Exploring the Different Types of Handicap Placards in North Carolina

Exploring the Different Types of Handicap Placards in North Carolina

Disability tags are essential for individuals with mobility impairments or other qualifying disabilities to access designated accessible parking spaces. These spaces are strategically located near the entrances of buildings, shopping centers, medical facilities, and public venues to make daily tasks more manageable. In NC, the Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) issues disability tags to qualifying individuals, offering them the opportunity to park in spots that better meet their accessibility needs.

However, not all disability tags are the same, and NC offers several types of permits, each designed to accommodate different needs and circumstances. Whether you're applying for a disability tag for the first time or need to renew an existing one, understanding the various types of tags, their eligibility requirements, and how to properly use them is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of handicap placards available in North Carolina, outline the eligibility criteria for each, and walk you through the application process. Additionally, we’ll address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about disability tags in NC and provide helpful tips for using your tag responsibly.

What Is a Handicap Placard in North Carolina?

Definition and Purpose

A disability tag, also known as a placard, is a parking permit issued by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) that allows individuals with qualifying disabilities to park in designated accessible parking spaces. These spaces are marked with the international symbol of accessibility, often located near the entrances of buildings, medical facilities, shopping centers, and other public areas. The primary purpose of a disability tag is to provide convenient and safe parking options for individuals who have difficulty walking long distances or who use mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches.

Disability tags are issued based on medical certification of a qualifying condition and must be displayed when the vehicle is parked in an accessible space. They can be used in any vehicle the individual is driving or riding in, making them highly flexible and convenient for those who may use different vehicles for transportation.

Benefits of Having a Disability Tag

Having a disability tag in NC comes with several benefits that make daily life easier for individuals with disabilities:

• Access to designated accessible handicap parking spaces: These spaces are located near the entrances of buildings and public venues, reducing the need to walk long distances.
• Extra space for mobility aids: Accessible parking spots are often wider than regular parking spaces, providing enough room for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or other devices to safely exit and enter their vehicle.
• Parking privileges in metered spaces: In some municipalities, individuals with disability tags may park for free or for extended periods in metered spaces, though this varies by location.
• Statewide and nationwide recognition: Disability tags issued in NC are recognized in other states, allowing individuals to use them when traveling across the country under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Different Types of Handicap Placards in North Carolina

NC offers several types of handicap permits, each designed to meet specific needs and circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at the different types available:

1. Permanent Disability Placard

A Permanent Disability Tag is issued to individuals who have a long-term or permanent condition that significantly impairs their mobility. This type of tag is valid for up to five years and must be renewed at the end of the period. It is a portable tag that can be displayed in any vehicle being used to transport the individual with the disability.

Who Qualifies for a Permanent Disability Tag?

To qualify for a permanent North Carolina handicap placard, an individual must have a condition that meets one or more of the following criteria:

• The individual cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• The individual requires the use of a wheelchair, walker, crutches, or other assistive devices.
• The individual suffers from a lung disease that limits respiratory function to the extent that mobility is impaired.
• The individual has a cardiovascular condition classified as Class III or Class IV by the American Heart Association.
• The individual has a Class III or IV heart condition as classified by the American Heart Association.
• The individual is severely limited in their ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
• The individual has legally defined blindness.

Once approved, a permanent disability tag can be used in any vehicle that is transporting the person with the disability. The tag must be displayed clearly, usually by hanging it from the rearview mirror or placing it on the dashboard when parked in a designated accessible space.

Application Process for a Permanent Disability Tag

To apply for a permanent disability tag, you must complete the Application for Disability Parking Placard (Form MVR-37A). The form requires the following information:

• Personal details of the applicant.
• Medical certification by a licensed physician or healthcare provider to confirm the applicant’s qualifying condition.
• Information about the vehicle that will be used to transport the person with a disability (if applicable).

The completed form must be submitted to the DMV, either in person at a local DMV office or by mail. Once the application is approved, the tag will be issued.

