Resources for you
Application for disabled placard: http://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/bmv4826.pdf
Veteran's Application for disabled license: http://publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/bmv4507.pdf
Once completed: Take completed application (with physician certification) to any Bureau of Motor Vehicles or mail to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Special Plates Unit, Box 16521, Columbus, Ohio 43216.
Phone: For questions, call 614-752-7518
Cute video: http://kfor.com/2015/06/30/man-learns-the-hard-way-not-to-park-in-a-handicap-spot/
People who are not disabled should not park in disabled parking spots.
Aside from it being morally wrong, it is a misdemeanor, in violation of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles code.
To be eligible to obtain a disability plate, an application for a disability placard needs to be required. As part of the application one’s physician must verify that he or she requires the placard due to certain physical limitations. Such criteria includes being unable to walk two hundred feet without stopping to rest, requiring an assistive device for mobility, significant respiratory limitation, the need for oxygen, cardiac disease, mobility limitations due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition along with severe visual impairments. Caregivers who assist disabled loved ones can apply for a parking placard. However, while not to be in any way disrespectful, it is not a free pass for the non-disabled to take advantage of this placard, regardless of the weather or when he or she finds themselves in a terribly crowded parking lot.
There are different types of disabled parking permits with varying expiration dates. Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months and then the consumer is required to reapply as eligibility will need to be reviewed. This option may be of benefit to an individual who is recovering from an orthopedic injury or following an injury or mobility limiting surgery. Permanent disability placards remain valid as recommended by one’s physician but will need to be renewed when informed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. License plates are valid for the length of the vehicles registration. Disabled placards are portable and can be used when riding in any vehicle. A license plate that identifies the passenger or rider as disabled remain on that vehicle.
Veteran’s license plates are provided to veterans who have a 100 percent service connected disability and/or have been awarded funds for the purchase of a vehicle. Veterans are required to submit verification from the Veteran’s administration stating that they are 100% disabled or that they have received a monetary allowance to have their vehicle modified. There is a veteran’s form that must be completed (see link below).The cost is $3.50 for a placard and eligible veterans will have that fee waived.
Misusing a disable placard can result in fines ranging from $250 to $500. Hopefully this penalty will help serve a needed deterrent. From a moral perspective, parking a disabled spot for convenience, not for necessity, is very wrong.
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