If you have a temporary or permanent disability, you may be eligible for a handicap placard in West Virginia. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles offers three types of handicap permits: temporary placards, permanent placards, and disability license plates. While anyone visiting the state can use their out-of-state placard, they must follow West Virginia's handicap parking laws.
To use a WV handicap pass, it must be hung from the rearview mirror when parked in a designated handicap spot and removed when the vehicle is in motion. You cannot loan your pass to anyone else, even if they are also disabled. The person issued the pass can either be the driver or the passenger of the vehicle. Fraudulently filling out the application or misusing a designated handicap parking space can result in a fine of up to $500.
To be eligible for a WV handicap parking permit, you must meet specific requirements, including requiring the use of a portable oxygen tank, not being able to walk 200 feet without resting, needing assistance from an assistive device or another person, having a Class III or Class IV cardiac condition, being severely restricted by lung disease, or having limited mobility due to a neurological, orthopedic, or arthritic condition.
To apply for a West Virginia handicap parking pass, you can either apply by mail or at a Division of Motor Vehicles office. The process involves completing the Parking Application for a Mobility Impaired Person (Form DMV-41-TR) and having a licensed medical professional complete the medical certification section. You will also need to pay the applicable fees, which are free for passes and $5 for license plates. For more information on how to get your online medical certification from a licensed physician in West Virginia, visit the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles website.
Temporary passes cannot be renewed, but you can re-apply by completing a new application and obtaining a new medical certification. Permanent passes can be renewed after five years, but you do not need a new medical certification. If you believe you may qualify for a WV handicap pass, contact a licensed physician to evaluate your condition and determine your qualifications.
Yes, if you have a handicap placard from another state, you can use it in WV. However, you must follow West Virginia's handicap parking laws, such as hanging the placard from the rearview mirror when parked in a designated handicap spot and removing it when the vehicle is in motion. Keep in mind that the eligibility criteria and rules for using handicap passes may differ from state to state, so it's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific laws of the state you're visiting.
While some states allow for free parking with a handicap placard, WV does not have a specific law that exempts placard holders from paying parking fees. However, some municipalities in WV may choose to provide free parking for people with disabilities, so it's best to check with the local authorities before parking. Additionally, handicap placard holders in WV are allowed to park in designated handicap spots, which are typically located closer to building entrances and have more space for wheelchair accessibility.
The number of required handicap parking spaces in WV depends on the total number of parking spaces in a given lot or garage. According to the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the following minimum number of accessible parking spaces:
For parking lots with 1-25 spaces: at least one accessible space
For parking lots with 26-50 spaces: at least two accessible spaces
For parking lots with 51-75 spaces: at least three accessible spaces
For parking lots with 76-100 spaces: at least four accessible spaces
The number of accessible spaces increases by one for every additional 25 parking spaces. Additionally, at least one out of every six accessible spaces (or fraction thereof) must be van-accessible. These requirements ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to parking facilities and can park close to building entrances.
In WV, the application for a disability pass is free. However, if you would like to obtain disability license plates for your vehicle, there is a fee of $5. Once you have been approved for a disability pass , you will not need to pay any additional fees for the placard's renewal or replacement. Keep in mind that the medical certification form required for the application must be completed by a licensed physician, advanced nurse practitioner, chiropractor, or physician's assistant, and any fees for medical appointments or evaluations will be the responsibility of the applicant.
In WV, there are two types of handicap passes: temporary and permanent. Temporary passes are valid for up to six months, while permanent passes are valid for up to five years. After the expiration date, you must apply for a new placard by submitting a new application form and obtaining a new medical certification from a licensed medical professional. However, if you have a permanent placard, you do not need a new medical certification to renew it. It's important to note that if your condition improves and you no longer need the placard, you must return it to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles.
If you have a permanent handicap placard in West Virginia, you can renew it by submitting a renewal form that you will receive in the mail from the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. You do not need a new medical certification to renew your permanent pass.
Temporary passes are not eligible for renewal, but you can re-apply for a new pass by completing a new application form and obtaining a new medical certification from a licensed medical professional.
To renew your permanent handicap pass, you must:
Wait for the renewal form to arrive in the mail. If you do not receive the renewal form at least 60 days before the expiration date, you can contact the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles to request a form.
Complete the renewal form with your personal information, including your name, address, and the expiration date of your current permanent pass.
Sign and date the renewal form.
Mail the completed renewal form to the address listed on the form. You can also submit the form in person at a West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles office.
Wait for your new permanent handicap pass to arrive in the mail.
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