As a disabled person, you may wonder what advantages are available to you. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are entitled to privileges that allow special parking. It’s always best to do some research regarding your state’s laws to find out if you are qualified.
Each of the 50 states have their own ordinances under the enacted disability act. You must follow all of the procedures and regulations that your state has set. If you live in Wyoming, allow this directory to help you through the process of obtaining your disability parking permits.
How are You Eligible for Parking Placards?
In Wyoming, you must meet specific criteria to begin to become eligible for accessible parking privileges. You must, also, obtain a medical recommendation from your physician for your application. See the below checklist of disabilities for approval of parking placards:
- Inability to walk 200 feet or more without rest
- Inability to walk without help from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, wheelchair, or any other assistive device
- Serious hearing condition or visual loss
- Necessary portable oxygen tank or severe lung disease
- Diagnosed with a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition
- Restricted freedom of movement from an arthritic, orthopedic, or neurological disorder
What Next Step You Take When Applying for Your Placard
Remember that you should investigate your state and local laws. You will need to complete the Application for Handicapped Vehicle Identification Placards, which can be retrieved from the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Your physician must verify your disability and how long you are disabled.
Be sure to collect your vehicle information, address and driver’s license documents. You may access the application online, through the DOT website and submit by fax or through the mail to:
Wyoming Department of Transportation
Driver Services- Driver Review Section
5300 Bishop BLVD
Cheyenne, WY 82009
Why You Need a Medical Recommendation
Your health care provider is the only one allowed to sign off on the disability that affects you and your mobility. Your doctor will also be the one to establish how long you need the disabled parking permits, temporarily and permanently.
Permanent disability parking placards validate that your condition cannot be reversed or that you will worsen over time. Temporary placards mean that your disability will not last and you are expected to only use them for six months or less. Each placard indicates your condition as expressed from your physician on your application.
Disabled Veteran’s parking license plates are for veterans only. You will need a verification letter from the Veteran’s Administration. To qualify, you must have at least 50% disability due to your military connected service.
Where You Can Park Accessibly in Wyoming?
The state of Wyoming acquired various ways for you to park accessibly with your placards. Residential streets have been zoned for you to be able to park in your neighborhood as long as you have a valid parking placard or plate. To receive the residential service, you must apply for a residential space through the Department of Transportation. You are permitted to use your parking privileges in any spot within the state and throughout the United States, as allowed by local ordinance.
Additionally, Wyoming is home to a few national parks with parking provided. As a placard holder, if you require wheelchair accessibility you now have the capability to ride through the parks and they are handicap accessible.
How to Use Your Disabled Parking Placards
After you have been approved to receive disabled parking placards, you will get them in the mail. This process does take some time, so expect your placards in a few weeks. To use them, once your car is parked, hang the placard in your rearview mirror inside your vehicle. Be sure that your expiration date is visible.
- Expiration Dates
Be mindful of your placard expiration date, if it expires and you use it you could face penalties and fines. Temporary placards expire within two to six months, permanent placards expire every ten years on December 31st. You will receive a notice 30 days in advance of a scheduled renewal.
How You Should Renew
As stated, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. All temporary placards are not eligible for renewal after the first renewal. You must fill out and submit a new application and a new medical recommendation from your physician. Permanent placards do not require a new medical recommendation, but you will need to fill out a renewal form and submit in person or by mail.
- Replacement Placards
Keep your placards in a safe place to minimize theft. If your placard is stolen, lost, or damaged you must contact the Wyoming Department of Transportation at (307) 777-4839.
What Other Information You Need to Know
The law is the law, you must follow your city ordinances when you have your disability parking placard. Any abuse or misuse of your placards will cause the DOT to revoke the placard and deem you unable to reapply in the future. You could face up to $250 in fines, alone.
It is illegal for any person to use a handicapped parking space or use a disability parking placard and plate if you are not the applicant. You will be fined and face criminal punishment if you are found to be unlawfully registered.
If the placard is in use while your vehicle is in motion, you are breaking the Wyoming state laws. You could be fined for this violation, as well. It’s best to conduct thorough research before using your disability parking placards.
You may visit any driver exam office closest to your home, call the consumer report line, or utilize any other resource available to you. Wyoming provides numerous locations for easy accessibility.
How to Complete the Process
After satisfying all of your needs, you must check into all local and state rules and laws. You should have some knowledge after carefully reviewing this outline of what to expect when applying for your disability parking permits. If you need extra help, contact the Wyoming Department of Transportation.