Whether you are in the process of applying for a handicap permit or have already received your pass, there are many questions about the rules and regulations you must follow to legally use the benefits of your handicap parking pass in Utah. BY understanding the process of successfully applying, choosing, and using your placard you will\be equipped to effectively use your parking pass for as long as you should need it.
Starting the process
In order to begin the process of registering and getting your parking permit, you have to understand the steps and application information to make sure the process foes smoothly. You first must file a TC-842 form and mail it into a Utah DMV or deliver the application in person. This form is a way for the registry to understand the applicant, their license status, desired duration of permit, and some information at the eligibility. Most of the information is basic and can be filled out with ease, but in order to make sure you have the disability you marked, the state requires the approval of a licensed physician of your case that ensures you have the disability that you are filing for. Thankfully due to modern innovations and technology you can consult with a doctor online if your disability prevents you from travelling to go see your doctor or if is simply an inconvenience. Once you pay a small fee depending on the longevity of your license, you will be given the option to choose which ID best suits your needs.
Types of identification
After filling out your application, the DMV will allow you how you want to display your parking status based on your completed documentation. Your choice will primarily be based on the extent of your permit and condition or the method that you want to display your permit. There are four different methods to choose from all with various traits to give insight to the condition of the owner that are as follows:
- Permanent Disability Placard: Permanent disability placards issued in Utah are given to those who have been diagnosed with a medical disability that allows them to park in handicapped spaces for as long as they renew their registration for which must be renewed every two years
- Temporary Disability Placard: Like the permanent disability placard in its basic use and function, the temporary disability placard is issued to users who may have a disability that is only temporary or are suffering complications from an outside factor that is valid for six months and requires a reapplication to get a new one.
- Disability License Plate: Instead of having to put up the disability placard anytime you want to park in a designated handicap space, the users’ license plate would indicate the handicapped status and must be registered anytime you get a new vehicle.
- Permanent placards for organizations: These special placards are issued to special organizations and are not issued to the public.
Out of state benefits
One benefit to an officially licensed parking permit is that not only does it allow you to occupy handicap parking spaces in the state of Georgia, but it also allows you to park in handicap spaces anywhere else in the United States of America. Being able to travel from state to state knowing that you will be accommodated no matter where you go is not only a convenience, but it can also be the difference between travelling and not for many people who suffer from disabilities.
Reporting misuse
If you are someone with a handicap permit and there are no available sports left, you may unfortunately have to park somewhere else. If there is someone parked in a handicapped sport without the correct license plate or windshield badge, then every state encourages you to contact the owner of the store the violation is occurring at and even the police. While many are ignorant to the usage of these limited spaces for others, it is not only rude, but it is also illegal and should be dealt with. If an establishment also decides to restrict the time usage or days of the handicapped space that Is also illegal as handicapped spot must always remain open and are not allowed to be shut down for certain times or events as according to the law.
While most businesses and parking areas want to accommodate those with disabilities, there are still some restrictions that apply to those with specialty parking permits. For example, even if you have the plates or placard, you are still required to pay for certain parking features such as event parking and street side parking meters that are not dedicated for handicapped use. Another issue many people forget to remember is the duration of their permit or license plate. Even if you have a registered license plate or placard for a permanent disability, the state of Georgia requires you to renew your temporary placard or get your plates renewed when your vehicle is inspected depending on the predetermined duration you have been assigned to utilize the service. If you park in a handicapped space with an expired permit than you can be charged as if you had no permit at all.
Sharing the placard
One of the trickier rules, determining when it is allowed and when it presents a violation for someone else to use the placard differs. If the person who the placard was issued to is in the vehicle, then it may park in the Handicapped space. If the disabled person is not in the car and the placard is used however than it is a violation of the parking code and results in the removal and need for reapplication of the originally issued placard or plate due to the misdemeanor of allowing someone other than the person it was given to unfairly using the plate.
Conclusion
Remembering to follow all the rules and regulations for properly using your parking permit can seem like a lot to remember, but if you remember the rules mentioned above you will be on your way to using your permit successfully for many years.