In the state of Michigan, Disabled parking permits are issued on a temporary basis for up to six months, or on a permanent basis. Once you establish eligibility, you must obtain a physician signed certificate and file with the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles. You can file through the mail or in person at a local Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Disabled parking permit placards are free, and disabled parking permit license plates come with the same fees associated with any license plate renewal. Your permanent placard must be renewed every four years.
The disabled parking permit program is intended for persons with chronic or lifelong disabilities, as well as persons experiencing a temporary injury or illness lasting more than three weeks. The disabled parking permit enables you to park in blue and white designated disabled parking spaces around your community.
Before you obtain your disabled parking permit, make sure you understand the rules, regulations, and responsibilities that come with the disabled parking permit program.
Who Qualifies for Disabled Parking in Michigan?
Disabled parking permits are issued to persons with a chronic condition, disability or handicap that limits their mobility or poses a risk to them while walking. There is no official list of conditions that qualify a person for disabled parking permits. There are, however, some common guidelines used by medical providers to make this decision.
- Partial or total loss of limb or limb functionality
- A serious cardiac condition (class III or IV) including heart attack or stroke
- Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping or the risk of falling
- Reliance on supplemental oxygen, or a severe breathing difficulty in motion or at rest
- Reliance on or use of an ambulatory assistive device such as a cane, walker, brace or wheelchair
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) including emphysema and bronchitis
- Severe obesity which limits mobility
- Total or partial blindness or severe vision impairment such as cataracts
- Dizziness, seizures, muscle spasms or sudden and uncontrollable loss of muscle tone
These are just a few of the conditions which may grant you eligibility to the disabled parking permit program. Talk with your doctor or other medical providers about your needs.
There are many temporary illness and injuries which can present with these symptoms but are not necessarily permanent conditions. If you are experiencing a mobility altering illness or injury such as a broken leg, pulled tendon, or an extended recovery time from surgery, you may be eligible for a temporary placard.
Your primary care doctor and other members of their team including registered nurses and physicians assistants can also sign this paperwork for you. If you are receiving specialist care relating to your disability or injury, that provider may also sign this document. Podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, and physical therapists are a few of the most common kinds of specialists who sign these documents.
If you are not currently being treated by a specialist, or wish to skip the cost and hassle of a regular appointment, don’t worry! You can be seen by a qualified Michigan provider from the comfort of your home through a virtual visit.
What are the Rules of Michigan Disabled Parking?
Once you receive your disabled parking permit placard, be sure you have reviewed closely the rules and regulations of your new placard.
- Placards must always be displayed when parking. Failure to do so may result in a fine or revocation of your placard.
- Placards may not be hung from the rearview mirror while driving, as it is an obstruction of view.
- All other parking and driving regulations must be obeyed.
- Placards must be renewed every four years.
- Placards can be used in any car you travel in, even if you are not driving.
- Placards are valid in all 50 states
- Placards may not be lent to another person at any time for any reason. This is a crime.
If you witness misuse or abuse of a disabled parking space, report it to your local police force immediately. Not only is it illegal to park in a disabled parking space without a disabled parking permit, but it poses a real danger to those who genuinely need access to those spaces.
If you encounter a vehicle parked in a disabled space, be sure to note the time, location and license plate number of the offense. Then contact the local parking authority to report the crime.
Remember, reports are not just intended to punish the driver, but to maintain the safety of the community. Disabled persons in need of these spaces are at risk of falling when they are denied the use of the space by inconsiderate drivers.
Remember, not all disabled persons look disabled. Also, placards may be used when picking up a disabled person who is not yet in the car but will be entering the car. Do not ever accuse someone of falsely using a disabled parking permit placard. If you see a placard displayed, it is most likely being used correctly. If you do not see a placard displayed, report it immediately, because it is a violation.
Michigan Disabled Parking Overview
The state of Michigan’s disabled parking permit program is for persons with a temporary or chronic condition limiting their ability to walk more than 200 feet safely and comfortably. Disabled parking spaces are available throughout all of Michigan for the comfort and safety of residents and travelers alike.
If you experience difficulty walking more than 200 feet safely and without pain, talk to a health care provider to see if you qualify for a disabled parking permit under Michigan state guidelines.
If you qualify, your healthcare provider can sign a document for you which verifies your disability. You must then file this document by mail, or in person at any local Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Temporary placards are valid for six months, and permanent placards must be renewed every four years.
This program was designed for the safety and happiness of all residents. If you feel that you are unsafe walking more than 200 feet, be sure to talk to your provider about a disabled parking permit.