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The Ultimate Guide To Disabled Parking In Indiana
Are you a person with a disability living in Indiana? Do you need to know more about disabled parking in Indiana? As a person with a disability in Indiana, it is important to know the rules and regulations regarding disabled parking. The following sections will provide you with all the information you need to know about disabled parking in Indiana. This ultimate guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about disabled parking in Indiana.
What is Disabled Parking?
Disabled parking is a special parking space designated for individuals with disabilities. These parking spaces are designed to be closer to the building entrance and have extra room for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Disabled parking spaces are marked with the international symbol of accessibility, which is a white wheelchair on a blue background.
Who is Eligible for Disabled Parking in Indiana?
In Indiana, individuals with disabilities qualify for disabled parking permits. These permits are issued to individuals who have a physical or mental impairment that limits their mobility. The following individuals qualify for disabled parking permits in Indiana:
- Individuals with a disability that limits their ability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
- Individuals who require the use of a wheelchair, crutches, or other mobility aid.
- Individuals with lung disease, cardiac issues, or other conditions that limit their ability to walk.
- Individuals with vision impairments.
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities.
What is a Disabled Parking Permit?
A disability parking pass, also known as a disability placard, is a small identification card or license plate that is issued to an individual with a disability. It is designed to help individuals with disabilities access parking spaces that are reserved specifically for them. Having a disability parking tag will allow you to park in disability designated parking spaces that are usually located near the entrance of buildings, facilities, or public transport.
Types of Disabled Parking Permits in Indiana
In Indiana, there are two types of disabled parking permits available: temporary and permanent. Temporary disabled parking permits are issued to individuals who have a temporary disability that limits their mobility. Permanent disabled parking permits are issued to individuals who have a permanent disability that limits their mobility.
Where Can You Park with a Disabled Parking Permit in Indiana?
In Indiana, disabled parking permit holders can park in designated disabled parking spaces. They can also park in metered spaces for free, but only for the maximum amount of time allowed by the meter. Disabled parking permit holders can also park in spaces reserved for other types of vehicles, such as delivery vehicles, as long as they do not obstruct the loading or unloading of those vehicles.
How to Apply for a Disabled Parking Permit in Indiana
To apply for a disabled parking permit in Indiana, first get started with your application with handicapmd.com here. Then visit a local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch office or apply online through the BMV's IN.gov website. Here are the steps to follow:
Gather documentation of your disability or medical condition, such as a doctor's certification or a letter from a medical professional.
Fill out the appropriate forms for the type of permit you are applying for. Forms are available on the BMV website or can be obtained at a local BMV branch office.
Provide any required information, such as your name, address, and driver's license number.
Submit the completed application and required documentation in person at a local BMV branch office or online through the BMV's website.
Pay any applicable fees. The fee for a permanent disability placard in Indiana is $5, while the fee for a temporary placard is $10.
Wait for the BMV to review your application. If approved, the BMV will issue a disability placard that is valid for up to four years.
It's important to note that if you are applying for a temporary disability permit, you may need to provide additional documentation or a different type of application form. Additionally, it's important to only apply for a disabled parking permit through authorized channels to ensure that your permit is legitimate and recognized by law enforcement and parking officials.
Once you have completed the application (including the medical certification and your signature), you can mail it to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at:
Winchester Mail Processing Center
PO Box 100
Winchester, IN 47394
You also have the option of bringing your completed application to turn in at any IN license branch as well.
Do you need to renew your Indiana disabled parking permit?
Once you have received your handicap sticker, you’ll need to pay attention to when it expires. For a permanent sticker, it only expires if your health care provider deems your disability to no longer be permanent. A temporary sticker expires on the date indicated by your medical professional or one year after the date of issuance (whichever happens first). If your sticker gets lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you are required to go through the entire application process (with medical certification) all over again.
What are the rules for handicap parking in Indiana?
In Indiana, the rules for handicap parking are as follows:
Eligibility: To park in a designated handicap parking space, you must have a valid handicap parking permit or license plate issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Only individuals with certain physical disabilities or medical conditions are eligible for a handicap parking permit.
Displaying the Permit: If you have a handicap parking permit, you must display it on the rearview mirror of your vehicle when parking in a designated handicap parking space. If your vehicle has a handicap license plate, you do not need to display a permit.
Designated Spaces: Handicap parking spaces are designated by the blue and white International Symbol of Access (ISA) and are located near building entrances, curb cuts, and other accessible features. These spaces are reserved for vehicles displaying a valid handicap parking permit or license plate.
