To comply with Wisconsin disability parking regulations, drivers must show their Disabled Parking Identification permit when parked in an accessible parking spot, regardless of the type. If you have a placard, it should be hung from your rearview mirror when parked and removed before driving. The Wisconsin handicap placard may only be used in cars transporting the eligible individual.
Any temporary or permanent disability could bring various challenges for people who need to drive. However, each state has its own regulations to assist people with special needs in overcoming various obstacles, such as finding accessible parking places.
If you are part of the 11.8% of Wisconsinites living with a disability, you may be eligible for a Disabled Parking Identification (DIS ID) permit or license plate to lawfully use these parking spaces. The regulations for using accessible parking places can vary drastically between states. Being familiar with the rules in your own state would be beneficial to avoid any penalties for misusing these spots.
We've gathered all the information to help you learn the requirements for a DIS ID permit and what you need to do to get one.
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How to get a disabled parking placard or plate in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, you must display your DIS ID from the rearview mirror any time you are parking in an accessible spot. It must be removed before you operate the vehicle so it doesn’t obstruct your view.
There are two types of DIS ID permits:
Temporary permit (red)—valid for six months maximum
Permanent certificate (blue)—valid for four years
All DIS ID permits will have the International Symbol of Access—which you’ll likely recognize as a blue-and-white stick figure in a wheelchair. However, whether you use a wheelchair or not, your eligibility for a permit will not be affected if you have one of the conditions listed below.
Another alternative is to obtain a disabled parking license plate for your vehicle. However, this limits its use to one vehicle so it may be less practical. If you drive or are transported in several vehicles, getting a DIS ID permit would be more beneficial since you can move it around.
Who’s eligible for a disabled parking placard?
You are eligible for a DIS ID permit if you are certified by an authorized healthcare specialist to have one or more of the following conditions:
You need to rest when walking less than 200 feet
You need assistance from another person, brace, cane, crutch, etc, to walk
You have a lung disease that causes shortness of breath
You need to carry and use a portable oxygen tank
You have a cardiac condition with class III or class IV severity
You have an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition that limits your walking ability
A temporary disability would include a broken foot from dropping something heavy on it. Since you will have difficulty walking without any aids before it recovers, you would be eligible for a temporary DIS ID permit.
A permanent disability would include having severe asthma that limits your mobility and causes shortness of breath if you walk too much. In this case, you would be eligible for a permanent DIS ID permit.
How to apply
Depending on whether you are applying for a temporary or permanent DIS ID permit, you will need to ask an authorized healthcare specialist to fill in a portion of the following:
Although the application process is relatively straightforward, it’s important to fill in all the required details completely and correctly. Any missing information could result in your application being rejected and you would have to re-submit it.
In the applicant section, you will need to fill in your identifying information, including your legal name, gender, Wisconsin driver’s license
number, date of birth, address, contact number, and signature. You will also need to indicate what you are applying for: A replacement, permit number, reason for replacement
The eligibility section must be completed and signed by an authorized healthcare specialist licensed to practice in any state. Their name, medical license number, address, and contact number will need to be provided as well. Specialists can also certify your disability at https://disabledparking.wi.gov/
. Any applicable fees must be paid by check or money order and made payable to the Registration Fee Trust. Include this payment when you mail your application to:
Special Plates Unit – DIS ID
P O Box 7306, Madison
, WI 53707-7306 Be sure to make a copy of your form and keep it with you, as any traffic officer can request to inspect it.
Renewing a disabled parking plate
Permanent permits must be renewed every four years using the MV2548 form. You will also need to have your disability recertified.
Temporary permits expire after six months. If your disability extends beyond the six-month validity, submit a new application to retain your temporary permit.
Key Takeaway An authorized healthcare specialist needs to certify your disability before you send in your application for a temporary or permanent DIS ID permit and renewals.
Guidelines for veterans with disabilities
Disabled veterans with the conditions listed above can apply for disabled veteran parking license plates. However, they must be certified by an authorized VA healthcare specialist as having a permanent service-related disability.
Special Plates Unit – DIS ID
P O Box 7306, Madison, WI 53707-7306
Key Takeaway The Wisconsin Disabled Veteran license plate can be issued to Wisconsin resident veterans after they submit an application for disability plates with their disability certified by a VA healthcare specialist.
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