The Los Angeles disabled parking program and infrastructure exist to improve the lives of disabled people in the city. People who are new to disabled parking in Los Angeles tend to have several questions, such as… Is handicap parking free in LA? What are Los Angeles handicap parking permit rules? How do I get a handicap parking permit in Los Angeles? How much is a parking permit in Los Angeles?
Let’s dive right in and answer all these questions today!
Who Issues Disabled Parking Permits in The City of Los Angeles?
Like all handicap placards in California, disabled parking permits in the city of Los Angeles are issued by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Is Handicap Parking Free In LA?
People who hold a disabled parking permit in LA are entitled to park for free in any of the city’s designated disabled parking spaces. These spaces are marked with the International Symbol of Access. Permit holders are also entitled to park in metered, on-street parking spaces for free and in time-restricted spaces for as long as they need.
Los Angeles Handicap Parking Permit Rules
LA handicap parking rules dictate that disabled permit holders are entitled to park:
- In designated disabled parking spaces
- Next to a blue curb (indicating parking spaces that are reserved for disabled permit holders)
- Next to a green curb for unlimited time
- In metered, on-street spaces for free
Disabled parking permit holders are not entitled to park:
- In spaces marked with a crosshatched pattern next to a disabled space
- Next to a red curb, yellow curb, or white curb
What Different Types of Disabled Parking Permits Are Available In LA?
The following different types of disabled parking permits are available in Los Angeles:
- Permanent disabled parking placard or license plate
- Temporary disabled parking placard
- Disabled parking placard for organizations
- Disabled Veterans license plate
How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Los Angeles
So how do I get a handicap parking permit in Los Angeles? Understanding the regulations for obtaining a handicap placard in California will help.
The first step is to have a consultation with a California-licensed medical professional. This can be done via video link using a telemedicine online clinic. The state-licensed medical professional will verify your disability and fill in the Doctor’s Certification section of a handicap parking application form. You can then complete the form and submit it, along with any necessary fee, to the California DMV.
You can submit your application in person at a DMV office or by mailing it to:
DMV Placard
PO Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
How Much Is a Parking Permit in Los Angeles?
Permanent disabled parking permits are free in LA. Temporary disabled parking permits cost $6.
Who Can Sign an Application for a Disabled Parking Permit in Los Angeles?
To get a disabled parking permit in LA, you will need to have a consultation with a state-licensed medical professional who will verify your disability. The following types of California licensed medical professionals can verify your application:
- Physician
- Nurse practitioner
- Surgeon
- Physician assistant
- Certified nurse-midwife
- Chiropractor
- Optometrist
What Are the Qualifying Conditions for a Disabled Parking Permit in Los Angeles?
To qualify for a disabled parking permit in Los Angeles, a person must be disabled in one or more of the following ways:
- They have lost the use of both hands or one or both lower extremities.
- They have a disease that impairs or interferes with mobility.
- They are unable to walk without the aid of an assistive device.
- They have visual problems, including lower vision or partial sightedness.
Do Los Angeles Disabled Parking Permits Expire?
All types of LA disabled parking permits expire. Temporary permits expire after six months and permanent permits expire after two years.
How Do I Renew an Expired Disabled Parking Permit in Los Angeles?
Once your LA disabled parking permit expires, you will need to renew it. To renew your permit, submit an application form either in person at a DMV office or by mailing it to:
DMV Placard
PO Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
Where Can I Use My Los Angeles Disabled Parking Permit?
You can use your LA disabled parking permit in the following locations:
- All across the state of California
- All other US states
- All US overseas territories
- Canada
- Mexico
- EU
- UK
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
Featured image by Olenka Kotyk on Unsplash