What are the rules for using California handicap parking placards? Here’s what the DMV says
In California, drivers with disabilities can use special placards to get parking spaces closer to sidewalks and venues.
What happens if you travel to another state? Do the same privileges apply?
Jayne Lucas asked Bee Curious, The Sacramento Bee’s community-powered project in which reporters answer readers’ local questions: “I want to know if a (California)-issued disabled placard can be used in other states?”
The Bee reached out the California Department of Motor Vehicles to find out the answer.
Here’s what we discovered:
Who can get a disabled person placard in California?
In California, people with permanent disabilities can obtain disabled person parking placards or license plates for all of their vehicles for no additional fees, according to the DMV.
You can apply for a handicap license plate or placard if you have impaired mobility, the agency said.
You’re considered eligible if you:
Don’t have the use of one or more lower extremities, or both hands.
Have a diagnosed disease that substantially impairs or interferes with mobility.
Are unable to move without the aid of an assistive device.
Have specific, documented visual problems, including lower-vision or partial-sightedness.
Where can you park?
Having a disabled person placard or license plate allows a driver to use certain parking spaces designated for use by disabled people, the DMV said.
This includes:
- In parking spaces with a wheelchair symbol.
- Next to a blue curb authorized for persons with disabilities parking
- In an on-street metered parking space at no charge.
- In an area where a resident or merchant permit is required.
You can also park next to green curbs, which typically have a time limit, for as long as you wish.
In addition, gas station employees must refuel vehicles with disabled person placards or license plates “at self-service rates” unless the gas station has only one worker on duty, the DMV said.
Permanent disabled person placards are valid for two years, expiring on June 30 of every odd-numbered year.
At that point, they must be renewed, the DMV said.
What’s the different between handicap placards and license plates?
Disabled persons placards and license plates grant you the same parking privileges, the DMV website said.
However, placards can be moved from one vehicle to another, while license plates “must stay permanently affixed to the vehicle for which they are issued,” the DMV said.
Placards are usually reserved for people with disabilities who travel in multiple vehicles or caregivers who transport people with disabilities, the agency’s website said.
Can I use my parking placard in another state?
According to DMV spokesman Chris Orrock, you can use your California-issued disabled person parking placard or license plate in another state as long as you follow the rules and regulations of that state.
“Most states recognize and honor out-of-state disabled persons parking placards (and) plates,” Orrock wrote in an email to The Bee.
“It’s always a good idea to double-check the specific rules of the state” to which you’re traveling, he added. “Keep in mind that some states may have stricter requirements than California.”
How do I get a disabled person placard or plate?
You can apply online for a disabled person placard or license plate, according to the DMV.
In both cases, you’ll need to have a licensed physician, surgeon, optometrist or other medical professional complete the medical provider’s certification of disability section of your application and sign it.
In the case of a disabled person license plate, you must provide the current registration card in your name or the documents needed to register the vehicle in your name, and pay any registration fees that are due.
You’ll also need to surrender the license plates currently on the vehicle.
This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "What are the rules for using California handicap parking placards? Here’s what the DMV says."
