Understanding the world of disabled parking is not a small order. There are many variations on the rules and regulations of disabled parking because each state is in charge of setting their own. This leads to a lot of conflicting information and confusion. Plus, laws aren’t easy to comprehend, to begin with.
This guide is meant to help you understand the details behind disabled parking rules and regulations in Wyoming. By the end, you’ll be an expert on all the intricacies of disabled parking laws in this state.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty information, beginning with the qualifications for who can apply for one of these permits.
Who Can Apply For Disabled Parking Permits?
This is oftentimes a complex answer as it involves understanding the predefined qualifications the state has set in place. These can be wordy and complex, making it difficult to understand for the average citizen. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re wanting to quickly apply for a disabled parking permit.
The state of Wyoming has its qualifications, just like every other state. You must meet at least one or more of the criteria. Here are the qualifications:
- You must have a severe visual or audio handicap
- You must be severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
- You must use portable oxygen
- 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 be unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
- You must be restricted by lung disease to the extent that forced expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter when measured by spirometry, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
- You must have a cardiac condition to the degree that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the standards adopted by the American Heart Association
Some of these qualifications may be difficult to understand, so let’s break down what exactly some of the more complex qualifications are saying.
Functional Limitations
The American Heart Association uses classifies functional limitations to determine how physically limited those with cardiac disease are. Class III and Class IV are the second and first highest classes of severity.
Here is the exact definition that the American Heart Association uses for both Class III and Class IV:
Class III – Those who fall under the Class III category 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.
Class IV – Those who fall under the Class IV category 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 have cardiac disease and feel like you meet these requirements, you likely do.
Spirometry And Arterial Oxygen Tension
Spirometry is the most common form of pulmonary testing. Spirometry measures several things to diagnose people with conditions that very well may qualify for a disabled parking permit. It measures the amount of oxygen you inhale and exhale as well as measuring how quickly you’re inhaling and exhaling.
Here are some conditions spirometry is used to test for:
- Asthma
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- COPD
Arterial oxygen tension refers to the level of oxygen pressure in your blood. If your levels are unhealthy, you may experience limitations to your physical activity. By measuring both spirometry and arterial oxygen, the state of Wyoming is ensuring that they’re allowing everyone who may need a disabled parking permit access to one.
Two Ways To Apply
The state of Wyoming offers applications two ways of applying for a disabled parking permit.
Either way, applicants must first complete an Application for Handicap Vehicle Identification Placard. This may be submitted in-person to any local Department of Transportation office or mailed to this address listed below:
Wyoming Department of Transportation
Driver Services Program – Medical Review
5300 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340
Another benefit of Wyoming’s application process is that there are no fees associated with applying for a placard.
Renewing Your Disabled Parking Permit
There are different processes for renewing your disabled parking permit depending on which type of permit you have.
For those who have a temporary disabled parking placard, you’re allowed only one renewal after your six-month temporary permit has expired.
If you own a temporary disabled parking placard and find that you need to use the designated parking spaces for longer than your allotted time, you can fill out a new application, including another medical certification, and have your permit renewed for another six months.
Those who own a permanent disabled parking placard will have their permits valid for up to four years. Owners of these permits will receive a renewal notice from the state of Wyoming before the expiration date. To renew these placards you may simply return the renewal notice to the address listed on it.
The other option is to bring your expired disability placard and another Application for Handicapped Vehicle Identification Placard to your local driver exam station. You won’t need to bring any more medical certifications.
Those who have a disabled parking permit through a license plate will have the easiest time renewing their permits. If you own a license plate permit, you’ll automatically renew your permit each year when you register your vehicle.
Conclusion
This guide is meant to serve you as a source for the details and intricacies of disabled parking and disabled parking permits in Wyoming. It’s important to fully understand the complex information behind the rules and regulations to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your permit.
Remember to always obey your state’s specific laws and to check city ordinances in case there may be additional rules in place that may affect you.