Whether you began your search or are still searching ways to get a disability parking permit, you must review your state laws. Each state falls under the American governed laws for disabled persons but have variations on the laws. The best way for you to assess what you will need is outlined step by step below.
The State of Vermont disabled persons laws are similar to other states but have a few more qualifications and restrictions. Conduct some research to figure out if you are eligible and decide how you want to proceed.
What are Vermont’s Laws for Disability Parking Permits?
To apply in Vermont, you must be a permanent resident of the state. You are required to submit several forms of identification with your application and forms from your physician to stay current. As an individual with disabilities, your civil rights are heavily guarded under the Americans with Disabilities Act. You are entitled to Reasonable Accommodation as stated under the laws.
- Gasoline Services
Each gas station and/or convenience store are required to post if they offer handicap accommodations. You may request full-service at the offered location and an attendant must service you at the self-service cost.
- Utilization of Placards
Never lend your disability parking placard to someone to use on your behalf or allow anyone with your permission if you will not be present with them.
- Punishment
Fines may be assessed for misuse or abuse up to $1,000 and punishable up to six months in jail (Misdemeanor)
What Criteria is Required to Apply for Parking Permits?
After a quick glance at your state’s procedures, you will need to get an application and contact your medical provider for a recommendation for services. You must use this form to determine if you are eligible for a Vermont disability parking placard.
- Do not have mobility without a crutch, brace, cane, wheelchair, or other person
- Your vision is restricted at 20/200 with corrective lenses or have worse vision
- Severe lung disease restricts your breaths
- Portable oxygen tank for breathing
- Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
- Cardiac disorders classified as III or IV (determined by the American Heart Association)
Keep in mind, only your physician may disclose and approve of your disabilities for your application. Your condition for each ailment will be classified as a temporary or permanent disability.
How You Know What Category You Fall Into
Once your medical provider determines your eligibility, it will be decided if you need a temporary parking placard or a permanent parking placard. Your temporary status means that you need assistance for no longer than six months. Your permanent status means your condition never changes or will worsen over time.
- Temporary Parking placards are not eligible to renew
- Permanent Parking placards will automatically renew every four years
You may choose a disabled license plate, only if you have a permanent disability. Your disabled license plate will renew every three years, on the date of your registration renewability. You will have to pay appropriate fees for a license plate.
Why Do You Need a Physician?
Every state requires anyone applying for a disability parking placard to have a medical certification. Only a medical provider/physician is permitted to certify your condition. Vermont procedures say that you must keep your medical certification current at each renewal. If your disability changes, it will need to be reported to your local Department of Motor Vehicles agency, directly.
Where Do You Submit Your Application?
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles oversees all disability parking permits or plates applications. They uphold the laws of the state and require your identifiable documents to receive a parking placard. Throughout Vermont several locations are available to you, you must submit your application in person or through the mail. Be sure you visit an office located closest to you.
What is the Next Step After Receiving Your Parking Permit?
You must follow the proper use techniques assessed by Vermont and the Department of Motor Vehicles. You have few restrictions, but if not obeyed you could face serious punishment as permitted by law.
- Always place parking placards in your rearview mirror inside your vehicle
- Be sure your placard’s expiration date is clearly visible through the windshield
- Never show your placard hanging when you or your driver is operating the vehicle
Additionally, you may be a passenger of the vehicle being used for parking in a handicap accessible space. You must be in the vehicle in use, if it is not registered to you. If your placard is damaged, stolen or lost, submit the appropriate forms for lost and stolen parking placards (you must file a complaint with law enforcement). If your placard is damaged, surrender to your nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office and fill out a form for damaged placards. You will receive new placards in the mail in 6-10 days.
If you find that you never received your placards, after waiting the adequate time period, you must visit the DMV in person to find out what step is needed from you. Always have your receipts or copies of your originals on hand.
Where You Can Park
You are permitted to park anywhere in the state that has an accessible parking sign placed. Remember to never park in the stripes next to the posted space, as these spots are reserved for wheelchair accessible vehicles and individuals. You will be allowed to use your parking placards in other states without having to reapply, check state rules to see if you need a traveler’s disability parking permit. Know your parking placard colors (red=temporary, dark blue=permanent, and light blue=wheelchair handicapped) to avoid unnecessary violations.
What You Need to Do Next
After concluding that you can apply for a Vermont disability parking placard, gather your documents and determine to send in the mail or submit in person. Vermont allows a few special rules for those that are residents, so visit your local DMV for specifications and help. Allot processing times for applications and allow this outline to guide you for your disability parking placards.