Limited Or No Use Of Limbs/ Being an Amputee and DMV Handicap Permits

Qualifying Diseases / Conditions / DMV Handicap Permits: Limited Or No Use Of Limbs Being an Amputee & Getting a DMV Handicap Permit in California

Having limited or no use of your arms doesn't mean you are stuck at home. Vehicles can be retrofitted or specially designed to accommodate drivers with these types of disabilities. You also want to look into getting a handicapped parking permit. The special placard allows you to park in a reserved spot close to entryways. Being an amputee, a DMV handicap permit is a convenient thing to have.

 Medical content reviewed by Dr Eric Jackson-Scott MD, Chief Medical Officer

How do you know if you qualify for a California handicap placard a an amputee or limb loss? Keep reading to find all of the information you need.

How to Get a DMV Placard for Limited or No Use of Limbs in California

The Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV makes it easy for California residents to start the application process. You have the option of going into the office, signing up online, or over the phone. It's easier to apply for a handicap placard than a driver's license.

At some point during the application process, you may need to go into a DMV office. Don't worry, the facilities are handicap accessible. Along with a specially designed parking lot, close to wheelchair ramps and the front doors, the counters also accommodate disabled drivers.

Eligibility for an Accessible Parking Placard for Limited or No Use of Arms - Being an Amputee and DMV Handicap Permits

If you have limited use of one or both arms you are eligible for an accessible parking placard. It also applies to joint and muscle spasms caused by a neurological, metabolic, or degenerative disorder.

Conditions that meet the eligibility requirements for handicapped parking are Ataxia, a degenerative disorder that causes tremors, instability, and difficulty maintaining balance. The neurological disorder Dystonia causes uncontrollable muscle spasms, similar to tremors, which are also eligible for a handicap parking permit. Treatment may include deep brain stimulation, but it only has limited success at reducing symptom severity. It does not cure the disorder or lessen the need for a California handicap parking permit.

Loss of hand and wrist movement also meets the eligibility requirements for a handicap placard. Hand and wrist disabilities include pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, injuries, breaks, and loss of mobility due to recent or ongoing medical treatment.

Handicap Parking Permits: How to Get One

Getting a handicapped parking permit starts with signing up with HandicapMD online. You should find one in or close to your neighborhood.

Find out their business hours, not all DMV facilities have the same operating schedules. The hours are often set to reflect the needs of the neighborhood they serve.

There is paperwork to fill out, but don't panic! You won't be buried under a mountain of paperwork. It's only a few forms dealing with your medical history, employment, and residency status. You must show you either live or work in California and have the appropriate paperwork from your physician describing your medical condition.

It's best to get the paperwork together before contacting the DMV. It saves time, and you only have to make one trip.

How to Apply for a Handicap Parking Permit for Limited or No Use of Arms

With all of your paperwork in hand, head to the DMV office. Remember, the facility has a handicapped parking lot you can take advantage of.

Our HandicapMD experts will fill in and sign the Medical Provider’s Form of your application REG 195. Don't forget to sign at the bottom and initial in all applicable places. The application is for plates and placards, you can choose which one fits your needs. Something to consider. License plates are only valid for the vehicle they are registered to. Placards can be moved to other vehicles as needed.

Your physician, surgeon, or nurse practitioner also needs to sign the form after detailing your medical condition and why it qualifies you for a handicapped placard. Physician assistants and certified midwives can also fill out the form if they are your primary caregiver.

Applicants missing one or both hands or arms do not need a physician's signature since the condition and its effects are obvious. You will need to visit the DMV in person if this applies to you.

You also need to pay a fee. It is currently $6 for a temporary parking placard. You do not have to pay a fee for a permanent handicap parking permit, but you need to turn in your original license plates to the DMV. Registration fees for vehicles remain the same and are due every two years when you renew the California disabled person license plates.

Why You Should Consider a Handicap Parking Placard for Limited or No Use of Arms

A disability sticker in California allows you to park in designated spaces close to doors and access ramps. The spaces are marked with a wheelchair symbol or otherwise labeled as reserved for individuals with disabilities. Pay attention to spaces with blue or green curbs. A blue curb indicates unlimited parking time, while green denotes a specific length. A sign by the parking spot will let you know how long you can park without getting a ticket or being towed.

The California handicap placard does have limitations. You cannot park in a space designated for wheelchair lifts. These spots have a criss-cross pattern painted across. Red and yellow curbs are for emergency vehicles only, and white ones are for loading and unloading supplies and passengers.

Even though a disability placard does not allow you to park anywhere, it does make it easier to find a spot close to the building.

Get a HandicapMD Consultation for Disabled Person Permit

The loss of a hand or arm or reduced mobility doesn't have to limit where you can go in California. The state issues handicap permits to qualifying individuals that live or work in the state.

Handicap parking requirements are strict. Not everyone will  qualify for handicapped parking, but if you are disabled it is something you want to look into. Talk to a HandicapMD physician today about your disability, and start the process of getting a handicap parking placard online for your vehicle.