As of April 2022, the only individuals allowed to park in a disabled parking space in Maryland
are those with a permanent or temporary disability placard featuring the International Symbol of Access (ISA). Around 22% of Maryland residents have a disability, which means that many drivers in the state may be eligible for a handicap parking placard or plate. While the details of these permits vary from state to state, those featuring the International Symbol of Access (ISA) allow drivers with disabilities to use more accessible parking spaces.
If you’re looking to find out just who is eligible for a disabled parking placard in Maryland and what it means, check out this guide.
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In order to park in a spot designated for individuals with disabilities in Maryland, drivers will need to display a disability parking permit. In Maryland, there are two kinds of disability placards available:
A temporary disability parking placard, which can be used for a minimum of three weeks and a maximum of six months.
A permanent disability parking placard, which does not expire.
You can also apply for a personalized disability parking license plate, but keep in mind that the plate is only applicable to one vehicle.
All of these disability parking permits feature the universal wheelchair symbol, more formally known as the International Symbol of Access (ISA). It’s the same symbol you’d see on a handicap bathroom, featuring a stick figure with a wheelchair. The symbol is recognized by every state, and permits displaying it indicate that the driver has permission to park in spots designated for disability parking.
In Maryland, a disability parking placard also means that drivers do not have to pay parking meter fees if they do not meet the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Additionally, those with the permit can park for up to twice the maximum time indicated on the meter.
Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?
The International Symbol of Access may include a wheelchair, but don’t let that mislead you—you do not have to use a wheelchair to qualify. There is a wide range of disabilities, and the state of Maryland recognizes that while some are visible, others may not be immediately identifiable.
You qualify for a disability parking placard or license plate in Maryland if you:
You have a lung disease that impairs respiratory function to such an extent that forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter—or, arterial oxygen tension (pO2) is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest
You have cardiovascular disease limitations classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the standards set by the American Heart Association
You are unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
You are unable to walk without assistance
You require a wheelchair for mobility
You have lost an arm, hand, foot, or leg
You have lost the use of an arm, hand, foot, or leg
You have any permanent disability to the extent that you would be at risk of injury or other harm if you did not have the privilege of a specially registered vehicle
You have permanent eye impairment so that either:Your vision in your better eye is 20/200 or less, with corrective glasses
Your peripheral vision is limited, with the widest diameter subtending an angle of 20 degrees or less in your better eye
Maryland also offers temporary disability placards, which are valid anywhere from three weeks to six months. Those are typically issued in cases where an injury has affected your mobility for a short period of time, putting you at risk of injury, or at the very least, extreme inconvenience, if you didn’t have those parking privileges.
How to apply
To apply for either a permanent or temporary handicap placard, or to apply for a disability license plate, drivers in Maryland will need to request an application for Maryland Parking Placards/License Plates for Individuals with a Disability, also known as a VR-210 form
. You can get the form by calling the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), visiting an MVA office to request one in person, or downloading it from the MVA website
. First, you’ll need to provide identifying information like your name, address, and driver’s license or ID card number. Make sure to check the boxes that indicate which type of permit you’re applying for. In Maryland, at any one time drivers can apply for one of the following:
One regular disability plate
One disability placard and one regular disability plate
You can also request a maximum of two motorcycle placards in addition to those combinations.
If you choose to apply for a license plate, you will also need to provide the title number for your vehicle. Keep in mind that a disability plate can only be used on a vehicle titled in the name of the person with a disability, or one leased to them.
If you are not self-certifying (for which you will need the proper documentation), you will also need to have a licensed medical professional fill out the Disability Certification Information. Once your doctor has filled this out, they can fax it directly to the MVA office.
There are a few ways you can go about submitting your application with your doctor’s certification:
Make an appointment with your physician for them to certify your application. Once they’ve completed the disability certification portion, you can complete the application online through the MVA website
. Print and complete the VR-210 form
and bring it to an appointment with your physician to complete the disability certification portion of the application. Upload and submit the completed form online. Print and complete the VR-210 form
and bring it to an appointment with your physician to complete the disability certification portion of the application, then mail it to the MVA at Disability Unit, Room 202, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.
You can either have your placard mailed to you, or you can pick it up at an MVA office, but keep in mind that only full-service MVA office locations issue disability plates.
There is no fee for permanent or temporary disability permits in Maryland. However, if you are requesting a disability plate or motorcycle plate, you’ll need to submit a $20 fee with your application for the assessment of the substitute/replacement tag. If you’re mailing your application and payment, the MVA asks that you don’t mail cash.
Key Takeaway When applying for a disability placard or plate in Maryland, you’ll need to fill out a VR-210 form, have it certified by a licensed medical professional, and then turn it in online, in person, or by mail.
Renewing a disabled parking placard
If you need to keep your temporary disability placard for longer than six months, you’ll need to apply again for an additional period of disability of up to six more months. That extension will need to be certified by your physician as well.
Permanent placards do not expire and are good for the lifetime of the individual they belong to.
If you choose to apply for a license plate, registration stickers need to be applied to plates every two years.
Guidelines for veterans with disabilities
Veterans
with disabilities can apply for a disabled veteran plate through the MVA as well. In order to apply for this kind of disability parking plate, you’ll need to submit your VR-210 form along with a letter from the Veterans Administration certifying that you have a 100% disability. Once your application has been approved, you can choose either a regular disability plate or a disabled veteran plate, both of which display the ISA and can be used to park in handicap spots.
MORE: Cheap car insurance to get if you're a veteran
How to find savings on car insurance in Maryland
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