For those who suffer from a disability or are unable to go about daily functions as easily as others, many everyday activities such as driving and getting to a store can be inconvenient and uncomfortable with the amount of difficulty involved in getting from a crowded parking lot to your desired destination. To help those with disabilities, states like Tennessee issues special handicapped parking permits to those in need. By understanding who is eligible for these services, how to obtain them, and how to renew them to ensure that you are able to get the most out of life and make sure your disabilities don’t limit you by getting the most out of your parking permit as possible.
Filling out the application
If you decide to consider applying for a parking permit, the first thing you must do is recognize if your disability is one that allows for you to register for a handicapped permit. Whether you are looking for a temporary or a permanent pass, you must look at the states’ requirements for what conditions must be present for the candidate and how long they expect to be living with the conditions. For example, if you now require a wheelchair or walking aid to help you move around, you can apply for a temporary pass that will allow you temporary access to handicapped spaces if the condition persist. If you suffer from chronic diseases or sensory issues, you may qualify for permanent parking privileges as you will be living with these conditions indefinitely and require the assistance of better parking. Understanding which category you fit into in the eyes of the Tennessee department of revenue will better allow you to understand what the application wants you to disclose about your status and driving needs.
Information to file
Similar to filing for tax benefits or other government issued forms, getting a specialized parking permit requires information and validation. You first must file a Application for Disabled Person License, or RV-F1310301, form.BY filling out this form, you are telling the state of Tennessee about your current driving status, your personal details, and information regarding the duration of your disability. Most of the information is fairly basic and can be filled out with ease, but there is a certain amount of information that needs to be verified by a letter of approval by an approved physician that ensures you have the disability that you are filing for. Thankfully due to modern innovations and technology you can consult with a doctor online if your disability prevents you from travelling to go see your doctor or if is simply an inconvenience. Once the paperwork is in order you may also have to pay a small fee depending on how you wish to display your status which can range from ten dollars to twenty-two dollars.
Where to get the permit
Once you have been cleared by a licensed physician or quickly consulted via the internet, you are now able to go to your local Tennessee vehicle registry to register and set up your permit information. One downside to going to the registry is that it may be inconvenient with your current condition or it may not be a good time to go on a long drive just to have to wait at a registry for a long time to file simple paperwork. If you would rather not make the drive to go to the registry or are unable to, you can always have online services take care of the information for you and help you get registered. After your doctor or consultant has deemed your application valid, they can send it to the registry for you and have them take care of your data for you so you don’t have to spend energy and time going out to the office just to hand in some paperwork. Many offices will be able to mail your new permit to you if that is within their protocol, but if they are unable to mail it to you then you can go to your local registry to pickup the permit and shouldn’t have to wait in any long lines.
Changing your permit status
With some temporary conditions getting much worse for an extended period of time, there are certain forms and permits you need to reregister to ensure the legality and convenience your vehicle is entitled to. BY going to a doctorand getting reevaluated and they feel as if you have a condition that has worsened then you may be entitled to a permanent plate or placard that will allow you to park in handicapped spots all over the country that you will be allowed to use until the expiration date of the new permit.
Different permit types
While you are filing out the permit information, they will give you various options on how you want to display your status based on your completed documentation. Your choice will primarily be based on the extent of your permit and condition or the method that you want to display your permit. There are four different methods to choose from all with various traits to give insight to the condition of the owner that are as follows:
- Permanent Handicap Placard: Disability placards issued in Tennessee are given to those who have been diagnosed with a medical disability that allows them to park in handicapped spaces for as long as they continue to renew their placard for and are valid for two years.
- Temporary Handicap placard: Like the permanent placard, this identification is displayed in your mirror when parking, but cannot be used after six months of registering and can only be renewed once.
- Handicap License Plate: Instead of having to put up the disability placard anytime you want to park in a designated handicap space, the users’ license plate would indicate the handicapped status and is available to those with long-term conditions valid for two years.
- License plate handicap decal: Instead of having a license plate registered for handicap parking, you can simply place a sticker on your current plates and renew the sticker validity the same as the past methods.
Conclusion
With an understanding of the process and types of parking permits available to Tennessee residents, you can be on your way to more convenient driving in no time!