Exploring the Different Types of Handicap Placards in Pennsylvania

Exploring the Different Types of Handicap Placards in Pennsylvania

For individuals with disabilities, having access to convenient and accessible parking spaces can make all the difference in leading a more independent and comfortable life. Disability tags (also known as passes or permits) offer this essential benefit by allowing qualified individuals to park in designated accessible parking spots, typically closer to building entrances. In PA, disability tags are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and come in various forms to accommodate different needs.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the different types of handicap placards available in Pennsylvania, explain how they work, who qualifies for them, and how to apply. Whether you are considering applying for a disability tag or already have one, this guide will help you better understand the system and how to make the most of the privileges it offers.

What Is a Handicap Placard in Pennsylvania?

Definition and Purpose

A disability tag or placard is a parking permit issued by PennDOT to individuals with qualifying disabilities. The purpose of a disability tag is to allow individuals with mobility impairments to park in designated accessible parking spaces, which are typically closer to the entrances of buildings, medical facilities, shopping centers, and other public locations. These spaces are marked with the international symbol of accessibility, and they provide extra room for individuals who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to safely enter and exit their vehicles.

Disability tags can be used by the person to whom they are issued, whether they are driving the vehicle or riding as a passenger. The tag must be displayed correctly to ensure that law enforcement and parking authorities can identify the vehicle as authorized to park in accessible spots.

Types of Disability Tags Available

There are several different types of Pennsylvania handicap placards available to suit a variety of needs:

1. Permanent Disability Tag: For individuals with long-term or permanent disabilities.
2. Temporary Disability Tag: For individuals with temporary disabilities that impair mobility for a limited period.
3. Disability License Plates: For individuals with permanent disabilities who own or lease their vehicles.
4. Disabled Veteran Plates: For veterans with service-connected disabilities who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Each type of tag provides certain benefits, and the eligibility requirements vary depending on the nature and duration of the disability.

Permanent Handicap Placard in Pennsylvania

A Permanent Disability Tag is one of the most common types of disability tags issued in PA. It is intended for individuals with long-term or permanent disabilities that are not expected to improve over time. This tag allows individuals to park in designated accessible parking spaces and access certain benefits related to parking accommodations.

Eligibility Criteria for Permanent Tags

To qualify for a Permanent Disability Tag in PA, an individual must have a medical condition that significantly limits their ability to walk or perform basic mobility functions. Conditions that typically qualify for a permanent handicap permit include:

• Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• Use of mobility aids such as a wheelchair, walker, cane, or crutches.
• Severe lung disease or other respiratory impairments that limit mobility.
• Use of portable oxygen.
• Serious cardiac conditions classified as Class III or IV by the American Heart Association.
• Severe neurological, orthopedic, or arthritic conditions that impair mobility.

Individuals must have their condition certified by a licensed HandicapMD healthcare provider to receive a permanent disability tag.

How to Apply for a Permanent Tag

The application process for a Permanent Disability Tag involves the following steps:

1. Apply Online: Download the Person with Disability Parking Placard Application (Form MV-145A) from the PennDOT website or pick up a copy at a local PennDOT office.

2. Complete the Personal Information Section: Provide your name, address, date of birth, and other relevant personal information.

3. Get Medical Certification: Have our licensed HandicapMD healthcare provider complete the medical certification section, confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements for a permanent tag.

4. Submit the Application: Mail the completed form to PennDOT’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles or submit it in person at a local office.

5. Receive Your Tag: Once your application is processed, you will receive your permanent disability tag in the mail. There is no fee for permanent disability tags in PA.

Benefits of a Permanent Disability Tag

A Permanent Disability Tag provides the following benefits:

• Access to designated disabled parking spaces across PA.
• The ability to park in certain metered spaces without paying, depending on local ordinances.
• Extended parking time limits in areas where time-restricted parking applies.

The tag must be renewed every five years, but no new medical certification is required unless the individual’s condition has changed.

Temporary Handicap Placard in Pennsylvania

A Temporary Disability Tag is designed for individuals with short-term mobility impairments caused by injuries, surgeries, or other temporary medical conditions. These special passes offer the same parking privileges as permanent tags but are only valid for a limited period.

Who Qualifies for a Temporary Disability Tag?

