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Are US Handicap Placards Accepted In the EU?
Can US handicap parking permits be accepted in the EU? This is a common question as more and more people are getting an opportunity to travel now that restrictions have been eased and the lockdown rules are less strict than they used to be in the past.
The EU, which is made up of many European countries, has always been a top-rated travel destination for many Americans. It is expected to continue being so even when the COVID lockdown ends.
So, you might be asking yourself, will I be able to use my handicap placard when I travel to Europe? Well, we have done all the necessary research and background work for you to have an easier time answering this. The information that we outline in the following sections will enable you to determine where you can use your handicap placard.
What Is the Difference Between the EU and Europe?
Europe and the EU are not the same since the EU is a political block with a number of European states that are its members.
Are US Disabled Placards Valid in the EU?
Yes. US handicap parking placards are accepted in all EU states. These countries are part of the ECMT, which means that all the nations that are part of the agreement must recognize handicap parking placards from all the signatory nations. This agreement is also composed of several countries that are not European.
Are US Disabled Placards Accepted in Non-EU European Countries?
Yes. US handicap parking placards are also accepted in non-EU countries in Europe.
What Types of US disabled Parking Permits are Valid in the EU?
There are different kinds of handicap parking permits issued in every American state. These include permanent license plates and permits, temporary permits, organizational permits and plates, and handicap veterans' license plates. These are all valid in the EU and other European countries.
Are EU Rules for handicap Parking Different from Those in the US?
Most handicap parking permit rules are the same in the US and the EU. Any driver with a handicap parking permit can park in a handicap-access parking space. All the parking lots are required to have a certain number of parking spaces for the handicap.
However, the permit holders will not be able to park their vehicle in areas that have been reserved as loading bays. The drivers can also not park in areas that have been marked as “No Parking” zones.
Several rules will be slightly different in the EU for handicap parking permit holders. For instance, they will not be able to park in metered, on-street spaces without paying in some areas while they will be allowed in other areas.
However, it is always considered a wise decision to first check with the local disabled authorities in the region that you intend to visit to find out more specific details about the rules they have about handicap parking and what is allowed.
Are EU Driving Rules Different From Those in the US?
The driving rules for the EU are the same as those found in the US. The places where you might notice a massive difference are the UK, Malta, Ireland and Cyprus. In these countries, the vehicles usually drive on the left side and as such, it will take a bit of adjustment to get used to the road and the new set of driving rules that come with this change of direction.
How to Obtain a Car in the EU
There are a lot of car hire companies that are available all across the EU. There are several hubs that you can use to rent a car and car-sharing companies that offer ride-sharing services for tourists and other people.
To drive in the EU, you will need to contact the car rental company who will make the necessary arrangements and get you the car of your liking. You will have to sign an agreement for this and pay a deposit to use the car in the EU. Remember to keep the car in good condition and always take reasonable and proper care of it while you are in the EU.
In some of the countries, it will take a bit of adjustments for you to be able to get used to driving. As such, you should ensure that you take a while to learn about the rules of the road and how you should interpret the different signs that you will often find on the side of the road and in parking lots.
Main Conditions for Obtaining handicap Parking in the US
To get a handicap parking permit, there are several conditions that you are required to meet. These tend to slightly vary depending on the state that you are applying in, but the main reasons that will qualify you for a handicap parking permit in the US are:-
- Inability to walk 200 feet without pausing for rest
- Inability to walk without assistive devices
- Respiratory diseases
- Heart conditions
- Arthritic conditions
- The need to carry an oxygen tank
Making the application for a handicap parking permit is pretty simple. You can do online consultation with a certified physician and get them to fill out their section of the application form. The online process is much easier and ensures that you are able to make the application a lot faster and more conveniently.
It also saves you time and money as you will not have to fret about transportation costs and a huge waiting duration for the doctor to appear and fill in their portion of the application form. The online process has a number of benefits that you will be glad to learn if you are unable to move to the doctor and as such, you will be able to get the permit a lot easily.
You will then be required to fill out the rest of the form and submit it to the local MVA for processing. It is this simple, and you usually have your placard or license plate mailed to you as soon as it has been processed.