2. Temporary Disability Placard

A Temporary Disability Tag is available to individuals who have a temporary condition that limits their mobility, such as an injury, surgery recovery, or short-term illness. Temporary tags are typically issued for a period of up to six months, but they can be renewed if the condition persists beyond this period.

Who Qualifies for a Temporary Disability Tag?

Temporary disability tags are designed for individuals who have a condition that temporarily limits their mobility but is expected to improve with time or treatment. Common conditions that may qualify for a temporary tag include:

• Recovery from surgery (e.g., knee or hip replacement).
• Broken bones or sprains that make walking difficult.
• Temporary use of a wheelchair, crutches, or a walker.
• Other short-term medical conditions that impair mobility.

Like the permanent tag, a temporary tag must be displayed in any vehicle transporting the person with the temporary disability. Once the condition has improved, the tag should no longer be used.

Application Process for a Temporary Disability Tag

The application process for a temporary disability tag is similar to that of a permanent tag. You must complete the Application for Disability Parking Placard (Form MVR-37A), which includes medical certification by a licensed healthcare provider. The form can be submitted to the DMV by mail or in person.

Temporary tags are issued with an expiration date, typically no longer than six months from the date of issuance. If the individual’s condition requires a longer period, they may apply for a renewal of the tag by submitting a new application with updated medical certification.

3. Permanent Disability License Plate

In addition to tags, individuals with permanent disabilities can also apply for a Permanent Disability License Plate. Unlike tags, which are portable, the disability license plate is permanently affixed to a vehicle registered to the person with a disability.

The disability license plate allows the registered vehicle to park in designated accessible parking spaces, and the vehicle owner does not need to display a separate tag. However, this option is only available to individuals who own a vehicle or who have a vehicle registered in their name.

Who Qualifies for a Permanent Disability License Plate?

The qualifying conditions for a permanent disability license plate are the same as those for a permanent tag. Individuals must have a long-term or permanent disability that significantly limits their mobility, as certified by a licensed healthcare provider.

Application Process for a Permanent Disability License Plate

To apply for a permanent disability license plate, you must complete the Application for a Disability Plate or Placard (Form MVR-37A) and have it certified by a licensed healthcare provider. The application can be submitted in person at a DMV office or by mail.

In addition to the application form, applicants must provide proof of vehicle registration and pay the applicable fees for the disability license plate. Once approved, the plate will be issued and affixed to the vehicle.

4. Disabled Veteran License Plate

NC also offers a specialized Disabled Veteran License Plate for veterans who have service-related disabilities. This plate not only provides the same parking privileges as other disability tags but also honors the veteran’s service and sacrifice.

Who Qualifies for a Special Veteran License Plate?

To qualify for a special veteran license plate, an individual must:

• Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Have a service-related disability, as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
• Meet the same mobility impairment requirements as other disability tag applicants.

Application Process for a Disabled Veteran License Plate

To apply for a special veteran license plate, veterans must complete the Application for a Military Plate (Form MVR-33A), provide proof of disability from the VA, and submit the form along with any applicable fees to the DMV. The plate will be issued once the application is approved.

Who Qualifies for a Handicap Placard in North Carolina?

Qualifying Medical Conditions

To qualify for a handicap placard in NC, an individual must have a medical condition that significantly impairs their ability to walk or affects their mobility. The following conditions generally qualify:

• Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest: Individuals who cannot walk more than 200 feet without experiencing discomfort, fatigue, or pain may qualify for a disability tag.
• Severe lung disease: Conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, or asthma that limit an individual’s ability to walk long distances may qualify.
• Use of portable oxygen: Individuals who require portable oxygen for respiratory conditions are eligible for a disability tag.
• Severe cardiac conditions: People with serious heart conditions such as congestive heart failure or other cardiovascular issues classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association may qualify.
• Dependence on mobility aids: Individuals who use a wheelchair, walker, cane, crutches, or other mobility aids are eligible for a disability tag.
• Neurological, orthopedic, or arthritic conditions: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or spinal injuries that impair mobility qualify for a disability tag.
• Legally blind individuals: Those who are legally blind or have significant visual impairments may also qualify.

