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Disability parking
Disability parking credentials
Permanent disability parking placard (Blue)
The blue permanent disability parking placard allows residents with qualifying permanent disabilities to park in designated disability parking spaces.
The placard should be hung from the rearview mirror of the vehicle when it is parked in a disability parking space and should be removed when driving.
Permanent placards are valid for four years following the date of issuance and will expire on your birthday. Permanent placards can be renewed online, by mail, and at a Secretary of State office up to 6 months before they expire.
Temporary disability parking placard (Red)
The red temporary disability parking placard allows residents with qualifying temporary disabilities to park in designated disability parking spaces.
The placard should be hung from the rearview mirror of the vehicle when it is parked in a disability parking space and should be removed when driving.
Temporary placards are only valid for up to 6 months at a time and can’t be renewed.
Organizational disability parking placard (Green)
Organizations that provide transportation to residents with disabilities may also obtain permanent disability parking placards for vehicles used for transportation services.
The placard should be hung from the rearview mirror of the vehicle when it is parked in a disability parking space and should be removed when driving.
Organizational placards expire every four years following the date of issuance and can be renewed up to 6 months before they expire.
If the organization is dissolved or no longer provides transportation for residents with ambulatory disabilities, the organization must return its placard to the Michigan Department of State by mail or to a Secretary of State office.
Disability license plate
Residents with a permanent disability may apply for a disability license plate which will permit them to park their vehicle in designated disability parking spaces whenever they are driving or riding in the vehicle.
Disability license plates are issued with the embossed wheelchair symbol and will either have a red disability emblem silk-screened on the upper left corner of the license plate or a red sticker.
Like a standard license plate, disability license plates expire on the vehicle owner’s birthday and require the vehicle registration tab to be renewed annually. Vehicle registration can be renewed up to 6 months in advance.
Note: Disability license plates don’t qualify for free parking on their own.
Free parking sticker
Some residents with disabilities under very limited, specified circumstances are eligible to apply for a yellow sticker that is placed on their permanent disability parking placard and permits them to park for free at public meters and ramps.
To apply, your physician, chiropractor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant must provide their authorization under part 3 of the Disability Parking Placard Application.
The free parking sticker expires with a permanent disability parking placard every four years.
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.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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Can I have more than one disability parking placard at the same time?
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Can I have both a disability license plate and parking placard?
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How do I replace a lost or stolen disability parking placard?
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Is my disability license plate or parking placard honored in other states?