Handicap Placard vs. Handicap License Plates: Which is Right for You in Vermont?

Handicap Placard vs. Handicap License Plates: Which Is Right for You in Vermont?

For individuals with disabilities, accessibility is a critical factor in maintaining independence and participating fully in daily life. In VT, the state provides two main options to help disabled individuals navigate public spaces more easily: disability tags and disability license plates. Both options grant access to designated parking spaces close to building entrances, offering convenience and reducing the physical strain of walking long distances. However, choosing between a disability tag and a disability license plate can be a challenge for some individuals.

This article aims to help you understand the differences between handicap placard and handicap license plates in Vermont. We'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option, eligibility criteria, and the application process. By the end of this guide, you'll have the information you need to decide which option is right for you or your loved one.

Understanding Handicap Placards and License Plates in Vermont

Definition and Purpose

In VT, both disability tags and disability license plates are issued to individuals with qualifying disabilities. These special passes provide access to specially designated parking spaces that are typically located near building entrances and offer additional space for those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches. These permits are designed to make public spaces more accessible and ensure that individuals with physical impairments can navigate everyday environments with greater ease and independence.

Disability tags and license plates both serve a similar purpose: to enhance mobility and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, they differ in terms of their use, flexibility, and who can benefit from them, as we will discuss throughout this article.

Overview of Legal Framework

Both disability tags and license plates in VT are governed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state laws. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) oversees the issuance of disability tags and plates, ensuring that only those who meet specific criteria are eligible. The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the right to equal access to public spaces, including parking facilities, and both tags and plates play a critical role in fulfilling this mandate.

Handicap Placards in Vermont

What Are Disability Tags?

A disability tag or placard is a removable permit issued to individuals with disabilities, which allows them to park in designated accessible parking spaces. These tags are typically hung from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked. Disability tags are portable, meaning they can be transferred from one vehicle to another, as long as the person to whom the tag was issued is in the vehicle.

Who Qualifies for a Disability Tag?

To qualify for a handicap permit in VT, an individual must have a condition that severely impairs their mobility. According to the VT DMV, eligible individuals include those who:

• Are unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• Require the use of mobility aids, such as a wheelchair, walker, or crutches.
• Have a lung or heart condition that severely limits mobility.
• Are reliant on portable oxygen.
• Have a neurological or orthopedic condition that affects walking or motor function.
• Have a permanent disability that significantly limits physical mobility.

Medical certification from a licensed healthcare provider is required to verify that the applicant meets these criteria.

Benefits of Using a Disability Tag

• Portability: Disability tags are portable, making them a flexible option for individuals who drive multiple vehicles or rely on family members or caregivers for transportation. As long as the person to whom the tag was issued is in the vehicle, the tag can be used to access designated parking spaces.
• Ease of Use: Tags are easy to display and remove, which is especially convenient if you use different cars for various purposes.
• No Need for Vehicle Ownership: Disability tags are issued to the individual, not the vehicle, which means you don’t need to own a car to qualify for a tag.

Handicap License Plates in Vermont

What Are Disability License Plates?

A disability license plate is a specialized license plate issued to individuals with disabilities or for vehicles used to transport people with disabilities. Unlike a tag, the license plate is permanently affixed to the vehicle, offering the same disabled parking privileges as a disability tag but in a more permanent form.

Who Qualifies for a Disability License Plate?

Eligibility for a disability license plate is similar to that of a disability tag, with the applicant needing to meet specific mobility impairment criteria. Additionally, the individual must either own the vehicle or the vehicle must be registered in their name. Individuals who qualify include:

• Those who are unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• Individuals who require the use of a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility aids.
• Individuals with severe respiratory or cardiac conditions.
• Those who rely on portable oxygen.

As with disability tags, medical certification from a licensed healthcare provider is required to verify the individual’s condition.

