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If you have a disability that affects your mobility, you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit in Tennessee. Disabled drivers with permits can park in specially designated parking spots, which are often located closer to building entrances and designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to disabled parking in Tennessee, including who is eligible for a permit, how to obtain a permit, and where you can park with a disabled parking permit in the state.
Who Is Eligible For A Disabled Parking Permit In Tennessee?
To be eligible for a disabled parking permit in Tennessee, you must have a disability that affects your mobility or vision. Specifically, you may be eligible if you:
- Have had a foot, arm, leg, or hand amputated
- Have a condition that is certified by a physician as rendering you disabled
- Use a wheelchair, crutches, brace, or other assistive device
- Suffer from an illness that disallows you from walking 200 feet without stopping
- Have vision worse than 20/200
If you meet any of these criteria, talk to your physician about whether you have a condition that qualifies you for a Tennessee handicap parking permit.
How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit In Tennessee
Disabled drivers and passengers in Tennessee can obtain temporary or permanent placards or license plates. The application process involves completing form RV-F1310301 with your treating physician and submitting it to the TN Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your local county clerk's office.
There are two types of permits disabled drivers or passengers can use. You can get a temporary or permanent placard to hang on your rearview mirror, or you can get a license plate if you are permanently disabled or hearing impaired. Disabled veterans also have special disability plates available to them.
The DMV issues all disabled placards and plates, or you can visit your local county clerk’s office. Form RV-F1310301 must be completed by you and your treating physician in order to apply for a Tennessee disabled parking permit or plates. You can obtain this form online or in person.
Permanent disability placards are valid for a period of two years. A disability license plate is valid for a period of one year, and a temporary placard for six months, allowing only one renewal after that.
How Much Does A Tennessee Disability Parking Permit Cost?
If you have an illness or disability that qualifies as a temporary one, meaning you need a disability parking permit for six months or less, then you must pay a $10 fee to obtain one. Permanent placards cost $21.50, as do special disability plates (along with your vehicle’s normal registration fees).
If your disabled parking permit is lost, damaged, or stolen, then you must reapply for it and pay a fee of $2.00 for a replacement.
Where You Can Park with a Disabled Parking Permit in Tennessee
The state law allows those with disability parking plates and placards to park in all counties and cities for free. You may not be charged a fee for parking in a metered space, in municipal parking lots, or on the street as long as you have a disabled parking permit displayed on your car or disabled license plates on your vehicle.
Don’t forget that your disabled parking permit or plate is only good for a car you are traveling in as a passenger or driving yourself. If you let someone borrow your disability parking permit or plate, you can have it taken away.
Where Can I Get A Handicap Placard In TN?
You can get a handicap placard by submitting an application form to the Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Division. The application form can be obtained by visiting a local County Clerk's office or by downloading it from the Department of Revenue website. You will need to have a licensed healthcare provider certify your eligibility for the placard by completing the relevant sections of the application form. Once your application is approved, your placard will be mailed to you. You can also renew your handicap placard by submitting a new application form with the necessary fee to the Department of Revenue.
How many handicap placards can you have in Tennessee?
According to the Department of Revenue, a person can only have one handicap placard at a time. This placard must be displayed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle when it is parked in a designated accessible parking space. However, a person can have both a permanent and a temporary handicap placard if they meet the requirements for each. It is important to note that the misuse of a handicap placard is a violation of TN state law and can result in fines or penalties.
Do you have to pay for handicap parking in Tennessee?
No, holders of a valid disabled parking permit are allowed to park in designated disabled parking spaces for free, whether they are metered or not. However, this only applies to parking on public property or in government-owned parking lots. Private parking facilities, such as shopping centers or private garages, are not obligated to offer free parking to disabled individuals, although they may choose to do so voluntarily.
Can I get a handicap placard online in Tennessee?
Yes, you can obtain a handicap placard online. The Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Division, has an online application process for disabled parking permits. You can have a telemedicine consultation with a state-licensed physician through the Disabled Parking online clinic, who will verify your suitability for a disabled parking permit. Once your eligibility is confirmed, the physician will complete the relevant sections of an application form for disabled parking in Tennessee and email it to you within 24 hours. You can then complete the form and submit it, along with any necessary fees, in person or by mail to your local County Clerk's office.
