January 2004 Newsletter, Disabled American Veterans, Department of New York

Disabled American Veterans Department of New York, 200 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook, New York 11563

NEWSLETTER
A Publication for Members of the Disabled American Veterans Dept. of NY
January 2004

Reserved Parking for People With Disabilities
Sidney Siller, Department Adjutant

To get further information about reserved parking for people with disabilities, read the DMV Parking for the Disabled web site. Here are some facts in the meantime:

Who is eligible for vehicle plates for disabled persons or a parking permit for disabled persons? The NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law defines the permanent disabilities that qualify. If you have a permanent disability that qualifies, you can get vehicle plates for reserved parking from the DMV or a parking permit from your local government. It is illegal to park in a parking space reserved for persons with disabilities if you do not have the correct vehicle plates or parking permit. You can use the vehicle plates or parking permit in New York State and in most other states.

How do I get a parking permit for disabled persons? You and your healthcare provider can complete the application form MV-664.1. You also can have your healthcare provider (MD, OD or DPM) complete a statement on their letterhead. The statement must describe the disabling condition and verify that the disability qualifies according to the law. Bring the form or statement to the issuing agency in your locality (normally the office of your city clerk, town clerk or village clerk). There is no fee for a permit. Remember that the DMV does not issue the parking permits.

How do I get vehicle plates for the disabled? Bring the proof of your disability (either form MV-664.1 or the statement from your healthcare provider) and current vehicle plates to any DMV office. Bring your proof of identity. Complete the application form, pay $18.00, and surrender your current vehicle plates. Vehicle plates for disabled persons are issued only for vehicles registered in the name of the disabled person. Each disabled person can have one set of vehicle plates.

How much is the fine for someone who parks in a parking space reserved for disabled persons? These fines are:

$50 to $75 for a first offense.

$75 to 150 for a second offense.

The locality can add to the amount of these fines. The law also allows police officers to tow and store illegally-parked vehicles.

How is the number of reserved parking spaces for disabled persons determined? A locality can establish a local law or ordinance to reserve parking spaces on a street and install the signs. Municipalities do not have control over the assignment of parking spaces in private parking lots, but many facilities provide their own reserved parking. If you have a question about reserved parking for disabled persons on a specific street, determine if the street is part of county, city, town, village or state property. Then contact the correct officials for that locality. Shopping centers that include five or more retail stores are also required to provide and reserved parking spaces for disabled customers.

Is reserved parking for people with disabilities available in New York City? New York City (NYC) issues parking permits and vehicle plates for disabled persons to its residents, but there are no reserved spaces in NYC. If you have questions about reserved parking for disabled persons in NYC, contact the NYC Department of Transportation, Bureau of Traffic.

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