If you live in West Virginia and you suffer from a disability which significantly impairs your ability to walk properly, you may be eligible to receive a disabled parking permit from the state. This will enable you to park in specifically set aside accommodations for the disabled, which will in turn help you to live an easier life. Disabled parking spots are located very close to the entrances of most buildings and businesses, and can make running your errands much easier!

However, there are several ins and outs of working with disabled parking permits that aren’t as easy as simply parking in the parking space. Read on for a complete guide to the rights and responsibilities that are associated with a West Virginia Disabled Parking Permit.

The Difference between Permits, Placards, and Plates

There’s a lot of confusing terminology that is tossed around when you’re researching disabled parking permits in the state of West Virginia! To make things a little easier, here’s a brief primer on some commonly used terms.

  • Permit: Your disabled parking permit is a certificate you will receive from the state after you have completed your application process. It is something you should keep in a safe space, just in case anyone asks for your credentials.
  • Placards: Your disabled parking placard (or placards) is a stiff, brightly colored piece of poster board which is made to be hung on the rear view mirror in the front of your car. It will have your identification information on it, so that placards can not be shared from individual to individual.
  • Plates: In some occasions, it may make more sense to apply for permanent license plates so you don’t have to worry about putting placards up and down. You can also apply for veteran’s license plates in the state of West Virginia! However, it is recommended that you do not apply for license plates unless your condition is likely to be permanent.

Who Can Use a Disabled Parking Permit

In West Virginia, the permit is registered to the person (i.e., you) and not to a specific vehicle, unless you request license plates instead of parking placards. This means that you can take your placards from car to car with you as long as you, the permit holder, are in the car. Anyone can be driving, but if a car is found using your permit without your being around, you may be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including the revocation of your permit.

Know Which Type of Permit You Have

One of the first steps in knowing how to take care of your parking permit is simply to know which version of the disabled parking permit you have. This will help you with renewal, when that comes time. There are two different types of disabled parking permits in the state of West Virginia.

  • Temporary Permit. You should apply for a temporary disabled parking permit if your condition is expected to last any amount of time less than six months. If you are requesting a disabled parking permit for conditions due to pregnancy, then request a temporary permit and note your expected due date as the date the permit should expire.
  • Permanent permit. You should apply for a permanent disabled parking permit if your condition is a permanent one. However, even though it is referred to as a permanent permit, these types of permits and their associated materials (placards, plates) expire every five years. After this time, you will be required to renew.

Your Disabled Parking Permit and Your Ability to Drive

Particularly if you are applying for a permanent disabled parking permit, please note that the West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will assess your driving record in light of the condition you are citing as qualification for your application. If it seems that your condition would necessarily impact your ability to drive safely, your driver’s license may come under review. Remember that this isn’t a penalty, but an attempt on the state level to ensure that everyone, including you, is safe on the road.

Your Disabled Parking Permit and Access Aisles

Wherever there are more than a couple of disabled parking spaces in one lot, they will be separated and surrounded by one or more access aisles. An access aisle will be denoted by long diagonal paint hashes on the ground.

The point of an access aisle is to allow enough room for any assistance a disabled person may require in order to safely get out of their vehicle. Often, a disability may require lots of equipment, such as wheelchairs or motorized wheelchair ramps or several people’s assistance. Whether you have a disabled parking permit or not, please avoid parking in any way that might obstruct one of these access aisles.

Travelling with a Disabled Parking Permit

If you have a disabled parking permit and you live in the state of West Virginia, you’re in luck — you may be able to use it to travel outside of state lines. As long as your permit is in working order, you should be able to use it to park in any clearly marked disabled parking space in the country. Make sure that you use your placards properly, and that you follow any local ordinances or posted signs.

Having and using a disabled parking permit in the state of West Virginia can be a great way to make sure that living with your disability does not interfere with your ability to get things done. By applying and receiving a disabled parking permit, you will be able to park in specially set aside accommodations for those with mobility issues.

However, there’s more to it than just that! Making sure that you fulfill all of the responsibilities associated with your permit ensures that you are always able to enjoy the benefits. Remember to use your parking placards appropriately, renew your permit whenever it’s about to expire, and you’ll always be able to run errands in a way that is comfortable for you.