For someone who suffers from a medical condition that makes life more difficult, having the ability to use a handicapped parking space would be convenient and remove some burden. With different states having different views and regulations on who can and who cannot use these spaces, understanding if you fit into one of the requirement categories will save you lots of time and money from having to go all the way to a Tennessee DMV to see if you qualify. By going over the several categories of qualifications, you will be able to understand if you can pursue a parking permit and be on your way to more convenient parking.

First steps

When you are considering applying for a parking permit, it is important to understand that there is some level of involvement that you must be prepared for when considering applying for a permit. Filling out the required paperwork, getting a doctors approval, registering your information, and other expenses that add up to a lot of effort, so it is important to make sure that you do your research before pursuing a parking permit.

Qualifying disabilities

With disability permits requiring an licensed physician’s approval, it is important to understand that in states like Tennessee it is required for you to have a doctor to certify any disability you may have to ensure that you do in fact need a disability parking permit. By understanding what Qualifies you for disability parking you can better understand if you should consider pursing a doctor’s certification to obtain your parking permit.

What disabilities qualify?

Living with a disability can often be a great inconvenience, but it is important to understand what the state of Tennessee recognizes as a disability that warrants a special permit. To help understand what it takes to qualify, the Tennessee department of revenue has made a comprehensive list of what they consider to be disabilities that will allow for the recipient to qualify for a special parking permit that will be discussed next.

Paraplegia or amputation of one or more limbs

Whether you have been born without one or more limbs or have had a limb removed due to a medical procedure or accident, you could qualify for a handicapped parking permit in Tennessee. If you have a prosthetic that hinders your ability to walk comfortably, you are still able to apply for a parking permit and would also apply to other qualifications making it extra certain that you could receive a permit.

Requiring a wheelchair

Whether it is from old age or a preexisting condition that requires the use of a wheelchair to get around, you may qualify for a parking permit. With the need of a wheelchair, you may be able to receive a permit that you can use for as long as you are required to use the wheelchair to get around. However, if you only need a wheelchair for a temporary period then you will have to give back your temporary permit after you no longer need the use of the wheelchair.

Inability to walk 200 feet without rest

For those who are unable to walk 200 feet without rest or stopping for a while, you may be entitles to a parking permit for handicapped spaces. If you need a brace or cane to assist you in walking, then depending on the severity of your condition you may have access to one of several categories of disability compensation. With a fairly unique criteria, the disability qualification serves to justify the need of a doctor to make sure your walking disability warrants the need of a special parking space.

Pulmonary or cardiac illness

As heart disease rates grow and respiratory issues are always present, more people than ever are applying for parking permits due to the strain that long bursts of walking can have on their body due to their hearts inability to efficiently pump blood and their lungs struggling to keep up. With chronic illnesses and various forms of heart disabilities and breathing issues, it is important to make sure you get the parking permit you need so you don’t have to put any additional strain on your body.

Religious seeking treatment

One of the more unique yet recognized forms of disability, certain disabilities that are being treated through prayer in the practice of religion are also considered as permit applicable disabilities by the state of Tennessee. Whether you are suffering from a terminal illness or are suffering from a disease, having a certified Christian Science Practitioner confirm that they are using prayer and other medical services compliant with their practice to ensure that you are able to receive a parking permit that they can justify that you need. With this being a unique circumstance, it is unlikely that you will be able to register this pass in other states, but you will be able to use a Tennessee parking pass in other states.

Vision of less than 20/200

Being difficult for a disability, a visual impairment causing vision less than 20/200 can make driving much more difficult or even impossible depending on the severity of your visual impairment. With vision impairments being able to get a pass that makes getting to a destination easier can take a large burden of the shoulders of those with partial or legal blindness. It is important to remember that if you have been deemed unfit to drive due to severe blindness you should not be driving even if you think you would qualify for a specialized parking pass.

Conclusion

Determining whether you or someone you know can obtain a parking permit it can be a confusing process determining what conditions Tennessee recognizes as warranting a parking pass. Hopefully after reading some of the conditions mentioned and consulting with a doctor for a recommendation to pursue a permit you are now able to understand where you fall on the qualification list you can decide to fill out the paperwork and find a way to make your life just a little bit easier.