  • You must be legally blind or have a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with corrective lenses.
  • You must have a cardiac condition to the extent that functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association.

Understandably, these qualifications may be difficult to understand. If you’re unsure if you qualify, talk to your doctor to fully understand why you’re eligible for disabled parking.

You have to visit a medical professional anyway to complete your application. This is a great time to talk to them about how you qualify.

How To Apply

The next step in quickly owning your disabled parking permit is to fill out the application entirely and appropriately.

Those who are interested must complete the New/Renewal Disability Parking Placard Application. This application will ask you to fill in personal information. Be prepared to give your name, date of birth, and driver’s license number.

You can pick up the form in-person from any DMV office in the state of Rhode Island. Or, the form is also available online.

After you’ve completed your section of the application, it’s time to visit a medical professional. You’ll need to give them the application and they’ll fill out a section about what qualification(s) you meet for the permit.

After you’ve fully completed your application, you’ll have to submit it via post. Rhode Island is a bit unusual in that you must submit all types of disabled parking permit applications via mail. You can mail it to the address listed below:

Division of Motor Vehicles
Disability Parking Placards Office
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920-3024

There are also services available to complete your disabled parking permit application online!

If you’ve followed all directions clearly and appropriately, you’re on your way to obtaining your disabled parking permit in Rhode Island as fast as possible.

Rules and Regulations

Now that you own a disabled parking permit, it’s extremely important to understand all of the laws about how to properly use it.

Here is a list of some of the most important rules and regulations you should follow:

  • Always keep your placard hung from your rearview mirror when using a designated space. It must be visible from the front and rear windshield of the vehicle.
  • Take your placard off your rearview mirror if the vehicle is in motion. Failing to take your placard off while the vehicle in motion could be seen as an obstruction to your vision.
  • It is illegal to use a disabled parking permit unless the owner is present. Even if you have a legally owned disabled parking permit in a vehicle, it is illegal to use unless the owner of the permit is present.
  • Never park in the loading/unloading zones next to disabled parking spaces. These may be marked by tilted blue horizontal lines. These zones are for those who need extra space to get in and out of their vehicle. Regardless if you own a disabled parking permit or not, it is always illegal to park in these areas.

Renewals and Replacements

To get the most out of your disabled parking permit, you’ll need to make sure you’re renewing them appropriately. You’ll also need to know how to replace your permit in case it is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Renewals

In the case of a temporary placard, they’re valid for between two and 12 months. Placards for long-term conditions are valid for one to three years. Finally, permanent placards are valid for more than three years.

 If you find that you need to renew your placard, the process is nothing new. You’ll simply fill out the same application you originally used and apply it again.

Lost/Stolen/Damaged Placards

You must fill out another form, available from any DMV office, to obtain a replacement. If the permit was stolen, you must report it to the police and bring a copy of the report to the DMV office or mail it to the address given above.

 

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’re now on your way to getting your disabled parking permit in Rhode Island as quickly as possible. Remember to always follow the laws about your area and keep your placards valid.