Temporary tags are issued to individuals who have a disability that is expected to last for a period of at least two months but no longer than six months. Common conditions that may qualify for a temporary pass include:

• Recovery from major surgery (e.g., knee or hip replacement).
• Temporary use of a mobility aid such as crutches or a walker.
• A temporary condition that limits walking due to injury.

How to Apply for a Temporary Tag 

The process for applying for a Temporary Disability Tag is similar to that for a permanent tag:

1. Obtain the Application: Use the same Person with Disability Parking Placard Application (Form MV-145A) that is used for permanent tags.

2. Complete the Personal Information Section: Provide your personal information as required.

3. Get Medical Certification: Our licensed HandicapMD healthcare provider must certify that your condition is temporary and expected to last between two and six months.

4. Submit the Application: Mail the form to PennDOT or submit it in person.

5. Receive Your Temporary Tag: Your tag will be valid for up to six months, after which it can be renewed if the temporary condition persists.

Limitations of Temporary Tags

Temporary tags offer the same parking privileges as permanent tags but come with the following limitations:

• They are only valid for a maximum of six months. If the condition persists beyond this period, a new application with updated medical certification is required.
• Temporary tags cannot be converted into permanent tags without reapplying.

Handicap License Plates in Pennsylvania

For individuals with permanent disabilities who own or lease their vehicles, Disability License Plates are another option. These plates provide the same parking privileges as tags but are affixed directly to the vehicle.

Eligibility for Disability License Plates

To qualify for Disability License Plates, individuals must meet the same eligibility criteria as those applying for a permanent disability pass. The individual’s vehicle must be registered in their name, and the condition must be permanent and certified by a licensed medical professional.

How to Apply for Disability License Plates

The application process for Disability License Plates includes:

1. Complete the Application for Disability License Plates: Use the Person with Disability Parking Placard Application (Form MV-145A) to apply for disability plates, or the MV-140 (Application for Persons with Disabilities or Severely Disabled Veteran License Plate) if applying for veteran plates.

2. Get Medical Certification: As with a pass, a healthcare provider must certify your condition.

3. Submit the Application: Mail the form to PennDOT along with the necessary documentation, such as vehicle registration details.

4. Receive Your Plates: Once approved, PennDOT will issue disability license plates, which are permanently attached to your vehicle.

Advantages of Disability License Plates

• You don’t need to hang a pass in your vehicle since the license plate indicates your disability status.
• The plates provide the same parking privileges as passes, including access to accessible parking spaces and potential parking fee exemptions in certain areas.

Disabled Veteran Handicap Placards in Pennsylvania

Veterans who have sustained service-connected disabilities may be eligible for special Disabled Veteran Plates. These plates provide the same parking benefits as standard disability tags but come with additional honors and recognitions for the individual’s service.

Eligibility for Disabled Veteran Plates

To qualify for special Veteran Plates in PA, an individual must:

• Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Have a service-related disability that has been certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
• Provide documentation from the VA verifying a disability rating of at least 50% or a disability that requires the use of mobility aids (e.g., wheelchair, crutches).

Application Process for Disabled Veteran Plates

The process for applying for special Veteran Plates is similar to that of regular disability license plates:

1. Obtain the Application: Use the MV-140 (Application for Persons with Disabilities or Severely Disabled Veteran License Plate) form.

2. Provide VA Certification: Include documentation from the VA certifying the veteran’s disability status and rating.

3. Submit the Application: Mail the completed form and documentation to PennDOT.

4. Receive Your Plates: After processing, PennDOT will issue the Disabled Veteran Plates.

Special Benefits for Veterans with Disabilities

• The plates honor the individual’s service while providing the same parking privileges as other disability tags.
• In some areas, veterans with disabilities may also receive additional benefits, such as parking fee exemptions or special recognition in public spaces.

How to Use Your Disabled Permit Correctly

Proper Display of Tags

To ensure that your PA disabled permit is valid, it must be clearly displayed when your vehicle is parked in a designated accessible parking space. The tag should hang from the rearview mirror, with the front of the tag facing outward so that the permit number and expiration date are visible to law enforcement.

When driving, the tag should be removed from the rearview mirror to avoid obstructing the driver’s view.

Where You Can Park with a Disability Tag

Disability tags in PA allow you to park in designated accessible spaces, which are typically marked with the international wheelchair symbol. These spaces are located near building entrances and are larger to accommodate vehicles with ramps or other mobility devices.

