Are you looking for more information on New Orleans handicap parking? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to provide a detailed guide on how to obtain and use your New Orleans disability permit.
If you have a qualifying condition and are a frequent driver, you have probably already thought about applying for a disabled parking permit. A disabled parking placard offers so many benefits for disabled drivers, giving you access to convenient and accessible parking spots at your most frequented destinations in New Orleans so that you don’t have to worry about finding a space for your vehicle when you get there.
Read on to find out all you need to know about how to get a disabled parking permit in New Orleans.
Handicap Parking Permit New Orleans: Qualifying Conditions
Like every state in the US, Louisiana has its own rules and regulations surrounding disabled parking permits. However, there are commonly accepted medical conditions which qualify for disabled parking, and those are the same throughout New Orleans.
Some of these more widely accepted qualifying conditions include:
- Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or needing to rest
- Requirement of a brace or crutch or other assisting device (or the help of another person) in order to walk any substantial distance
- Serious lung disease or lung damage which greatly affects ability to breathe
- The use of portable oxygen
- Suffering from a heart condition (Class III or class IV of American Heart Foundation categorization)
- An extreme arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition which greatly affects mobility
- Being a disabled veteran
If you meet at least one of the above requirements, you are eligible for a disabled parking permit in New Orleans. If you’re unsure whether your medical condition meets the requirements, you can always discuss your options with a licensed state medical professional. Disabled Parking can help you to organize this – simply get in touch with us today.
How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit In New Orleans
To get started with your application for a New Orleans disabled parking placard, you will need to undergo a consultation with an accredited medical professional (either online or in person). If your doctor deems you suitable candidate for a disabled parking permit, they will complete the Medical Examiner’s Certification of Mobility Impairment form (DPSMV 1966) with all the relevant information for your application.
To proceed, you need to bring this form to your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), where you’ll be given an additional application form to complete yourself. (If you have severe mobility issues and are therefore unable to go to the OMV in person, discuss this with your physician, as someone else may be able to go on your behalf.)
Ensure you bring both of these forms, as well as your ID, the relevant fee, and your vehicle details to the OMV to ensure the process goes smoothly. Please note that this describes the process of application for a disabled parking placard, for a vehicle registered in your name – Louisiana also offers the option of disabled parking license plates, which can even be personalized!
Is Disabled Parking Free In New Orleans?
Parking in reserved handicap parking spaces is free and exclusively available to those with disabled parking placards or plates. However, the application is not free (though the fee is minimal). At the time of writing, it costs $3 to apply for any form of disabled parking placard (temporary or permanent), and $10 for plates. This is in addition to any fees incurred by the medical consultation.
Using Your New Orleans Disability Permit
Now, on to the important part: how to use your New Orleans disability permit! Always ensure you display your placard correctly when occupying a disabled parking space – hanging it on the rearview mirror is the best option, but you can also lay it on the dashboard so that it can be clearly seen. And of course, ensure that you renew your permit prior to its expiration (even permanent placards expire, so keep an eye on the date!).
If you’re looking for some inspiration on where to go for your next adventure, check out our post on the best wheelchair-friendly attractions in Louisiana. Your disabled parking permit will make driving and parking in New Orleans a much more pleasant experience for you.
Featured image by Oliver_Weidmann on Pixabay