If you need to apply for a disabled parking plate or placard, we'll show you how to do it.

Top Application Procedures and Requirements

For starters, you'll need to complete an Application for Physically Disabled Parking Permit and License Plates(Form MV-044).

Disability plates and placards are only issued to those who have a physical disability that "limits or impairs" their ability to walk. Unfortunately, individuals who are blind or have poor vision do not qualify.

In order to prove that you have difficulty walking, you'll need to have your doctor complete and sign the back part of the application.

Your doctor will only be able to do this if you meet at least one of the following requirements:

• You are unable to walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest.

• You use oxygen.

• You must use or be assisted by a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or another type of assistive device in order to walk.

• You have a lung disease that's severe enough that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second (when measured by spirometry) is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg on room air at rest.

• You have a cardiac condition that's disabling enough that your functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to the American Heart Association leaflet "The Functional and Therapeutic Classifications of Patients with Diseases of the Heart" (printed June 1, 1990).

• You are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

Top Types of Placards and Plates, Costs, and Renewal Terms

There are two types of placards available and one type of plate.

Permanent Portable Placard

As the name implies, these sorts of placards are issued to individuals with disabilities that are considered to be longer term, or permanent.

The placards are good for a period of anywhere from one to five years.

If the doctor marks on your application that you have a permanent disability, you may keep the placard for good, as long as you remember to renew it every five years. You don't need to have a doctor's approval to renew. Also, you may renew your permit up to 90 days before the expiration date.

You may use the permanent placard in your car, or any car that's transporting you. If you have more than one vehicle, you may request two placards.

The placards are removable and hang from the windshield. They will display the expiration date and an identification number.

If your vehicle is parked in a spot reserved for those with disabilities, make sure that your placard is clearly visible. If it isn't, and you receive a ticket for parking in a disabled reserve parking space, you will have to pay the fine.

The placards are free.

Temporary Portable Placard

These placards are issued when you have a disability that's deemed to be temporary.

The longest term for which these permits are valid is one year.

On the application, your doctor must give the date your disability began, and when you're expected to recover from your condition.

You actually may renew these temporary permits, if your doctor verifies that your condition will last longer than expected.

The placards are removable and hang from the windshield. They will display the expiration date and an identification number.

If your vehicle is parked in a spot reserved for those with disabilities, make sure that your placard is clearly visible. If it isn't, and you receive a ticket for parking in a disabled reserve parking space, you will have to pay the fine.

The placards are free.

If you're traveling, all states and most countries honor the temporary placards. If you're going to be traveling longer than 12 months and your disability still persists, you will need to reapply for a temporary placard.

License Plates

You may also choose to receive a disability license plate, issued under the same guidelines as the placards.

However, only the title owner of the vehicle may apply for a disability plate.

The plates cost $4 in order to cover the mailing fee.

However, if you should ever need a replacement plate, there's a $10 charge for the plate, plus a $4 mailing fee. You'll also have to complete an affidavit in order for your request to be processed.

Top Penalties

South Dakota takes the matter of disability parking access seriously.

• If you are caught making false or fraudulent statements on your application, or if you tamper with your placard, you could spend up to one year in jail and be fined $1,000.

• If you don't have a disability placard or plate, and you park in a reserved space, you could be fined at least $100.

• The same penalty applies if you park in a reserved space with a disability plate or placard that does not belong to you. The person issued the permit must be in the vehicle with you.

• Even if you're not parked in a reserved space, but are simply blocking access to it, you could be fined at least $100.

Additionally, the placard or plate must be returned to a county treasurer's office within 30 days if the person issued the permit no longer has the disability, or dies.

Top Additional Information

For more information on obtaining a disability placard/plate, call the South Dakota Coalition of Citizens at (800) 210-0143.

You might also want to contact the Division of Motor Vehicles at:

• 445 East Capitol Ave.

• Pierre, SD 57501

• Phone: (605) 773-3541

• Fax: (605) 773-2550

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