When considering applying for a handicap parking permit, there are many factors that go into deciding which pass to get and how you will get value out of it. One question that is most often overlooked when getting a new permit is how can I use my new handicap permit? With so many laws and restrictions with who can use the permit, where it can be used, and many other factors, understanding how to legally get the most out of your parking pass will provide you peace of mind for years to come.

Registering for a parking permit

Similar to other government sanctioned registrations, getting registered for a disability parking permit requires some information before moving on to other steps. To start the registration process, you must fill out a RV-F1310301 form. This form is a way for the state of Tennessee to understand who is applying for the permit, what their current medical conditions are, how long they need the permit, and a few other pieces of information regarding the duration of the permits use. Most of the information is basic and can be filled out with ease, but there is a certain amount of information that needs to be filled out by your doctor to validate the legitimacy of your case 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. After filing the paperwork all you must do is pay a small fee and decide which style of pass is most relevant to you condition and its duration.

Displaying the id

Although the registration is complete and you have your ID, making sure to remember when you need to use it is just as important. When you are planning to park in a designated handicapped sport, you must display the placard from the windshield in order to make sure the law enforcement and parking area is aware that you are entitled to use the space. Failure to remember to put up the placard when parking could result in a fine or the eventual removal of your placard privileges. When your vehicle is in motion, you must remove the placard from the windshield as it is illegal to drive with any placard hanging from your rear-view mirror. However, if you have a Tennessee license plate or sticker displaying the status of your permit then you do not need to worry about the placard rules.

Out of state parking

After registering and receiving a parking plate or placard on your vehicle, you are now free to park in any handicap space that is open. One benefit to an officially licensed parking permit is that not only does it allow you to occupy handicap parking spaces in the state of Tennessee, but it also allows you to park in handicap spaces anywhere else in the United States of America. Being able to travel from state to state knowing that you will be accommodated no matter where you go is not only a convenience, but it can also be the difference between travelling and not for many people who suffer from disabilities.

Reporting illegal parking

When using a handicap permit and seeing no available spots left, you may unfortunately have to park somewhere else. If there is someone parked in a handicapped sport without the correct license plate or windshield badge, then every state encourages you to contact the owner of the store the violation is occurring at and even the police. While many are ignorant to the usage of these limited spaces for others, it is not only rude, but it is also illegal and should be dealt with. If an establishment also decides to restrict the time usage or days of the handicapped space that Is also illegal as handicapped spot must always remain open and are not allowed to be shut down for certain times or events as according to the law.

Restrictions

Making the most accommodations possible for those with disabilities is a goal for most states, but there are still some restrictions that apply to those with specialty parking permits. For example, even if you have the plates or placard, you are still required to pay for certain parking features such as event parking and street side parking meters that are not dedicated for handicapped use. Another issue many people forget to remember is the duration of their permit or license plate. Even if you have a registered license plate or placard for a permanent disability, the state of Tennessee requires you to renew your temporary placard or get your plates renewed every two years for permeant plates or every six months for a temporary permit. If you decide to park in a handicap space with an expired remit or license plate, it is essentially the same as just parking there with no permit at all in the eyes of the law.

Other driver permit use

One of the harder rules to determine, determining when it is allowed and when it presents a violation for someone else to use the placard differs. If the person who the placard was issued to is in the vehicle, then it may park in the Handicapped space. If the disabled person is not in the car and the placard is used however than it is a violation of the parking code and results in the removal and need for reapplication of the originally issued placard or plate due to the misdemeanor of allowing someone other than the person it was given to illegally park without a disability.

Conclusion

Trying to remember all of the rules and restrictions that are in place when you pick up a parking permit in Tennessee can seem daunting, but checking in with the rules every now and then to refresh your memory and remembering to get you permit renewed will save you time and frustrations in the future.