Designated Handicap Parking Spaces

These parking spaces are reserved exclusively for vehicles displaying a valid disability tag or license plate. They are often located in parking lots for shopping centers, hospitals, schools, and other public spaces to provide easier access to building entrances.

Time Limits and Metered Parking

In PA, vehicles with disability tags are generally exempt from paying parking meter fees in most municipalities. However, local regulations may vary, so it’s a good idea to check the rules for the specific area where you’re parking. Additionally, some municipalities may still impose time limits on how long you can park at a meter, even with a disability tag.

Always check the posted signage to ensure compliance with local parking regulations.

Restrictions on Using Disability Tags

Disability tags must be used responsibly. Some key restrictions include:

• Only the person to whom the tag is issued may use it. The tag can be used in any vehicle, but only when the individual with the disability is driving or riding as a passenger.
• You cannot use the tag to park in fire lanes, loading zones, or no-parking areas, even if you have a disability tag.
• Misuse of a disability tag, such as allowing someone else to use it without you, can result in fines and the revocation of parking privileges.

Renewing or Replacing Your Disability Permit

Handicap placards in PA must be renewed periodically. Temporary tags are valid for up to six months, while permanent tags must be renewed every five years.

Renewal Process for Temporary and Permanent Tags

• Temporary Tags: Once your temporary tag expires, you must reapply for a renewal with updated medical certification if your condition persists.
• Permanent Tags: PennDOT will typically send a renewal notice for permanent tags before they expire. In most cases, no additional medical certification is needed unless PennDOT requests it.

What to Do if Your Tag is Lost or Stolen

If your disability pass or license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a completed “Person with Disability Parking Permit Application” (Form MV-145A) to PennDOT. Be prepared to provide your identification and any necessary fees for the replacement.

Traveling with a Pennsylvania Disabled Permit: Interstate and International Use

PA disabled permits are recognized in all 50 states under federal law, meaning you can use your tag or license plate when traveling outside the state. Most other states will honor PA-issued tags, allowing you to park in accessible spaces without issue.

If you are traveling internationally, some countries recognize U.S.-issued disability tags, but it’s always best to check the local laws and regulations before parking in a designated space abroad.

Recent Changes to Pennsylvania's Disabled Permit Laws

In recent years, PA has introduced several updates to its disability tag laws to improve enforcement and reduce fraud. For example, law enforcement agencies now have access to an electronic database that allows them to verify the validity of a disability tag or plate quickly.

Additionally, the state has increased penalties for tag misuse, particularly in cases involving fraudulent documentation. Staying up to date with these changes is important for all disability tag holders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long are disability tags valid in PA?

• Permanent Disability Tags are valid for five years and must be renewed before they expire.
• Temporary Disability Tags are valid for up to six months and can be renewed if necessary, with updated medical certification.

2. Can I use my PA disability tag in other states?

Yes. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disability tags issued in PA are recognized in all other U.S. states. You can use your tag to park in designated accessible spaces across the country. However, local parking regulations regarding fees or time limits may vary, so it’s important to check the rules in each location.

3. What happens if I lose my disability tag?

If your tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a new Form MV-145A to PennDOT. You may need to provide proof of identification, but there is no fee for replacing a tag.

4. Can a family member use my disability tag without me?

No. A disability tag can only be used when the individual to whom it was issued is present in the vehicle, either as the driver or passenger. Allowing others to use your tag without you is considered misuse and can result in fines or revocation of the tag.

5. Are there parking fee exemptions for disability tag holders in PA?

In some municipalities, individuals with a disability tag may be exempt from paying parking meter fees or may enjoy extended parking time limits. However, this varies by location, so always check local parking ordinances to confirm whether fee exemptions apply.

Conclusion

Disability tags in PA provide essential support for individuals with mobility impairments, granting them access to designated parking spaces and other benefits that make navigating public spaces easier. Whether you have a permanent disability, a temporary impairment, or a service-related condition as a veteran, PA offers various types of disability tags to meet your needs.

By understanding the different types of disability tags available in Pennsylvania, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply for them, you can ensure that you make the most of these valuable resources. Remember to use your disability tag responsibly, keep it updated, and follow local parking regulations to avoid penalties and continue enjoying the benefits it provides.