People need to use crutches for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes they might be required for a short period of time while recovering from a twisted ankle or broken toe. Other times crutches are used for years due to long-lasting disabilities.
If you’re wondering “Can I get a disabled parking permit if I’m on crutches?”, read on to learn more.
When Can You Park In Disabled Parking?
You can only park in a disabled parking space if you are the official holder of a disabled parking permit issued by a US state (or certain foreign countries and jurisdictions).
You must be in current possession of your disabled permit in order to legally park in a disabled space. Your permit should be clearly displayed, either hanging from the rearview mirror or mounted in the front windscreen.
Can I Park In A Disabled Space If Injured?
If you have an injury that limits your mobility, you will probably be entitled to park in a disabled space. However, you can only park in disabled spaces after you have been certified by a medical professional and are in possession of an official disabled parking permit.
Parking in a disabled parking space when you do not have a disabled permit, even if you are injured, is illegal and may lead to a fine.
Can I Get A Disabled Parking Permit If I’m On Crutches?
Yes, you can get a disabled parking permit if you are on crutches. In almost all states, any condition that makes it hard to walk without the aid of an assistive device, such as crutches, will qualify you for a temporary permit that lasts six months. And if the condition persists, you can apply for a new permit when your first permit expires.
Why Can You Get A Disabled Permit When You Are On Crutches?
You can get a disabled permit when you are on crutches because the disabled parking program exists to provide improved access to public spaces and amenities to people with injuries, disabilities, and mobility issues. Requiring crutches is evidence that a person is at least temporarily disabled.
What Disabilities Qualify For Disabled Parking?
The following disabilities qualify for disabled parking in every state:
- An inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
- An inability to walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another assistive device
- Legal blindness
- Not having full use of an arm or both arms
- Being restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
- Portable oxygen usage
- A cardiac condition to the extent that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
- Severely limited mobility due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
Do You Get A Handicap Sticker After Knee Surgery?
During a surgery rehabilitation period, which often requires the use of crutches, you will often be recommended a disabled parking permit. But remember, you will need to apply for and be in physical possession of your permit before you can legally use disabled parking spaces. This means you may need to apply for your permit before you undergo surgery.
How Do You Apply For A Disabled Parking Permit?
Applying for a disabled parking permit is a quick and easy process. You begin by having a consultation with a medical professional in your state. Once the medical professional has verified your disability, both you and the medical professional will complete an application form, which you’ll then submit to your local disabled parking authorities.
Where To Submit Your Disabled Parking Application
Each state has its own disabled parking authorities. In the majority of states, it will be the local DMV or equivalent. In some states, you should submit your application to the local county tax collector’s office.
What Types Of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available?
The following types of disabled parking permits are available in most states:
- Permanent disabled parking placard or license plates
- Temporary disabled parking placard
- Organizational disabled parking permit
- Disabled Veterans license plate
What Type Of Permit Can You Get When You Are On Crutches?
If you are on crutches, you can get either a permanent permit, if your disability is expected to be long-term, or a temporary permit, if your injury is short-term. People who require crutches due to military service-related injuries can get a Disabled Veterans license plate.
Featured image by Anna Shvets on Pexels