Handicap Placards

There is nothing more disconcerting than seeing an abled bodied teenage swing into a handicap parking space, hop out, and race into a store. Lately, I have seen more and more people, who are not entitled, using spaces intended for the disabled, some with expired placards and others with no placard at all.  This forces those who are truly disabled to have to wait long periods for an opening or to park farther away from the entrance than they can safely negotiate.

Though there are dramatic fines for parking in these spaces illegally, abusers fear little because the police have far more critical problems to resolve than patrolling parking lots. We all must help in this problem. We need to report suspected abuse to the store, and they must call the authorities immediately, so those who need these spaces available to them are protected.

The handicap parking program has been the answer for those who struggle with a disability or a challenge that has accompanied growing older. A handicap parking spot not only lessens walking and carrying distances but also enhances safety for those who are most vulnerable and at greater risk for injury.

Blue handicap license plates and placards are issued to persons with a long-term limitation or disability. The person must not be able to walk or ambulate without the assistance of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another person.

A red placard may be issued to a person who is legally blind, restricted by lung disease, uses portable oxygen, has a cardiac condition, severe arthritis, or a neurological or orthopedic condition. Inquire about guidelines in these cases.

Temporary handicap placards don’t exceed six months and are issued to those with a temporary limitation. They’re renewable, but a new application process must be completed and a doctor's approval secured.

To determine qualification, a person must be examined by a licensed physician or podiatrist who practices either in an office or hospital, including the health facilities of the Veteran’s Administration or United States military.

For those needing a placard, be sure to take application Form VTR-214 to the appointment as the doctor determines the type of disability and certifies the need. The form can be downloaded from here dot.state.tx.us/vtr/vtrreginfo.htm?pg=faq. The physician’s signature may have to be notarized. Check the requirements where this is concerned.

After the appointment, make two copies. Submit the original and one copy with $5.00 for each placard to the Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector (817-884-1100).

The permanent parking placard is valid for four years. To renew, the applicant presents the expired placard or a copy of the application form. A disability statement is not required for renewal.

As information varies from state-to-state and county-to-county, contact your county courthouse or the Department of Transportation for additional information.