Traveling is one of the most popular vacation activities in the United States. Because the country is large and sprawling, people can literally go coast to coast. However, sometimes moving between the states is an ordeal. Although there are overarching federal laws in the country, there are also individual state laws that affect everything from minimum wage to recycling to parking. For someone who uses a disabled parking permit, wanting to go on vacation, especially to a rural area, can be challenging.
Although South Dakota is sparsely populated with less than 900,000 in the entire state, it is a popular tourist destination. It is covered in prairies and is home to the Black Hills National Forest, which features Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. If you rely on disabled parking to be able to perform daily activities, you might wonder whether or not you will be able to vacation in South Dakota.
This guide disguises whether or not it’s possible for you to travel with a disabled parking permit and use it in South Dakota. It also offers a brief overview of the rules and laws that determine where you can park, for how long, and who can be with you.
Where to Park
South Dakota follows universal federal laws when it comes to accommodating disabled and handicapped individuals. Specific spaces are marked with the blue and white handicapped symbol and are outlined with blue lines.
Individuals are not allowed to use their general placard to park in a space if it is accompanied by a license plate number. This means you cannot use a space, even if it has a handicapped symbol, when it has someone’s name or license plated number also painted or marked on the space. These are reserved for a specific person who uses it on a regular basis, most likely for work.
When traveling, avoid parking in the areas near handicapped spaces. Sometimes there are striped areas besides available spots. These are reserved for wheelchair users and individuals who need the extra room to get in and out of vehicles. It is considered common etiquette to not use a parking space near a striped area if you do not need it. The majority of lots will have other handicapped spaces.
How to Use Your Permit
Even if you have a parking placard from another state, you may use any handicapped spot in South Dakota. Individuals from South Dakota may also use their placards when traveling across the country, including in states like Alaska and Hawaii. Since you most likely won’t be bringing your car to any tropical islands, it is possible to just bring your paperwork and pass.
When utilizing rental cars, try to locate a service that already has handicapped license plates or permits with the vehicles. While you can bring your permit and paperwork with you when visiting other states, you might get pulled over and have to explain to the police why you have a placard in a strange car. Utilizing a rented handicapped vehicle can save you from headaches in the long run.
Finally, when parking in South Dakota, remember to once again keep the placard on display. It needs to be hanging from the rearview mirror and visible through both the front and rear windshields. If you lose it, you won’t be able to get a temporary one from the state government. You will need to wait until you are back in your home state to go through the recovery or reapplication process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I park for free in municipal lots, metered spaces, and pay parking lots when displaying a handicapped placard?
A: Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. The state of South Dakota does not have a clear policy for handicapped parking outside of the ability to use designated spaces. Instead, municipalities and cities create their own laws and regulations. It is recommended that you pay for your space unless you are told otherwise by a lot attendant or police officer.
Q: Where can I dispute a ticket I received while parking in a handicapped spaced in South Dakota?
A: If you receive a ticket while displaying your placard, you need to speak with the local municipality that issued you a ticket. It is recommend you bring your paperwork to show you had a valid permit from out of state at the time you were parked. You CANNOT park in a designated space if you do not have your permit and paperwork with you while visiting.
Q: Does Mount Rushmore have handicapped parking?
A: Mount Rushmore is one of the most handicapped accessible tourist destinations in the United States. There are spaces available, as well as elevators if you need to park in a regular space because of overflow. Finally, there are ramps to get to the viewing area.
Q: Do I need a doctor’s diagnosis to get a handicapped parking permit?
A: Yes. South Dakota requires an official diagnosis from a medical physician to qualify for a state permit. If you cannot visit a doctor in person without a placard, there are some websites and services that connect your with doctors in your area. You can speak over a video chat and have a signature and diagnosis emailed and sent to you.
Conclusion
Whether you receive your disabled parking permit in South Dakota or not, it is possible to use it when visiting the state. Just remember to keep it displayed on the rearview mirror and to have your paperwork with you while traveling. If you receive a ticket while traveling through the state, you will be required to pay. If you want to dispute it, remember to bring your paperwork proving you had a legitimate placard issued by another state in the country. You CANNOT use a permit from another country or an expired placard.
Now get out there and enjoy some of the fun destinations and attractions in South Dakota.