Many of the intricate details of the law are often lost, especially in the world of disabled parking. Each state has its laws, and even some cities do too.
Between all of this swirling information, a lot of the small and extremely useful bits get lose to the common person. It’s important to know these things to fully understand all the benefits and resources surrounding disabled parking.
Here is a helpful guide that dives into the details of Utah’s disabled parking rules and regulations. We’ll start with one of the most complex topics where the details may have been lost to you.
Understanding Who Qualifies
This is trickier than it sounds. Every state has its qualifications and thus so does Utah. Some qualifications are rather simple to understand and some are a little bit more complex. Let’s start with Utah’s definitions.
- You must not be able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
- You must not be able to walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive devices
- You must use portable oxygen
- You must be severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
- You must be restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one second, or arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
- You must have a cardiac condition to the extent that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association
These qualifications contain some simple criteria and some potentially confusing ones as well. Here is the breakdown of a couple of the most complicated:
What Is Spirometry and Arterial Oxygen Tension?
Spirometry is the most common of the pulmonary tests. It’s essentially a measure of how good your breathing is. It’ll measure how much you inhale, how much you exhale, and how quickly you exhale.
These metrics are useful in diagnosing several conditions. If you have one of these conditions, you very well may be able to apply for a disabled parking permit in Utah.
Here is a quick list of some of the things it’s used to test for:
- COPD
- Asthma
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Cystic Fibrosis
What Are Functional Limitations And What Does The American Heart Association Have To Do With It?
The American Heart Association has its own set of standards for the functional limitations of those with cardiac disease. Cardiac disease may impair or limit the physical abilities of those who are suffering.
Those who are classified as Class III or Class IV are limited enough to warrant owning a disabled parking permit. Here are the Association’s definitions of both Class III and Class IV in terms of functional limitations:
Class III
Those who are marked as Class III are people with cardiac disease resulting in marked limitation of physical activity. They are comfortable at rest. Less than ordinary activity causes fatigue, palpitation, dyspnea, or anginal pain.
Class IV
Those who are marked as Class IV are people with cardiac disease resulting in an inability to carry on any physical activity without discomfort. Symptoms of heart failure or the anginal syndrome may be present even at rest. If any physical activity is undertaken, discomfort is increased.
With this knowledge now in your mind, you now have a thorough understanding of who qualifies for owning a disabled parking permit.
But, wait, there’s more! Another overlooked topic in the world of disabled parking permits is the different types of permits available and what their differences are. Let’s take a look.
Types Of Placards And License Plates
Temporary Placards
These types of placards are ideal for those with a short-term or reversible disability. They’re issued for a period that won’t exceed six months. You cannot renew this type of permit. If after six months you find you still need a disabled parking permit, you’ll have to completely reapply.
Permanent Placards
Permanent placards are ideal for someone with a long-term injury or an irreversible disability. They’re valid for up to two years from the time they’re issued to you.
Around the time to renew your permanent placard, the DMV will mail you a renewal notice. This notice must be signed and mailed back to the DMV to renew your permanent placard.
If you don’t receive a renewal notice, you can visit your local DMV office or all (801) 297-7780 or 1-800=368-8824. Utah has an excellent benefit to disabled parking permit holders as you can renew your placard over the phone. There are also several online websites that you can apply for a disabled parking permit through as well.
Permanent License Plates
Permanent license plates as permits are a great utility. They’re meant for those with long-term or irreversible disabilities. They’ll replace your original license plate on your vehicle.
This type of permanent is the easiest and simplest to renew. All you’ll need to do is register your vehicle as you normally do. Once you register your re-register your vehicle, your disabled parking permit will automatically renew itself as well.
Institutional Permanent Placards/Plates
This type of placard is meant for an organization. To apply for one you must also complete the care facility certification section of your application.
The business applying for disabled parking placards or plates must certify that they need the permit(s) primarily to transport disabled persons.
These may be given to hospitals, transportation services, or different businesses in the healthcare field.
Conclusion
This guide is meant to clarify or present some of the information that may be overlooked in Utah’s world of disabled parking. Hopefully, you’re now an expert in all the intricacies Utah has in its rules and regulations.
Keep in mind that it’s never a bad idea to check local ordinances or rules regarding disabled parking as they may vary from city to city.