For disabled residents of Vermont, having a handicap parking permit can make a big difference. Not only are you entitled to park in designated handicap spots, but you can also park longer than posted time limits and even receive assistance at some gas stations. In this article, we'll go over what you need to know about VT handicap parking laws and how to apply for a handicap parking permit.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles offers several different types of handicap parking permits, including:
Permanent disability passes (valid for up to four years)
Temporary disability passes (valid for up to six months)
Disability license plates (can be renewed on the third vehicle registration renewal)
It's important to always display your VT handicap pass clearly from your rearview mirror when parked in a handicap spot. Failure to do so can result in a fine or citation, in accordance with VT handicap parking laws. You must also remove the pass when you put the vehicle in motion. Anyone who uses a handicap pass and is not handicapped could face serious penalties.
To be eligible for a handicap placard in VT, you must meet certain qualifications, including:
Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
Restricted by a severe lung disease
Unable to walk without using a crutch, cane, brace, prosthetic device, wheelchair, another person, or any other assistive device
Requires the use of portable oxygen
Has a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition in accordance with the standards set by the American Heart Association
Limited mobility due to an arthritic, orthopedic, or neurological condition
Having vision that does not exceed 20/200 in the best eye with corrective lenses
If vision is better than 20/200, the field of vision must be at an angle of no more than 20 degrees
To apply for a handicap parking permit in Vermont, you must fill out the appropriate application form and have the medical certification section completed by a medical professional. You can submit your application via mail or in person at a local Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Temporary handicap placards cannot be renewed, so you must fill out a new handicap parking application form if you still need your pass. Permanent handicap placards can be renewed by filling out a new application, but you do not need a new medical certification statement if your original form indicates your disability will never change or improve. Your disability license plate can be renewed by paying your vehicle registration fees and submitting a recertification of your medical condition on the third registration renewal.
If you believe you meet the qualifications for a handicap parking permit in VT, be sure to contact a licensed physician for an evaluation. Having a handicap parking permit can make a big difference in your daily life, providing you with the necessary accommodations to navigate public spaces with greater ease.
While each state has its own rules and regulations regarding handicap parking, many states do recognize out-of-state handicap passes and permits. However, it's important to note that the parking laws may differ from state to state, and you should always check the specific rules and regulations of the state you are visiting before parking in a handicap spot. Additionally, some states may only recognize out-of-state permits for a limited time period. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan or alternate parking options in case you are unable to find a designated handicap spot.
You can pick up a handicap parking placard application at any local Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or you can download the forms from the DMV website. You can also request an application by mail by contacting the Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000. Once you have completed the application and have had the medical certification section completed by a medical professional, you can submit the application by mail or in person at a local DMV office. It's important to note that there is no fee for a handicap parking permit in VT.
Yes, if you have a valid VT handicap pass, you are allowed to park for free at a metered parking spot for up to the maximum time limit posted on the meter. Additionally, if there is no time limit posted, you are allowed to park for up to two hours. However, it's important to note that this applies only to metered spots that are not designated as no parking zones, loading zones, or other restricted areas. It's always a good idea to double-check the parking rules and regulations of the specific location you plan to park in to avoid any potential citations or fines.
Yes, it is illegal to park in a designated handicap spot in VT without a valid handicap parking permit or license plate. The penalty for illegally parking in a handicap spot can result in a fine, which can vary depending on the jurisdiction. Additionally, illegally parking in a handicap spot can result in your vehicle being towed at your expense. It's important to note that handicap parking spots are reserved for individuals who have disabilities and need them for accessibility, and parking in these spots without a valid permit or license plate can prevent these individuals from accessing the services they need.
In VT, handicap parking passes are valid for different periods of time depending on the type of pass you have:
Permanent disability passes are valid for up to four years.
Temporary disability passes are valid for up to six months.
Disability license plates can be renewed on the third vehicle registration renewal.
It's important to note that temporary handicap parking passes cannot be renewed, so a new application must be submitted if the permit is still needed. Permanent handicap parking passes can be renewed by filling out a new application, but a new medical certification statement is not needed if the original form indicates that the disability will never change or improve.
To renew your handicap placard in Vermont, you will need to fill out a new application form. The renewal process differs depending on the type of handicap parking permit you have:
Permanent disability passes: You can renew your permanent disability placard by filling out a new Disabled Parking Placard Application (Form TA-VD-120), which is available on the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. You do not need a new medical certification statement if your original form indicates that your disability will never change or improve.
Temporary disability passes: Temporary handicap placards cannot be renewed, so if you still need a handicap parking permit, you will need to fill out a new Temporary Disabled Parking Placard Application and Medical Form (Form TA-VL-38).
Disability license plates: To renew your disability license plates, you will need to pay your vehicle registration fees and submit a recertification of your medical condition on the third registration renewal.
Once you have filled out the appropriate application form, you can submit it to the Vermont DMV by mail or in person at a local DMV office. Be sure to submit the application form in advance of the expiration date of your current permit, to avoid any gaps in your ability to use handicap parking spaces.
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