New York City is the United States’ most densely packed and busy metropolis. It’s home to 8.4 million people, and millions more travel into the city from its suburbs and satellite towns every day to shop, work, and socialize.
The Big Apple is also a very popular vacation destination. Legions of tourists visit New York City each year to enjoy its world-famous restaurants, museums, galleries, theaters, bars, and shops.
New York City’s disabled parking infrastructure plays a vital role in making the city accessible to the disabled people who call the city home, or who visit on vacation, each year.
How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit In New York City
It’s very important for disabled people who live in New York City, or who are visiting, to understand NYC disabled parking rules and regulations. Disabled people need to know the answers to several crucial questions, such as…
How do you get a disabled parking permit in New York City? Who can legally issue a New York City parking permit for the disabled? What types of NYC handicap parking permits are available? Where can you park in NYC with handicap plates?
Read on as we answer these important questions (and several more!).
What Types Of NYC Handicap Parking Permits Are Available?
The following types of New York City handicap parking permits are available:
- New York State Permanent disabled parking permit
- New York State Temporary disabled parking permit
- New York State Organization disabled parking permit
- Disabled Veterans license plate
- New York City Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (NYC PPPD)
Where Can You Park In NYC With Handicap Plates?
New York State disabled permits entitle their holder to park in any designated disabled space in New York City. NYC does not have on-street disabled parking, so a person must also apply for an NYC PPPD permit. A PPPD permit entitles its holder to park in:
- Any metered parking space without charge
- Any “No Parking” space, regardless of hours, including street cleaning regulations
- Any space designated for use by authorized vehicles
- Any space designated “No Standing Except Trucks Loading/Unloading” or “Truck Loading Only”
Who Can Legally Issue A New York City Parking Permit For The Disabled?
The Parking Permits for People with Disabilities Unit of the NYC Department of Transport (DOT) is the issuing agent for New York State disability permits for people who live in New York City.
How Do You Get A Disabled Parking Permit In New York City?
So, how do you get a handicap sticker in NYC? You can apply for both New York State and New York City PPPD permits through the New York City DOT.
To get a New York State permit, submit an application form by mail to:
NYS Hangtag Permit
NYC DOT Parking Permits and Customer Service
30-30 Thomson Avenue, 2nd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101
To get an NYC PPPD permit, submit an application form by mail to:
NYC PPPD
NYC DOT Parking Permits and Customer Service
30-30 Thomson Avenue 2nd floor
Long Island City, NY 11101
What Are The Qualifying Conditions For A Disabled Parking Permit In New York City?
The qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit in New York City are:
- Limited or no use of one or both legs
- A neuro-muscular dysfunction which severely limits mobility
- Another physical or mental disability which makes the use of public transportation difficult
- Legal blindness
Who Can Verify An Application For Disabled Parking In New York City?
An application for disabled parking in New York City can be verified by any of the following state-licensed medical professionals:
- Medical doctor
- Doctor of osteopathy
- Physician assistant
- Nurse practitioner
- Doctor of podiatric medicine
- Optometrist
You can also have an online consultation with Disabled Parking to see if you qualify.
Where Are New York City Disabled Parking Permits Valid?
New York State disabled parking permits are valid in all 50 US states, as well as in several foreign countries, including:
- Canada
- Mexico
- UK
- EU
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
NYC PPPD permits are only valid in New York City.
Are Out-Of-State Disabled Parking Permits Valid In New York City?
Out-of-state permits are valid in New York City. They entitle their holders to park in designated disabled parking spaces. However, to park in on-street spaces for free, a visitor to New York City must apply for an NYC PPPD permit.
Featured image by Andreas Kruck on Unsplash