Benefits of Using a Disability License Plate

• Permanent Accessibility: Because the disability license plate is attached to the vehicle, there’s no need to remember to display a tag. This can be especially convenient for individuals who frequently drive the same vehicle.
• Recognition for Disabled Veterans: VT offers specialized disability plates for veterans with service-related disabilities, allowing them to display their status while enjoying the benefits of accessible parking.
• Eliminates the Risk of Misplacing a Placard: Since the license plate is permanently affixed to the vehicle, you won’t need to worry about losing or forgetting your disability tag..

Temporary vs. Permanent Conditions

The type of disability tag or plate issued also depends on whether the condition is temporary or permanent:

• Temporary Disability Tag: Issued for conditions expected to improve, such as post-surgery recovery or short-term injuries. Valid for up to 6 months.
• Permanent Disability Tag or Plate: Issued for long-term or permanent disabilities that are unlikely to improve. Valid for up to 4 years for tags and the standard vehicle registration period for plates.

Disabled Placard vs. License Plates: Key Differences

Choosing between a disability tag and a disability license plate in VT depends on several factors, including your lifestyle, vehicle usage, and personal preferences. Here’s a comparison of the key differences between the two options:

1. Flexibility and Convenience

• Disability Tag: Tags are portable, allowing individuals to use them in any vehicle as long as the authorized holder is present. This is ideal for people who frequently switch between vehicles, travel with family members or caregivers, or rely on ridesharing.
• Disability License Plate: License plates are permanently attached to the vehicle, offering convenience for individuals who primarily drive the same vehicle. However, this option lacks portability, as the plate cannot be transferred to another vehicle.

2. Vehicle Ownership and Usage

• Disability Tag: Tags are issued to individuals, not vehicles, meaning you don’t need to own a vehicle to qualify. If you frequently ride in different cars or use public transportation, a tag may be a better option.
• Disability License Plate: License plates are issued for vehicles registered in the name of the individual with the disability. If you own a car or primarily drive one vehicle, a license plate offers a more permanent solution.

3. Durability and Permanence

• Disability Tag: While easy to use, disability tags are more vulnerable to wear and tear since they need to be removed and re-displayed each time you park. They can also be misplaced or forgotten, leading to fines if you park in a designated spot without displaying your tag.
• Disability License Plate: License plates are a permanent solution, as they are fixed to the vehicle. This eliminates the hassle of removing or displaying a tag each time you park.

4. Accessibility for Caregivers

• Disability Tag: If you rely on a caregiver or family member for transportation, a disability tag is more flexible since it can be used in any vehicle. Caregivers can park in accessible spaces while transporting the individual with the disability.
• Disability License Plate: Since license plates are attached to a specific vehicle, this option may be less convenient for those who frequently switch cars or rely on different caregivers for transportation.

How to Apply for a Disabled Permit or License Plate in Vermont

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process for both a Vermont disabled permit and a license plate is similar. Here’s how to apply:

1. Gather the Required Documentation

Before applying, ensure you have the necessary documents ready:

• Completed Application (Form VD-114): Available on the VT DMV website or at a local DMV office.
• Medical Certification: Signed by a licensed healthcare professional, indicating the nature and severity of your disability.
• Proof of Identity: A valid VT driver’s license or state-issued ID card.
• Vehicle Registration Information (for license plates): Include your vehicle’s current registration details.

2. Determine Which Option You Need

Decide whether a disability tag, temporary tag, or permanent license plate is the right fit for you based on your medical condition, vehicle usage, and preference. Keep in mind the differences in portability and visibility.

3. Complete the Application Form

Fill out the Vermont Application for Disability Placard/Plate (Form VD-114) with your personal information, including your name, address, and contact details. Make sure the healthcare certification section is fully completed and signed.

4. Submit the Application

Submit the completed application to the VT DMV by:

• Mail: Send the application to the address listed on the form.
• In-Person: Visit a local DMV office to submit the application and receive assistance.

5. Pay Any Applicable Fees

For disability tags and temporary tags, there is no fee in VT. However, if you are applying for a disability license plate, you may need to pay a standard vehicle registration fee.

6. Wait for Approval

Once submitted, the DMV will review your application and issue the disability tag or plate if you meet the eligibility criteria. Processing times can vary, but most applications are processed within 2–4 weeks.

