Handicap parking permits are available for disabled residents in Rhode Island to access parking benefits in the state. The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles issues different types of permits including permanent disability placards valid for three or more years, long-term disability placards valid for one to three years, temporary placards valid for up to one year, and disabled veterans placards valid only with a 100% military-related disability. Visitors to Rhode Island can also use their disability pass from their state, provided they follow RI handicap parking laws.
RI requires that disabled individuals with a handicap pass display it prominently from their rearview mirror when parking in designated handicap spots, and it must be removed when the vehicle is in motion. Failure to comply with these rules could result in a fine. Misrepresenting oneself while applying for a disabled parking pass is considered a misdemeanor and may result in a fine of up to $1,000 or a jail term of up to one year.
To qualify for a handicap parking permit in RI, applicants must have a disability that requires assistance in walking with the aid of a crutch, brace, cane, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another person; require a portable oxygen tank; suffer from a severe lung disease affecting breathing; have a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition according to the standards set by the American Heart Association; be legally blind or have a visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the best eye with corrective lenses.
To apply for a disabled parking pass in Rhode Island, individuals must fill out the New/Renewal Disability Parking Placard Application and have a licensed physician with a RI medical license complete the medical certification statement. The application must be submitted by mail to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of the medical certification statement. Disabled veterans seeking handicap parking benefits in Rhode Island must complete the Disability Parking Placard for Disabled Rhode Island Veterans application and provide a copy of a letter from the Veteran’s Administration stating that their disability is 100% service-related.
Different types of handicap placards in RI have varying renewal dates. The duration that the pass is valid depends on the date set forth by the licensed physician on the application. Individuals can renew their permanent pass by filling out a renewal form, but a new application with a new medical certification is required for a new temporary or long-term handicap pass after it expires. Licensed physicians are available in every state to help evaluate whether individuals qualify for a handicap pass. Individuals can contact them for assistance in receiving their handicap parking benefits in RI.
Having a handicap pass in RI does not allow free parking, but it does grant parking privileges to those with disabilities. The permit allows individuals to park in designated handicap spots, which are usually located close to the building's entrance or exit. However, standard parking fees must still be paid at parking meters and in pay-to-park lots.
Handicap parking in RI is not free. Although having a handicap parking permit allows individuals with disabilities to park in designated handicap spots, standard parking fees must still be paid at parking meters and in pay-to-park lots. The permit grants parking privileges to those with disabilities, but it does not exempt them from paying parking fees.
To obtain a handicap pass in RI, you can download and fill out the New/Renewal Disability Parking Placard Application from the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles website or visit a local DMV branch. Here are the addresses of some of the DMV branch locations in Rhode Island:
Cranston DMV Branch: 600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
Middletown DMV Branch: 52 Valley Rd, Middletown, RI 02842
Wakefield DMV Branch: 4808 Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879
Woonsocket DMV Branch: 217 Pond St, Woonsocket, RI 02895
You can also send the completed application by mail to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles.
There is no cost for a disability placard in RI. The state of RI does not charge a fee to obtain a disability pass or license plate. However, if you need to replace a lost or stolen pass, there may be a replacement fee. Additionally, standard parking fees must still be paid at parking meters and in pay-to-park lots.
The duration of handicap placards in RI depends on the type of placard issued. Here are the validity periods for each type of placard:
Permanent disability passes: valid for three or more years
Long-term disability passes: valid for one to three years
Temporary passes: valid for up to one year
Disabled veterans passes: valid only with a 100% military-related disability
It's important to note that the duration of the pass is dependent on the date set forth by your licensed physician on the application. You can renew your permanent pass by filling out a renewal form. However, you must complete a new application with a new medical certification if you need a new temporary or long-term handicap pass after it expires.
To renew a permanent disability placard in Rhode Island, you can fill out a renewal form, which can be downloaded from the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or picked up at a DMV branch. The renewal form must be completed and signed by the applicant, and it must be mailed to the Rhode Island DMV.
If you need a new temporary or long-term handicap placard after it expires, you must complete a new application with a new medical certification from a licensed physician in RI.
It's important to note that the renewal requirements and process may differ for different types of placards. For example, disabled veterans seeking handicap parking benefits in Rhode Island must complete the Disability Parking Placard for Disabled Rhode Island Veterans application and provide a copy of a letter from the Veteran’s Administration stating their disability is 100% service-related.
It's recommended that you contact the Rhode Island DMV for specific information and instructions on how to renew your handicap pass.
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