Enforcement: Indiana law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce handicap parking regulations and may issue citations and fines to individuals who violate these regulations. The fines for parking in a handicap parking space without a valid permit or license plate can range from $50 to $250.
Time Limits: Handicap parking spaces in Indiana have a maximum time limit of four hours, except for those designated with a sign that specifies a different time limit.
It's important to remember that handicap parking spaces are reserved for individuals with disabilities who have difficulty walking long distances. Parking in these spaces without a valid permit or license plate is not only illegal but also inconsiderate to those who truly need them.
How do you use your placard appropriately?
To make sure you’re following all the regulations of disability parking in Indiana, you’ll want to clearly display your sticker on your rearview mirror when your vehicle is parked. Your sticker cannot be hanging up while your car is in motion. You’re also prohibited from sharing your disability parking pass with anyone – you can only use the sticker if you’re the driver or a passenger in the vehicle. You can park in any designated disability parking spots but are not allowed to park in any No Parking or No Standing Zones. It’s also important to note that the state takes disability sticker offenses extremely seriously. Anyone abusing or misusing their disability sticker is considered to be committing a Class C misdemeanor in IN, which can come with a punishment of up to 60 days in jail (!) or a fine of up to $500. If you’re not sure about the specific disability parking rules in your area, you can always contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (888) 692-6841 or talk to your local law enforcement officers.
Penalties for Misusing Disabled Parking Spaces in Indiana
Misusing a disabled parking space in Indiana can result in penalties. If you park in a disabled parking space without a valid disabled parking permit, you can be fined up to $250. If you misuse someone else's disabled parking permit, you can be fined up to $500.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Handicap Placard in Indiana?
The length of time it takes to get a handicap placard in Indiana may vary depending on several factors, including the processing time of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and the completeness of the application. In general, it can take up to two weeks to receive a new or renewed handicap placard in Indiana.
To apply for a handicap placard in Indiana, you can either visit a local BMV branch office or apply online through the BMV's website. The online application process may be faster than visiting a branch office in person, as it allows you to submit your application and required documentation electronically.
When applying for a handicap placard, you will need to provide documentation of your disability or medical condition, such as a doctor's certification, and fill out the appropriate forms. The BMV will review your application and, if approved, issue a handicap placard that is valid for up to four years.
It's important to note that if you are applying for a temporary handicap placard, the processing time may be shorter than for a long-term placard. Temporary placards are typically issued for a period of up to six months and can be renewed for an additional six months if needed.
Can I Use My Indiana Handicap Placard in Other States?
Yes, you can generally use your Indiana handicap placard in other states. Most states recognize and honor out-of-state handicap placards or license plates, allowing individuals with disabilities to park in designated handicap spaces while traveling or visiting other states. However, the specific rules and regulations may vary from state to state.
It's important to note that while your Indiana handicap placard may be valid in other states, you must still follow the parking regulations and time limits of the state you are in. Some states may have different time limits or restrictions on where you can park with a handicap placard, so it's a good idea to check the local laws and regulations before parking.
If you are planning to travel outside of Indiana and use your handicap placard in other states, it's a good idea to bring a copy of your disability certification and a copy of the state's laws regarding handicap parking with you, just in case you need to provide proof of your eligibility or explain the rules to law enforcement or parking officials.
Can I an Indiana disabled parking permit online?
Yes, you can apply for an Indiana disabled parking permit online through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website at in.gov/bmv. The online application process is available for both new and renewing permits, and allows you to submit your application and required documentation electronically.
To apply for an Indiana disabled parking permit online, you will need to create an account on the BMV website and provide documentation of your disability or medical condition, such as a doctor's certification. You will also need to fill out the appropriate forms and pay any applicable fees.
Once you have submitted your application online, the BMV will review it and, if approved, issue a handicap placard that is valid for up to four years. The BMV will mail the placard to the address listed on your application.
It's important to note that the online application process may not be available for all types of disability permits, such as temporary permits, and that you may need to visit a local BMV branch office to apply in person. Additionally, it's important to only apply for a disabled parking permit through authorized channels to ensure that your permit is legitimate and recognized by law enforcement and parking officials.
FAQ
Can I use my disabled parking permit in other states?
Yes, disabled parking permits are recognized in all states in the United States.
Can I lend my disabled parking permit to someone else?
No, you cannot lend your disabled parking permit to someone else. It is illegal to misuse a disabled parking permit.
Can I use my disabled parking permit in a non-designated disabled parking space?
No, you cannot use your disabled parking
