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Disability parking

Blue disability parking placard
Red disability parking placard
Green disability parking placard
Pure Michigan disability license plate
3D blue wheelchair symbol

Eligibility

Under state law, residents who are legally blind or have a condition that significantly limits their ability to walk or requires an assistive device (i.e.: a wheelchair, walker, crutch, or other device) are eligible for a disability parking placard or license plate. Eligibility varies for each disability parking credential:

  • Temporary disability parking placard (Red): Issued if a qualifying disability is expected to improve.
  • Permanent disability parking placard (Blue): Issued if a qualifying disability isn’t expected to improve.
  • Disability license plate: Issued if a qualifying disability isn’t expected to improve.
  • Free parking sticker: You must have a valid Michigan driver’s license and permanent disability parking placard (blue), and be unable to do one or more of the following:

    - Insert coins or tokens in a parking meter or accept a ticket from a parking lot machine due to a lack of fine motor control of both hands.
    - Reach above your head to a height of 42 inches from the ground, due to lack of finger, hand or upper extremity strength or mobility.
    - Approach a parking meter due to the use of a wheelchair or other ambulatory device.
    - Walk more than 20 feet due to an orthopedic, cardiovascular or lung condition in which the degree of debilitation is so severe that it almost completely impedes your ability to walk.

To apply for any disability parking credential, you must provide a completed application with the certification and signature of one of the following licensed medical professionals:

  • Physician
  • Chiropractor
  • Optometrist
  • Physician's assistant
  • Nurse practitioner

Disability parking enforcement

While the Department of State is involved in the issuance of disability license plates, disability parking placards, and free parking stickers, it is not responsible for providing or enforcing proper use of disability parking spaces. Disability parking-related violations should be reported to local law enforcement.

It is against the law to:

  • Loan your disability placard to another person
  • Knowingly use a disability placard that has been canceled or replaced
  • Use a disability placard or plate when the disability no longer exists
  • Use the disability placard or license plate of a deceased family member
  • Copy, alter, or forge a disability placard or license plate

Additionally, free parking is only permitted for vehicles displaying a disability placard with a yellow free parking sticker.

Disability parking brochure

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)


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