When you live every day with a disability, it’s nice to be able to get to amenities and buildings in your city safely and efficiently. If you live in Nebraska, you can apply for a disability placard or license plate that allows you to park in a handicap space. This keeps you from having to walk far to get to the front door and take advantage of other features that make it easier for you to get around in your city. If you live in Nebraska, here are some important things you need to know to obtain your handicap parking permit.
Qualifications and Fees
In Nebraska, you don’t have to pay a fee for your permit. Your disability must qualify in order to get a placard. If you have a cardiac condition that falls into the Class 3 or Class 4 category according to the American Heart Association, you can receive a disability placard. If you aren’t able to use one or more limbs or have lost one or more limbs, the state of Nebraska will issue you a handicap parking permit. You can also get a placard if you have severe breathing issues including but not limited to lung disease. If your vision is severely impaired or your are legally blind, you’re eligible for a disabled permit. It’s also a good idea to apply for a permit if you use a walker, cane or wheelchair, or if you’re not able to walk without someone assisting you.
How Are the Placards Used?
Nebraska residents can use handicapped parking permits when you visit facilities like schools, hospitals, retirement homes and other places of business that transport and accommodate disabled individuals. Permits can also be assigned to vehicles that are registered and titled to these facilities. The placards allow the employees of these establishments to transport individuals with disabilities.
How Many Permits Will You Receive?
Disabled Nebraska residents are entitled to two permits each. Handicapped persons can also receive disabled license plates for their vehicles. When you apply for your placards, be sure to indicate whether or not you also need license plates.
How to Use Your Handicap Parking Permit Correctly
Your parking permit is non-transferable and you can’t alter or copy the placard. You are the only one who is permitted to use the placard. If your friends or family use your permit, you must be in the vehicle in order to use a handicap parking space. The placard should only be used when a disabled person is entering or existing a car or truck when the vehicle is parked in a handicapped parking space.
The state will only issue one permit or plate per vehicle. You have to use the placard that is assigned to your vehicle. Remember to keep the receipt that you received with the permit so you can show proof of your permit’s validity.
Your handicap permit needs to be hooked to the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in a disabled parking area. Don’t forget to take the placard down then the vehicle is in motion. If you don’t have a rearview mirror, the permit should be on the dashboard of the vehicle.
Temporary and Permanent Handicap Permits
In Nebraska, permanent disability permits are blue and indicate that you have a long-standing medical condition. You’ll need to renew your permit every six years. Permanent permits expire on the last day of the permit holder’s birthday month.
Temporary handicap permits are red and are effective for three to six months. The time the placard is valid depends on the nature of the temporary condition. If the time period for having a placard has passed and you still need a permit, you can renew it once for an additional three or six months. If you still have the disability after the second renewal, you’ll be eligible to apply for a permanent disability permit.
Handicap License Plates
If you have a permanent condition that impairs your mobility, you can also apply for a disability license plate in Nebraska. If you have a prosthetic limb, suffer from severe respiratory conditions or have other visual and physical impairments that affect your ability to get around every day, you can apply through the state DMV for a license plate. You can also receive Nebraska handicap plates, you must be the vehicle owner. Or, you can apply on behalf of your child, parents or beneficiary of trust to get a license plate, especially if you’ll be transportation for your disabled loved one most of the time.
Submitting Your Plate and Permit Application
You can find the forms you need at the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles or download the form online. Once you have the document, you should fill out the necessary information. You’ll also have to take the form to your doctor to fill out the Medical Certification section. Your signature and your physician’s signature must be on the application. When your application is approved, the DMV will send a letter letting you know when you can pick up your license plate from the County Treasurer’s office. Be sure to bring the letter with you to the county official to receive your plates.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay all necessary taxes and fees when you receive your new license plates. Unless you’re a disabled veteran, you’ll have to pay a motor vehicle tax before receiving your tags.
If you need to get a permanent disability placard at the same time as your disabled license plates and you don’t have a current permit, you can get a placard by checking the box on the Application for Handicapped License Plates under your signature.
Handicap Parking Abuse
When people park in a handicap parking area without using a permit or placard, they may be subject to a fine in Nebraska. You can avoid this by making sure your permit is properly displayed when your vehicle is parked. If you see anyone abusing disabled parking, tell the nearest law enforcement or business owners to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.