Disabled Parking Permits in New Jersey

In New Jersey, drivers who qualify can apply to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to obtain a handicap parking permit. Depending on the situation, the driver can seek a permanent or temporary permit (temporary permit applications are submitted to the Municipal Chief of Police). Here are the eligibility requirements and the basics of how the application process works and the penalties for misuse of a disabled parking permit.

Qualifying Conditions for a Disabled Parking Permit

A disabled plate or placard entitles the person to park in spaces specifically designated for persons with disabilities. Valid disability placards from Canada and other states are considered valid for use in New Jersey.

Generally, a person who transports a disabled person can also use a disabled placard. Of course, the person is authorized to use the disabled placard only while transported the person with the qualifying disability.

Permanent Disabilities

New Jersey law specifies the various conditions that qualify a person to receive a disability identification card and disabled license plate or disabled placard. Those who qualify include any person:

• who has lost the use of one or more limbs as a consequence of paralysis, amputation, or other permanent disability
• who has a permanent disability as to be unable to ambulate without the aid of an assisting device
• whose mobility is otherwise limited as certified by a physician, podiatrist, chiropractic physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner, and
• any citizen and resident of New Jersey honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service in any branch of the military who is adjudicated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as being permanently 100% disabled.

For permanent disabilities, the qualifying person can receive up to two disabled license plates for vehicles he or she owns.

Temporary Disabilities

A person can apply for a temporary disability parking permit if he or she:

• has temporarily lost the use of one or more limbs, or
• has a temporary disability as to be unable to ambulate without the aid of an assisting device or whose mobility is otherwise temporarily limited.

As with a permanent disability, the applicant must submit a certification from a physician, podiatrist, chiropractic physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner to be eligible for the permit.

Duration and Renewal of Handicap Permits

Permanent disability placards expire and must be renewed after 36 months. Temporary permits expire after six months and can be renewed once for a second six-month period.

Penalties for Unauthorized Use of a Handicap Placard

Misuse or unauthorized use of a disabled placard can lead to placard revocation and can be prosecuted as a crime of the fourth degree. A conviction carries up to $10,000 in fines and a maximum of 18 months in jail.

More Information

To learn more about or obtain an application for a disability parking permit or placard, go to the Motor Vehicle Commission website.