If you’re keen to apply for a disabled parking permit in Oklahoma, the good news is that it’s a simple process! The majority of an Oklahoma City disabled parking application can be done online, making it much more convenient for you. As long as you have one of the official qualifying conditions, you’re eligible for an OK disabled parking permit.
Qualifying conditions include those that affect your mobility significantly or impinge upon your ability to drive. Therefore, those who have any of the following conditions may benefit from an Oklahoma disabled parking permit:
- Inability to walk without assistance, or for a distance of 200 feet without having to rest or falling
- Requirement of portable oxygen
- A lung condition, or any other severe respiratory illness
- A serious heart condition (Class III or Class IV as determined by the American Heart Association)
- A pregnancy-related disorder that affects your ability to walk
- Legal blindness
- Loss of limb
- Being a disabled Veteran, if your condition was caused by your military service
There may be other conditions that qualify you for an Oklahoma City driving licence, so ensure you check the requirements carefully and discuss your condition honestly and thoroughly with your physician.
It’s important to also be aware of the fact that the state of Oklahoma may check your driving record upon receiving your application for an OK disabled driving licence. If your disability is seen as making you a liability on the road, this may unfortunately impact your legality as a driver within the state of Oklahoma and may cause a change in your licence type. However, this usually applies only to those whose disabilities would severely impact their ability to safely drive a vehicle.
Application For Handicap Placard In Oklahoma City
Residents of Oklahoma City with one of the aforementioned medical conditions may apply for a disabled parking permit. The state of OK issues both permanent and temporary disabled parking placards.
These are valid for different lengths of time; permanent placards need to be renewed after five years, whereas temporary ones are valid for six months only. You will receive one of these types of permit depending on your condition; if it is deemed a permanent disability then your disabled parking placard will reflect this, whereas time-sensitive conditions (such as many of those linked to pregnancy) qualify for a temporary permit.
The first step in applying for disabled parking in Oklahoma City is to download and complete the Physical Disability Parking Placard Application. Once you have filled this in with your personal details and any other necessary information, it’s time to complete your medical consultation. This can be done either in person or online via telemedicine (Disabled Parking can give you more information on organizing this!). The consultation will not take longer than 15 minutes, and is a chance for you to discuss your medical condition and history with a licensed state physician who will certify your application form.
How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Oklahoma City
Once you have received the certification of an OK state physician, you are ready to submit your application. You can do so by mail; make sure you enclose the original application form (complete with your physician’s approval) and any relevant fees. Disability plates incur a small fee, but placards and permits do not. It’s important to submit all the required paperwork, or your application may be rejected, and you’ll need to start over.
You can mail in your application to the address on the bottom of the application form, and you can expect the delivery of your disabled parking placard or permit within 20 business days. It’s important to wait until you receive your permit before you begin to park in disabled parking spaces – failure to display a valid disabled parking permit or placard while occupying a disabled parking spot is a punishable offence regardless of your medical condition or status.
Oklahoma Handicap Parking Space Requirements
Having an Oklahoma City disabled parking placard or permit gives you access to disabled parking at many locations across the city. This is of huge benefit to those with limited mobility, who can avail of larger parking spaces that cater to adapted vehicles, or people requiring lifts to enter or exit their vehicle.
Disabled parking zones are marked by the universal handicap parking symbol (a white wheelchair on a blue background) and are typically located close to the corresponding building’s entrance point to minimize the need to walk for long distances. You can generally use your Oklahoma City disabled parking permit in other states, too – just ensure you check the regulations before you travel, as these vary depending on the state in question.
If you have a qualifying condition and would like to apply for a disabled parking permit in Oklahoma City, get in touch with Disabled Parking for more information on how to do so. OK is a very generous state when it comes to qualifying conditions, and everyone who deserves a disabled parking permit has the right to one. With the application process being as straightforward as it is, there’s no reason why you can’t apply today!
Featured image by Justin Prine on Unsplash