Required Documentation and Medical Certification

When applying for a disability tag or license plate, you’ll need the following:

• A completed application form (Form VD-108).
• Medical certification from a licensed healthcare provider.
• Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
• For license plates, vehicle registration information.

Renewing and Replacing Disabled Permits and License Plates

Renewal Procedures and Expiration Dates

• Disability Tag: Permanent disability tags in VT are valid for four years, while temporary tags are typically valid for up to six months. To renew your tag, you must submit a renewal application before the expiration date. Depending on your condition, you may need updated medical certification.
• Disability License Plate: License plates are valid for as long as the vehicle is registered, but you must renew your vehicle registration every year. No additional renewal application is required for the plate itself.

Replacing Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Tags and Plates

If your disability tag or license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by submitting a new application to the VT DMV. There may be a small fee for replacing a lost or stolen tag, but fees are typically waived for replacing damaged or worn-out tags.

Proper Usage and Display of Disabled Permits and Plates

Once you have obtained a handicap placard or license plate, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with VT state laws:

1. Displaying the Disability Tag

• Hang the tag from the rearview mirror when parked in a designated accessible parking space.
• Remove the tag when driving to avoid obstructing your view.
• Ensure that the permit number and expiration date are clearly visible from outside the vehicle.

2. Using the Disability License Plate

• Make sure the plate is properly affixed to the front and rear of your vehicle.
• The plate remains valid for as long as your vehicle registration is up-to-date.
• If you sell or transfer the vehicle, the disability plate cannot be used on another car.

3. Only Use the Tag or Plate When the Permit Holder Is Present

Disability tags and plates are issued to the individual, not the vehicle. This means that the tag is only valid when the person with the disability is in the vehicle. Using the tag or plate when the authorized holder is not present is illegal and can result in fines and revocation of the tag.

4. Do Not Lend Your Tag or Plate

Lending your disability tag or allowing someone else to use your vehicle with the disability plate when you are not in the car is considered misuse. Misuse of a disability tag or plate can result in:

• Fines up to $500.
• Revocation of the tag or plate.
• Possible criminal charges for severe or repeated violations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What medical conditions qualify for a disability tag or license plate in VT?

Qualifying conditions include:

• Inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest.
• Use of mobility aids such as a wheelchair, walker, or crutches.
• Severe lung or heart conditions.
• Reliance on portable oxygen.
• Neurological, orthopedic, or arthritic conditions that impair mobility.

How long does it take to get a disability tag or license plate in VT?

Processing times vary, but it typically takes 7 to 10 business days to receive your disability tag or license plate after submitting your application. You can apply by mail or in person at a local DMV office.

Can I use my VT disability tag or plate in other states?

Yes, VT disability tags and license plates are recognized in other U.S. states under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You can use your VT-issued tag or plate to park in designated accessible spaces when traveling out of state.

Can family members use my disability tag or plate when I’m not in the vehicle?

No, family members or caregivers cannot use your disability tag or plate unless you are present in the vehicle. Disability tags and plates are issued to individuals based on their specific disability and must only be used when the authorized holder is in the vehicle.

Is there a fee for applying for a disability tag or license plate in VT?

There is no fee for applying for a disability tag in VT. However, there may be a small fee for obtaining a disability license plate, depending on the vehicle registration process.

What should I do if I’m moving to VT from another state?

If you’re moving to VT and already have a disability tag or license plate from another state, you’ll need to apply for a Vermont disability tag or plate. You can do this by submitting the Vermont DMV’s disability parking application along with proof of your previous tag or plate.

Conclusion

Deciding between a handicap placard and a handicap license plate in Vermont comes down to your individual needs, lifestyle, and vehicle usage. Disability tags offer greater flexibility and portability, making them ideal for individuals who frequently switch vehicles or rely on others for transportation. On the other hand, disability license plates provide a more permanent solution for those who primarily use the same vehicle, eliminating the need to display and remove a tag each time you park.

Both options offer significant benefits and help ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to essential parking accommodations. By understanding the differences between these two options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and enhances your mobility and independence.