Sifting through all of the information on disabled parking and disabled parking permits is an extremely tall order. With the vast amount of information on rules and regulations for various states and cities, it can be easy to be confused about what matters and pertains to you and what doesn’t.
This guide will serve as your navigator in learning all of the best and most important information regarding disabled parking and disabled parking permits in Wisconsin. Let’s start with one of the first things that would interest an applicant.
What Kind Of Permit Do I Need?
The Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers two options/types of permits that you can apply for. Here are the key differences between the two and information on who they are meant for:
Temporary Placards
Temporary placards are the ideal disabled parking permit for those who have a short-term injury a reversible disability. They’re valid for a total of six months. They can be extended for another six months as well. However, those who would like an extension must completely reapply through the same process they went through originally.
Permanent Placards
Permanent placards are the ideal disabled parking permit for those who have a long-term injury or an irreversible disability. These permits are valid for a total of four years. After the four years, they may be removed by completing another application.
However, medical recertification isn’t necessary. That means one less trip to the doctors or going through the online eligibility certification process.
License Plates
License plates are disabled parking permits that replace the original license plates on a vehicle you own or lease. They are only available for those with a permanent or irreversible disability. These are also available for company cares or if your vehicle is used to transport a person with a disability regularly.
Visitors To Wisconsin
Those who are visiting Wisconsin that has a disabled parking permit will be happy to learn that you have two different options to ensure that you may use the accessibility features in Wisconsin.
Those who are visiting may use a placard from their home state or they may apply for a temporary disability parking placard. This is done through the same process as regular temporary placards.
Rules And Regulations
It’s imperative to understand all the rules and regulations that apply to disabled parking an disabled parking permits if you’re in Wisconsin. Knowing these laws ensures that you get the most from your permit without breaking any laws.
Parking Rules
Your placard or license plate offers several benefits. Here is a shortlist:
- Holders may park in spaces reserved for disabled drivers
- Holders may exceed the time limit in spaces with limits of 30 minutes or more
- Holders may park for free at meters in any municipal lot with a 30 minute or higher time limit
- Users may request full-service fueling for the price of self-service at stations that offer both.
It should also be noted that regardless if you have a disabled parking permit or not, it is always illegal to park in loading/access zones that are next to designated spaces. These areas may be represented by horizontal lines that are slanted over a rectangle.
These spaces are only for those who require the extra room to get in and out of their vehicle. Parking is here is not only rude to those who need the space but also illegal. Never park in one of these zones.
Replacing Your Placards
Life happens and sometimes you need to replace your placard. This may be because it was stolen, lost, or it is simply damaged too much. If it is lost or stolen, it must be reported to this address:
WisDOT
Special Plates Units – DIS ID
PO Box 7306
Madison, WI 53707-7306
Replacements can be obtained by completing the application form. Contact your local DMV for more information on getting the appropriate form.
Where To Hang Your Placards
All placards must be hung from the rearview mirror on the front windshield of the vehicle. These must only be hung when the vehicle is parked in a designated area. You must remove the placard from your rearview mirror while the vehicle is in motion. If you fail to do so, the placard may be seen as an obstruction to the driver’s vision.
This could result in a fine from law enforcement so it’s important to make sure you’re always taking the placard off while someone is driving.
Fees
Only some disabled parking permits require a fee.
Those with a permanent placard do not need to worry about any fee as they are free.
Those interested in obtaining temporary placards are required to pay a fee of $6. The fee can be made out in a check or money order. You must make them payable to “Registration Fee Trust.
However, applications made at local DMV customer service centers are also subject to an additional counter service fee. If you’re looking to avoid that fee, it may be best to send the application via mail.
Here is the address you can send the application to so you can avoid the counter service fee:
WisDOT
Special Plates Units – DIS ID
PO Box 7306
Madison, WI 53707-7306
How To Apply For A Permit
Those who are interested in applying for a permanent disability placard must complete Form MV2548. Applicants who are wanting to apply for a temporary disability placard must complete Form MV2933.
Once you’ve completed these forms, you need medical certification of your disability. You can bring the application to a medical professional or there are online services to help apply for disabled parking permits as well.
You can send these applications to the address listed above or drop them off at any DMV customer service center.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn and understand some of the best and most important information on disabled parking in Wisconsin. By now, you should be a pro.
Remember to follow all applicable laws and check if any local ordinances might apply to you.