Drivers With Disabilities

June 28, 2004 - NASHVILLE, Tenn., --- In an effort to curb the abuse and misuse of disabled parking privileges, the General Assembly recently passed legislation that makes significant changes to the law governing the issuance of disabled driver placards. The following changes to the issuance of disabled parking placards take effect July 1:

The definition of a "disabled driver" now includes persons whose impairments limit them from walking 200 hundred feet without stopping to rest.
All persons renewing a disabled driver placard must resubmit medical certification prior to the renewal of the placard.
Any person who knowingly or falsely misrepresents oneself as disabled in order to obtain a placard commits a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.
Persons with disabled placards expiring in July and August are being notified by the Department of Safety of the change requiring medical re certification when renewing a permanent or temporary placard. Revised applications with a designated area for medical certification are being sent to those affected by the change in law.

Permanent disabled placards are valid for a period of two years. Temporary placards are issued for the estimated duration of the disabling condition not exceeding six months, as certified by a doctor.

< Back