If you’re one of the many millions of Americans who has a legal disability, there is a chance that you may be interested in finding out how to apply and acquire a disability parking permit. Every state has different rules and regulations for how to apply for a parking permit and different qualifications for eligible persons, and Arizona is no different. If you’re interested in finding out the proper steps to apply for a disability parking permit, then take a close look at the list of qualifications below and what steps to take if you’re one of the many individuals who fall into the correct categories for disability parking in the state of Arizona.
Qualifying Disabilities for a Disabled Parking Permit
When it comes to being able to get a disabled parking permit in the state of Arizona, there are a few conditions that are eligible for these benefits. If you are looking to apply for disability parking permits, you must meet at least one or more of the following criterion to be able to apply. These are the prerequisite conditions for disability parking permits in Arizona:
- You are unable to walk at least 200 feet on your own or with an assistive device without stopping
- You must use a portable oxygen tank throughout your day
- You have a cardiac condition that is classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association
- You have a neurological condition, an orthopedic condition or arthritis that severely impacts your ability to walk
- You have severe audio handicap
- You suffer from a lung disease that is restrictive to the extent that the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg at rest, or when the forced expiratory volume for one second is less than one liter when measured through spirometry
- You’re unable to walk without an assistive device such as a wheelchair, a cane, braces, crutches, a prosthetic device, a walker, another person, etc.
If any of these circumstances apply to you, you are eligible for a disability parking permit in the state of Arizona, and should make a point of applying for a permit as soon as possible to receive access to the benefits that this type of permit provides.
Organizations that use their vehicles to transport individuals who have any of these conditions may apply for a disability parking permit in the state of Arizona. The vehicle can be leased by the business or organization but the vehicle must be used to transport individuals with any of these legal disabilities.
How to Apply for a Disabled Parking Permit in Arizona
To be eligible for a disability parking permit in the state of Arizona, you must take certain steps to complete your application properly. Once you’ve gone through the proper application process, you can file your application, but if you do not take precaution to complete every measure for your application, your disability parking permit request will be denied. The following requirements will help guide you through the proper process so you can apply correctly.
Get a Certificate from Your Doctor Confirming Your Disability
If you’re interested in applying for a disability parking permit in the state of Arizona, then you must first meet with your physician to receive a certificate that confirms your disability and the permanence of it. It is important that you receive this certificate from your doctor as it is a legal document that is required for every disability parking permit in the state of Arizona, and without it you may not apply or your request will be automatically denied.
How to File Your Application for a Disability Parking Permit
Once you have received the proper certificate from your doctor, you may file the Disability-Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application form (Form 96-0104) with your local DMV. This form can be easily found online on the Arizona state DMV website or you can obtain a paper copy at your nearest DMV office.
Once you have completed the form, you can either mail the form to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office or file the form in person. There is no fee associated with this form, so you are able to apply as soon as you are able to receive the proper certificate from your doctor.
How Long Disability Parking Permits are Valid
If you apply for a disability parking permit and are approved, there are two different types of permits available for individuals who are eligible. Depending on the permanence of your disability, you may be issued a temporary disability parking permit or a permanent one. The temporary disability parking permit is only valid for a period of 6 months, and if you are eligible for a renewal of this parking permit then you must go through the process of having your doctor re-certify you for a disability parking permit again before the expiration date. A permanent disability parking permit is valid for a period of 5 years. This permit may be renewed before your expiration date. If your permit is not renewed on time, you will lose your parking benefits until you have reacquired a replacement permit.
What to Do Once You’ve Received Your Disability Parking Permit
Once you’ve received your disability parking permit, it is important that you place the permit in the proper location in your vehicle so that it may be seen by traffic officers to avoid parking tickets. The best place to put your disability parking permit is on your rearview mirror where it can be seen from your windows. If you are unable to place the permit on your rearview mirror for any reason, you can alternatively place the permit on your dashboard to keep it visible to traffic officers. If you do not have your permit in a visible place and park in a disabled parking spot, you are likely to receive a ticket from the local traffic officers.
Conclusion
If you are eligible for a disability parking permit, it is important to get the proper documents before you fill out your paperwork and apply for the permit. Once you have successfully filled out the application, you may file it with your local DMV at no cost. Once issued, you will be able to receive the benefits associated with a disability parking permit!