Disabled parking and disabled parking permits can be a difficult thing to understand. Because of all of the different rules and regulations between each state, the world of disabled parking can be a mess. This guide is meant to shine a light on some of the most helpful tips on disabled parking in Ohio to make your life easier.

Not Just People Can Own Disabled Parking Permits

Disabled parking permits for companies or organizations are often a looked-over topic. Many people assume that just individuals can own a disabled parking permit. However, this isn’t true in the state of Ohio.

Taken from the actual PDF version of the disabled parking permit application for Ohio residents, here is the definition for an organization to qualify for a disabled parking permit:

“… a private organization or corporation or any governmental board, agency department, division, or office, that, as part of its business or program, transports people with disabilities (limited or impaired ability to walk) on a regular basis in a motor vehicle that has not been altered for the purpose of providing it with special equipment or the use by people with disabilities.”

In summary, these qualifications outline what organization can own a disabled parking permit. These may be given to hospitals, transportation companies, or government organizations who are a business or need to provide help to those who are disabled.

There Are Multiple Types Of Permits

There isn’t just a general disabled parking permit. There are temporary placards, permanent placards, permanent license plates, and even a military license plate that serve as a permit. There are differences between each one and they are given to different people based on their circumstances. Here are the differences between all of them.

Temporary Placards

  • Temporary disabled parking permit placards are great for those who have a reversible disability or a short-term injury.
  • They are valid for up to six months.
  • You cannot renew these, you’ll need to reapply for another temporary permit if you find that you’ll need it past the six month expiration period. This means another trip to the doctor for another medical certification.
  • They are red.
  • They must be visibly shown on your rearview mirror.

Permanent Placards

  • Permanent disabled parking permit placards are for those with a permanent or long-term injury that disables or limits them.
  • The time they are valid may vary. The medical professional who completes the medical portion of your application will put an “end date” on your disability. This date is also the expiration date. To renew your permanent placard, you’ll have to reapply but no more medical certifications are necessary.
  • They are blue
  • They must be visibly shown on your rearview mirror.

Permanent License Plates

  • Permanent license plate disability parking permits are, again, for those with a permanent or long-term injury that disables or limits them.
  • They replace your original license plate.
  • The process to renew them is simple. You’ll automatically renew your license plate as a disabled parking permit whenever you annually register your vehicle.
  • There is no fee associated with obtaining a permanent license plate.
  • May be issued to a person, a vehicle that is altered to accommodate a disabled individual or a bus that transports disabled persons.
  • You’ll need to fill out a separate form called the Physician/Chiropractor’s Certification of Eligibility for License Plates for Persons with Disabilities. It’s also more formally called Form BMV 4834.

Permanent License Placards For Military

  • These disabled parking permit placards are for military personnel that has suffered from a service-connected disability that impairs their ability to walk.
  • You’ll need to fill out a different application called the Application for Removable Windshield Placard for Active Duty Military / Veterans with Disabilities. It’s also called Form BMV 4531.
  • These look different and serve to identify the owner as active military personnel or a veteran.
  • You’ll also need to submit a current letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration that confirms that the disability is service-connected.
  • There is also no fee for those who are interested in this type of placard.

You Can Submit Your Documents For A Disabled Parking Permit In More Than One Way

It’s a common misconception that you must turn in your application for disabled parking in-person. And, in some states, that is true. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to turn in your paperwork in-person in other states. However, Ohio is more flexible and offers different ways to turn in your disabled parking permit application.

Mail It In

When you’re turning in your application, you have the option of mailing it to the address listed below:

Ohio Bureau Of Motor Vehicles
Attn.: Registration
Remittance Processing Section
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, OH 43216-6521

Take The In-Person Approach

In the state of Ohio, you also have the option of turning in your application in in-person. You can drop it off at any local deputy registrar license agency along with a $3.50 application fee. After that, it’s just a waiting game!

Make Sure You’re Obeying All Laws

Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? However, because of the variations in the law, it can be difficult to understand the dos and don’ts in your state. Here are some of the most important laws to follow:

  • Keep your placards visible at all times when you’re parked in a designated area. You need to have your expiration date and identification number showing. If there is no rearview mirror, try keeping it visible on your dashboard.
  • It is illegal to use the parking permit if the owner isn’t present. Even if there is a legally owned permit in your vehicle, the owner must be present for you to legally use the benefits.
  • It is always illegal to park in the access space. Whether you have or don’t have a disabled parking permit, never park in the areas designated for loading/unloading disabled persons.

Conclusion

You should now be up to date on all the most helpful tips on disabled parking and permits in Ohio. Always follow the laws and check city ordinances as well for any other rules and regulations.