Handicap placard

[colleenw]

Hi. I have a handicapped placard but it expires the end of the month we leave. We're staying 2 days into the next month. If the placard doesn't come by the time we leave, will I get a ticket if I park in handicap for those 2 days using the placard I have? I don't want to do anything wrong but have a car and scooter. I forgot to have the doctor renew the papers and have to mail it in and wait for placard. It should come in time once I pick up paper and send it....but just in case.....Thanks.

 

[gap2368]

With out a place card you will get a ticket for parking on a handicap spot

 

[arminnie]

My hangtag expired a year ago. There's been a lot of misinformation given to me about getting one in Arkansas where my car is registered. I was told that I had to go to a doctor in Arkansas - that my paperwork from my doctor in New Orleans could not be used. Lots of other run around stuff. Net result is that I have been parking with an expired tag for a year. Haven't had a ticket yet. Still trying to get it straightened out. Now I need a special form so I can park in a van accessible parking place - as I have a van with a lift for my power chair.

 

[SueM in MN]

You would be taking a chance with an expired handicapped parking permit. How much of a chance, we don’t know. It’s possible the date might not be noticed, but to avoid the chance at your resort, someone could drop you off close to your room/the entrance and then park.

At the parks, let the parking lot CMs you come to know that you have a scooter. They do have spots for people who have mobility devices and don’t have a handicapped parking permit. You will probably be directed to the overflow Medical Parking. The actual handicapped spots where a permit is needed either have handicapped parking signs or are marked with blue paint. The ones that don’t require a permit are marked with white paint. Just steer clear of the blue and you will be fine.

 

[SueM in MN]

Now I need a special form so I can park in a van accessible parking place - as I have a van with a lift for my power chair.

I’ve never heard of a special form for parking in the van accessible spaces. Is that snow Arkansas thing?

We’ve got a wheelchair ramp van and we also need the van accessible spots for my daughter’s wheelchair.
One of my pet peeves is that the van accessible spots are usually filled with cars while the car spots are empty.
I kind of wish they would move the van accessible spots to the end of the handicapped spots - probably a lot of people park there because they are closer.

 

[arminnie]

Yes it was recently adopted in Arkansas. Makes sense - but I'm not sure how they will handle out of state cars that do not have that type of tag.

As my DH drives me everywhere and I now have a great power chair we often do not park in handicap spots if we can find open spaces in a back row where there is room to unload and load me. I can easily motor up to the entrance from a back row so we try to save those spots for people that have a real need to be close to the door.

But I do need room to load and unload so sometimes the only place that can handle that is an accessible parking place.

 

[redberyl]

We forgot my daughters placard when we went, i told the people directing traffic and they put us in the medical lot (some called it the courtesy lot). Its right next to the handicapped lot, still up front and easy to get the entrance

 

[I Love Pluto]

To my knowledge - (in Pennsylvania) the “van accessible” spaces are for those vans with their exit ramp on the side of the van. We are to leave those spaces open, if possible, for that side ramp. That is why that space is wider. If that is the ONLY HC space available, then we can use it.

My lift is in the rear of the van. I leave the accessible van spots open whenever I can.

I don’t know how other states handle this.

 

[arminnie]

To my knowledge - (in Pennsylvania) the “van accessible” spaces are for those vans with their exit ramp on the side of the van. We are to leave those spaces open, if possible, for that side ramp. That is why that space is wider. If that is the ONLY HC space available, then we can use it.

My lift is in the rear of the van. I leave the accessible van spots open whenever I can.

I don’t know how other states handle this.

My lift is also in the rear. But I still need room on the side for my DH to bring my chair to me and for me to transfer to or from the chair. My DH will often move to another parking place after unloading me. But that can sometimes cause a problem with loading me back up when we are ready to leave.

 

[Belle1962]

Are you renting a car while there? Parking in a HC spot with an expired tag can cost you a ticket and possibly a tow. Do people get away with using one? Yes. But you need to weigh the risk personally? The choice is yours but I personally think the advice given here is good. In GA a permanent (Blue) tag never needs a doctor to complete the original form. And they let you have both the tag and a plate. If the only hold up is getting the special van tag can you get the regular one for now and deal with switching it over when you get home?

 

[NiceOneSimba]

Ask for the Medical Overflow Lot if your tags don't come. You can ask for it at the parking lot gate. Generally, you proceed like you are going to the handicapped parking, and then tell the attendant that you need the medical overflow lot. The lots are right next to the handicapped parking in most parks. Super easy and close.

 

[SueM in MN]

Added info - My Daughter’s handicap parking permit is due to expire.
Rather than mailing the renewal in, I used the option of taking it directory the Motor Vehicle office. They printed off a receipt, which is good for 3 months, and stapled it to her original hangtag.
That will allow us to legally use it until the renewed one arrives.

So, check out in your state whethe they can do the same.

 

[cmwade77]

Just a thought can you physically go to the DMV and get a temporary placard until your new one arrives? I know here in California they do that in such circumstances, issuing a paper placard that is valid for about 60 days to allow processing and mailing of the regular placard.


EDIT: I just saw Sue's last post that was essentially the same as this, but it may be a valid option.

 

[mamabunny]

Just a thought can you physically go to the DMV and get a temporary placard until your new one arrives? I know here in California they do that in such circumstances, issuing a paper placard that is valid for about 60 days to allow processing and mailing of the regular placard.


EDIT: I just saw Sue's last post that was essentially the same as this, but it may be a valid option.

You should check your state for sure - not every state does that. My home state does NOT have an option like that; you must apply via mail, and you must send in the required forms, signed by your physician, and you just have to wait. It's why there's never any "temporary" or red tags in our state; most folks need one (like for a broken foot/leg/etc.) for about 4 to 6 weeks, and it usually takes that long to get the tag!

 

[Disneyfan754321]

At disney it does not matter, we had a rental van the last two times we were there. They will let you park there the parking guy told us doesmt matter. Its private property. ( Our handicap is on our plate I cant bring it) honestly I should have taken the parking tram. The handicap parking at disney is huge. I could have parked next to the tram car and been better off.

 

[lanejudy]

At disney it does not matter, we had a rental van the last two times we were there. They will let you park there the parking guy told us doesmt matter. Its private property.

I’m sorry you were mis-informed, but this is not true. Yes, WDW is “private property” in that Disney owns it rather than a municipal/government. But just like your local grocery store, shopping strip or Walmart, the HA parking does require proper documentation or you risk a fine. I suggest you check if your state can issue a temporary hang tag for you to take for use on vacation, or you can contact Florida with the link from a poster above to get one issued
For the rental. I believe it’s a $250
Fine and the sheriff’s office does patrol WDW lots.

Enjoy your vacation!