Whether you are disabled recently or have been for years and you still don’t have a disability parking placard, you can still get one. Throughout the United States, there is no statute of limitations for applying for a handicap accessible placard. These laws are a part of the civil rights to you as a disabled person.
The states have various local laws to accompany the federal law implemented through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Depending on your state, you may have rules that are very different than your neighboring state and at a local level. If you live in Wyoming and need a disability parking placard, you will need to perfect some research to figure out what you need to apply.
Where You Should Go to Apply
Throughout Wyoming there are several offices you can go to for help. You should visit your closest, local Department of Transportation branch. You will find that there are over 28 driver services locations to service you. In addition, you may also contact your Department of Transportation via mail, email, and telephone.
Mail: Wyoming Department of Transportation-Driver Services, 5300 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne Wyoming 82009
What Do the Wyoming Laws State for Disabled Persons?
The Wyoming laws say that no one who does not have proper handicap parking identification may not park in spaces reserved for the disabled. If you are disabled and would like to have a parking space outside of your residence, you will need to apply for a residential reserved space along with your disability parking placard application.
- Fines and Punishment
If you have deceived the Department of Wyoming to obtain a handicap parking placard or plate, you will be fined up to $250 for each offense. The same rule applies if you sell your parking placard to anyone. Also, your parking placards will be placed on suspension until further notice, but at least 60 days.
Note: If you applied for a handicap parking space permit, you must renew it by December 31st of the year of issuance and ever year following the year of issuance. Submit your requests for renewal at the Mayor’s office.
- Disabled parking placards are free in Wyoming, if you choose to apply for a disabled license plate you will be charged a standard fee- check with your Department of Transportation office.
Are You Ready to Apply for Your Disability Parking Placard?
After reviewing your state and local policies, you need to retrieve an application either online or through the mail. Applications are available to download and print or by fillable online documentation. Read the application to its entirety and gather all of your required documents. Carefully review the section for your physician. You must have a medical recommendation for your eligibility to be completed.
Your medical doctor will provide the appropriate certification of your disabilities. You will be assessed as having a temporary or permanent disability. The classification will determine how long your placard will be available for your use.
What Disabilities You Must Have to Receive Parking Permits
Once you have decided to apply, take your application to your doctor. Your doctor will assess your condition and see if you meet one of the qualifications:
- You need help walking more than 200 feet
- You need help walking with a cane, brace, crutch, prosthetic device, or if you depend on another person to help you
- You have a severe cardiac disease of a Class III or Class IV condition
- You require a portable oxygen tank or have a sever lung disease that restricts your breathing drastically
- You cannot hear or see, and it impairs your ability to be mobile (driver’s license status will be evaluated)
Where You Place Your Placards
The Wyoming Department of Transportation will need to process your disability parking placard application and will take several weeks to mail them to you. After you receive your placards, you are required to have the placard dangle in your rearview mirror allowing the expiration date to be visible through the windshield. You are not allowed by local ordinance to have the placards in use while your vehicle is in Motion.
What are the Differences Between Temporary and Permanent Disability Parking Placards?
Temporary Parking Placards:
- Valid up to six months, may be renewed one time for another six months
- Must submit a new application and medical certification
Permanent Parking Placards:
- Valid up to ten years, depending upon your medical recommendation
- No recertification from physician is required to renew
- Renewal forms sent out through mail 30 days prior to expiration of original placard
Remember, your medical certification will need to be reassessed if your condition gets better or if your condition worsens.
What If Your Parking Placards are Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?
If you lose your placard or if it is stolen, you must immediately report to the Department of Transportation. You may be able to have your placards replaced, depending on what the outcome of your report states. If your parking placard is damaged, you are advised to call (307) 777-4839.
What Places are Handicap Accessible?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act places open to the public must be accessible for you. Restaurants, movie theaters, retail stores, grocery stores, and the list goes on and on. Wyoming is known for its major national parks and as a wheelchair bound individual, you now have access to handicap accessible hiking trails, that allow space for wheelchairs.
All public locations must meet the regulated requirements for you to have a luxurious life, just like anyone else. If you have a proposition for an area that should be accessible, you are welcome to petition your state’s courts to establish availability.
How You Move Forward
This outline should help you understand your rights as a disabled person and know where to begin to apply for your disability parking placards and plates. If you require special accommodations, you are invited to contact your local Department of Transportation.