Disabled driver laws vary from state to state. It is important that you understand the rules in your state, whether you are a disabled driver or not.
How do I know if I am eligible for a disabled parking placard and/or license plate?
In Idaho, you are eligible for a disabled driver placard and/or license plate if you cannot walk 200 feet without resting or requiring the assistance of another person; if you require portable oxygen; if you require the assistance of a walker, crutches, a cane or some other assistive device; if your movement is restricted due to arthritis, a cardiac condition, blindness, or the absence of a limb.
In order to receive a disabled parking placard and/or license plate, you must complete the Disability License Plates and Placards Application. You must have a licensed physician verify that you suffer from a condition that inhibits your mobility. Next, you must submit this form by mail to:
Idaho Transportation Department
Division of Motor Vehicles – Special Plates
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
Or you can fax the form to (208) 334-8542.
How much does a placard cost?
In Idaho, placards are free. The cost of disability license plates, however, is the same price as a regular license plate.
Where am I allowed to park with my placard?
You may park in any area marked with the International Symbol of Access. You may also park in any metered parking zone. Many states do not allow for free parking in metered spaces, but Idaho is one of these. Idaho also allows for unlimited parking in areas with time restrictions. For instance, if a sign states that you may park in an area from four p.m. to ten p.m., if you possess a disability placard and/or license plate, you will be allowed to park in this area for as long as you like. Idaho is unique in this respect. You may also receive fuel from a full-service pump for the price of self-service.
How long may I keep my placard before it expires?
In Idaho, temporary placards are valid for six months, while license plates are valid for one year, and will be renewed with your vehicle registration. In order to renew your placard, you must reapply, using the same form and process you went through to get your first placard. This means taking your form to a physician so that he or she can certify that you do in fact suffer from a disability that limits your mobility.
What if I need to replace my disabled driver placard?
If your placard is stolen, lost, or damaged, you can request a replacement by completing the Disability License Plates and Placards (Form ITD 3392), which is available to download at. You have a choice to submit this application by fax, at (208) 334-8542, or by mail to:
Idaho Transportation Department
Division of Motor Vehicles – Special Plates
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
Are there enough parking spaces available for disabled drivers?
According to CityofBoise.org, there are currently 40 accessible on-street parking spaces in downtown Boise, Idaho. As long as you display your disability placard, you may park in any legal space without regard to time restrictions. This includes parking in metered spaces without paying the meter fee. Please note that many states do not offer unlimited parking in metered spaces. Therefore, you should be aware of each state’s specific laws and guidelines if you are planning on traveling.
What if I am visiting or traveling through Idaho? Will my placard be accepted?
Yes. Your out-of-state placard will be accepted if you are visiting or just passing through Idaho. However, it is important to be acquainted with Idaho’s laws for disabled drivers, as you will need to follow them as long as you are within state boundaries.
Can I lend my placard to someone else, even if that person has a disability?
No, you may not. It is very important that you do not lend your placard to someone else. Abusing your placard is a misdemeanor and this abuse could result in a penalty of up to 200 dollars. You must be in the car whenever your placard is being used. You may be either the driver or a passenger, but you must be inside the vehicle for the placard to be valid and legal. Even if that person has a disability and possesses his or her own placard, you must use only your own placard when you are operating a vehicle.
Idaho, like all states, has very specific rules for disabled drivers. If you suffer from a disability and you live in Idaho, the information above should help you obtain a disabled driver placard and/or license plate.
