The world of disabled parking permits is often a maze of information that often loses the reader in the swirling information. Every state has its own rules and regulations about obtaining a disabled parking permit as well as the application process. Even cities may have different ordinances that might affect the way you can apply or who can apply for a permit.
Wisconsin is no different. The state of Wisconsin has its processes and eligibility requirements. Some of these qualifications can be confusing and may hinder your application if you’ve filled it out incorrectly.
This guide will serve as your navigator as you glide through all the ins and outs of the most important details in disabled parking permits in Wisconsin.
Let’s start with some of the most nitty-gritty information.
Understanding Who Can Apply
Many times, people will often think that the question of “Who can apply?” is a lot simpler than it is. Of course, people with disabilities who need the designated parking spaces can apply.
However, each state will have predefined qualifications that they’ve adopted as standards for the application process. These qualifications are imperative to understand so that you can get through the entire application process without any mistakes or holdups.
Those who are looking to apply must meet at least one or more of the predefined criteria. Here are the qualifications for a disabled parking permit in the state of Wisconsin:
- You must be severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
- 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 accepted by the American Heart Association
- You must be restricted by lung disease to the extent that forced expiratory volume for one second when measured by spirometry is less than one liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
- You must not be able to walk without the use of, or assistance from, another person or brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistance devices
- You must utilize portable oxygen
- You must not be able to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
Some of these criteria are complex and tough to understand. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the more difficultly worded requirements on how to apply for a disabled parking permit in Wisconsin.
Functional Limitations And The American Heart Association
The American Heart Association has a set standard to classify how physically limited people are with cardiac disease. Class III and Class IV severities are the first and second most severe classifications in regards to physical limitations.
To fully understand what exactly this qualification is asking, let’s go over the definitions for both classes.
People who are classified as Class III are those 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.
People who are classified as Class IV are those 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.
If you meet these qualifications, you’ll likely qualify with ease for a disabled parking permit in Wisconsin.
Spirometry And Arterial Oxygen Tension
Spirometry is the most common of the pulmonary function tests. What it does is relatively simple to understand. The test measures your lung function. Specifically, it measures the amount and/or speed of air that you can inhale as well as exhale.
This test is extremely helpful in diagnosing some conditions that may qualify you for a disabled parking permit. Here are several conditions that could help diagnose.
- COPD
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Cystic Fibrosis
Arterial oxygen tension refers to the pressure of oxygen in your bloodstream. If you have unhealthy levels, you may also qualify for a disabled parking permit.
If you’re still unsure if you meet one of these requirements, it’s a great idea to speak with your doctor about how exactly you qualify.
Whether you need more help understanding the qualifications or not, you do need to visit with a medical professional or receive eligibility online to complete the application process. This is a great time to talk with a professional about how exactly you qualify.
Rules And Regulations
It’s important to understand the rules and regulations of disabled parking and disabled parking permits. It’ll allow you to get the best use out of your permit while still abiding by all applicable laws.
Here are some of the most useful regulations about disabled parking permits in Wisconsin:
Where To Put Your Placard
You should know that your placard must be hung from the rearview windshield of the vehicle when you’re parking in a designated area. You must also remember to take the placard off your rearview mirror when the vehicle is in motion. If you fail to do so, the placard could be seen as an obstruction to your vision and could result in a fine from law enforcement.
Renewal Of Placards
Permanent placards aren’t permanent. They’ll have to be renewed every four years. Those who need a renewal will be required to recertify their disability. This means another trip to a medical profession or the state of Wisconsin offers eligibility certification online as well.
Wisconsin has an option for renewal on temporary placard holders. This is different from most states. Wisconsin allows for an extension of six months on temporary placards. However, you must submit a new application.
Conclusion
Applying for a disabled parking permit and understanding the best way to use it shouldn’t be difficult. However, it is with all of the conflicting information online. Hopefully, this guide has proven to be the expert on your shoulder as you learn about the intricacies of disabled parking in Wisconsin.