How to Apply for a Handicap Permit in North Carolina

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for a disability tag in NC is a straightforward process. Here’s how to apply:

1. Obtain the Application Form: Download the Application for Disability Parking Placard (Form MVR-37A) from the state's DMV website or pick up a physical copy at your local DMV office.

2. Complete the Personal Information Section: Provide your name, address, date of birth, and driver’s license or state ID number in the appropriate section of the form.

3. Get Medical Certification: Have a licensed HandicapMD healthcare provider complete the medical certification section of the form, verifying that you meet the eligibility requirements based on your medical condition.

4. Submit the Application: Submit the completed form to the North Carolina DMV either in person or by mail to the following address:

   NC Division of Motor Vehicles
   3148 Mail Service Center
   Raleigh, NC 27699-3148

You can also submit your application at your local DMV office for immediate processing.

5. Receive Your Disability Tag: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your disability tag. If you apply in person, you may receive it on the same day, while mail-in applications typically take a few weeks to process.

Required Documentation

To apply for a disability tag in NC, you will need:

• A completed Application for Disability Parking Placard (Form MVR-37A).
• Medical certification from a licensed healthcare provider.
• Proof of identity, such as a NC driver’s license or state ID card.

There is no fee for disability tags in NC, but there may be a small fee for disability license plates.

How to Use a Disabled Permit Correctly

Once you receive your disability tag, it’s essential to use it correctly to avoid violations and fines. Here are the key rules for displaying and using your tag:

Rules for Displaying and Using the Tag

• Hang the Tag from Your Rearview Mirror: In NC, disability tags must be hung from the rearview mirror of the vehicle when parked in an accessible space. Ensure the tag is clearly visible from the outside, with the front facing the windshield.

• Remove the Tag When Driving: The disability tag must be removed from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is in motion to prevent obstructing the driver’s view.

• Use the Tag Only When the Permit Holder Is Present: The disability tag is only valid when the person to whom it was issued is in the vehicle. Allowing someone else to use your tag without you being present is illegal.

• Park Only in Designated Accessible Spaces: The tag allows you to park in designated accessible parking spaces marked with the international symbol of accessibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure you’re using your disability tag properly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Failing to Display the Tag: Not hanging your disability tag when parking in an accessible space can result in a ticket, even if you are eligible to use the space.

• Using an Expired Tag: Always check the expiration date on your tag or disability plates and renew them before they expire.

• Sharing Your Tag with Others: It is illegal to allow someone else to use your disability tag unless you are present in the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use my NC disability tag in other states?

Yes, disability tags issued in NC are valid in all other U.S. states under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You can use your tag to park in designated accessible spaces when traveling, but be sure to check local regulations as time limits and fees may vary.

2. How long is a disability tag valid in NC?

• Permanent disability passes in NC are valid for five years. You must renew your tag before it expires.

• Temporary disability passes are valid for up to six months and must be renewed with updated medical certification if the condition persists.

3. What should I do if my disability tag is lost or stolen?

If your disability tag is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement by submitting a new application to the state's DMV. You may need to provide proof of identity, and there is no fee for replacing a lost or stolen tag.

4. Can someone else use my disability tag without me?

No. A disability tag is non-transferable and can only be used when the person to whom it was issued is in the vehicle. Allowing someone else to use your tag without you being present is illegal and can result in fines or the revocation of your tag.

5. How do I renew my disability tag in NC?

To renew a permanent disability tag, submit a renewal application to the state's DMV before the expiration date. No new medical certification is needed unless your condition has changed. For temporary tags, updated medical certification is required if the condition persists beyond six months.

Conclusion

Handicap placards in North Carolina offer vital parking privileges that make life easier for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to access public spaces more conveniently and safely. Whether you need a permanent disability tag, temporary tag, or disability license plates, understanding the types of tags available and how to apply for them is key to ensuring you get the most out of the parking accommodations offered by the state.

By using your tag responsibly and following the rules outlined in this guide, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of accessible parking while avoiding fines and penalties. If you’re applying for a disability tag for the first time or need to renew an existing one, this guide provides the information you need to navigate the process successfully.