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How to Apply for a Disabled Parking Permit in Maryland If you're looking to apply for a disabled parking permit in Maryland, you've come to the right place! We understand that the application process can be daunting, so we're here to make things easier. In this post, we'll cover the qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit in Maryland, as well as explain the application process. Keep reading to learn all you need to know!
Qualifying Conditions for a Disabled Parking Placard in Maryland
To use disabled parking spaces in Maryland, it's essential to have a valid disabled parking permit. Maryland issues three types of permits: permanent license plates, temporary placards, and permanent placards. The permit you receive depends on the severity of your illness or disability, and even permanent permits have an expiration date.
There are various ways to qualify for a disabled parking permit, and not all the qualifying conditions are immediately visible or obvious. For this reason, it's crucial to discuss your medical condition honestly and thoroughly with your doctor, who can better advise you on the options available to you. In the list below, we'll outline some of the most common qualifying conditions for a disabled parking permit in Maryland:
- Extreme mobility impairment
- Loss of limb
- Severe lung disease
- Serious cardiovascular conditions
- Permanently impaired vision
Extreme Mobility Impairment
Individuals who cannot walk for more than 200 feet without rest or require an assistive device, such as a brace or cane, to walk are eligible for a disabled parking permit. This also applies to individuals who use a wheelchair. If you have a condition of this type, you should know that there is a range of vehicle adaptations available to make driving more comfortable and easier.
Loss of Limb
Individuals who have lost a limb, such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot, or have lost function in one of these body parts, are eligible for a disabled parking permit.
Severe Lung Disease
Individuals who suffer from a severe lung condition or disease that affects their daily life should apply for a disabled parking permit. This also applies to those who require portable oxygen from a tank for a severe respiratory condition.
Serious Cardiovascular Conditions
If you have a heart condition classified as Class III or Class IV under the American Heart Association Guidelines, you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit. These conditions are considered serious and can have a significant impact on daily life. It's important to get a proper assessment from a licensed physician to determine eligibility.
Permanently Impaired Vision
For those with vision impairment, the Maryland Department of Transportation specifies the following criteria for disabled parking permit eligibility: a permanent impairment of both eyes that meets either of the following conditions: 1) central vision acuity is 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective glasses, or 2) peripheral field defect that limits the widest diameter of visual field to an angular distance no greater than 20 degrees in the better eye. If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit.
If you think you may be eligible for a disabled parking permit due to one of these medical conditions, please consult with a licensed HandicapMD physician and the relevant authorities in your area to obtain proper documentation and guidance.
How to Get a Disability Placard in Maryland
Now that you're familiar with the qualifying conditions, let's walk through the application process. HandicapMD has licensed physicians in each US state, making it easy to arrange your medical consultation online. However, before scheduling your consultation, you must download and complete the MVA disability placard form with all the relevant information. This form also offers guidance and explanations of various terms, so read it thoroughly before filling out the necessary sections.
After completing the form, you'll need to arrange a medical consultation (which can be done with the help of HandicapMD). There is a section on the form to be completed by a medical professional, so make sure you bring the form to your consultation so that the specialist can certify the application.
Once the form is fully completed, you can submit it to your local Maryland MVA office or via fax or email. Make sure to include the relevant fee ($20 for plates, free for placards). Shortly after submission, you should receive your placard, allowing you to use disabled parking spaces throughout the state if you qualify for a PD permit in Maryland. You can recognize these spaces by the universal symbol: a white wheelchair on a blue background.
