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How to get a handicap parking permit in North Carolina
Disabled parking in North Carolina has become more accessible since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was introduced in 1990. The ADA has brought in laws to protect disability people from discrimination in all areas of life, including access. Handicap parking, also known as disabled, is designated spaces for individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations for mobility. These spaces are available throughout NC to help people with disabilities have easy access to facilities, businesses, and public areas. In this article, we will discuss the rules for handicap parking in North Carolina, whether disability parking is free in NC, how to get a disability veteran license plate in NC, and how to renew a disability permit. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about accessing disability parking in NC.
Do You Qualify for a North Carolina Disabled Parking Permit?
To qualify for a NC disability permit, citizens must meet the following requirements:
- Be unable to walk without assistance
- Have mobility impairments caused by defective vision, lung disease, cardiac, neurological, orthopedic, or arthritic conditions.
If you meet these requirements, you can download Form MVR-37A from the DMV website or get a copy from your local branch. You will then need to visit a relevant physician who can comment on your particular condition. If you find this daunting or are not registered with an appropriate physician, you can get help from HandicapMD. Our medical experts are fully HIPAA-compliant and can assess you via telemedicine, completing the form on your behalf.
Different Types of North Carolina Disabled Parking Permit
There are two types of permits for disability parking in NC: permanent and temporary. The former is valid for five years, while the latter is valid for six months only. Temporary permits are for non-permanent disabilities, while permanent permits require re-certification by a qualifying physician every five years.
Remember that using designated disability spaces without an in-date permit is illegal. The DMV also offers disability placards to organizations that regularly transport people with disabilities.
How to Use Your Disability Parking Permit in North Carolina?
If you qualify for a permanent permit, you can either get a placard or apply for special license plates. Plates can only be used on one car, while a placard is portable and can be used in any car in which you are either the driver or a passenger. A placard should be hung from the vehicle’s rearview mirror so that it’s clearly visible to any attendant.
Designated disability spots are required by law in all public lots and should be close to the building or facility they serve. They will be easily identifiable by the international wheelchair symbol. Some spaces may be bigger than others; you should park in a space that fits your vehicle.
With your disability permit, there is no limit to how long you can stay in designated disability spots. In some towns or districts, you may also be permitted to stay longer than advertised in a regular spot. It’s worth checking where you can do this to avoid breaking the law.
What are the rules for handicap parking in North Carolina?
NC has strict rules for accessible space to ensure that people with disabilities can access public areas without any issues. The state mandates that all businesses and public facilities must provide a certain number of accessible spaces. The number of spaces required depends on the number of regular spaces available.
Some of the rules for disability parking in North Carolina include:
Accessible spaces must be wider than regular spaces, with a minimum width of eight feet.
The space must have an adjacent access aisle that is at least five feet wide to allow for wheelchair accessibility.
Accessible spaces must be located close to the facility's entrance or elevator, and the access route must be level.
The lot must have a sign that indicates the accessible spaces and the corresponding penalty for unauthorized parking.
These rules help ensure that people with disabilities can access facilities conveniently without encountering any barriers.
Is disability parking free in North Carolina?
In NC, handicapped parking is free for individuals who have a valid disability permit. This means that they can park in designated disability spaces without paying any fees or meters. However, it is essential to ensure that the vehicle has a valid disability permit or license plate; otherwise, it may result in a fine.
How do I get a disability veteran license plate in NC?
To get a disability veteran license plate in NC, the veteran must have a disability rating of 100 percent from the Department of Veterans Affairs. They must provide documentation of their disability rating and proof of their residency. Once the documents are submitted, the NC Division of Motor Vehicles will issue the disability veteran license plate. The plate will provide privileges in designated disability spaces.
How to renew a disability permit in North Carolina?
A disabled permit in NC is valid for five years from the date of issue. To renew a disabled parking permit, individuals need to complete the renewal application form and submit it to the NC Division of Motor Vehicles. They will also need to provide proof of their disability or medical condition, along with a copy of their current driver's license or ID. The DMV will review the application, and if approved, the individual will receive their renewed disability parking permit.
In conclusion, disability parking is regulated to ensure that individuals with disabilities have easy access to public areas. It is essential to follow the rules and guidelines for handicap to ensure that the spaces are available to those who need them. Additionally, it is free to park in designated disability spaces if you have a valid disability permit or license plate. If you are a disabled veteran, you can get a disability veteran license plate by following the proper procedures, and renewing your disability permit in NC is a straightforward process.
If you think you might qualify for aN NC disabled permit, get in touch with HandicapMD. Remember to display your permit clearly, renew it before the expiry date, and keep it safe.
