Disability Travel - Handicapped permit

Hey, sorry if this has been answered previously, I can't seem to find it.

I have a disabled parking permit (which I received earlier this year for my arthritis). Next week will be the first time I use it outside of Ontario. (if conditions require so - if I'm having a good day, I always park in a normal spot)

I have a business conference in Orlando, Fl, and I was wondering if I will encounter any problems using my permit in a rental car down there. I emailed the Florida dept of transportation, but haven't received a reply from them.

Thanks everyone!

I'm pretty sure that you will have no problem. Is it a blue one that hangs on the mirror?

Thanks for your reply. - Hopefully I don't run into any problems down there.

No the ones issued by Ontario do not hang from the mirror.

They are blue, and they display the international wheelchair symbol, but they are a placard that sits on your dash.

It will not be a problem providing you obey FL law concerning restrictions on the use of the handicap placard.

Handicapped Parking Rules for Meter Parking in Florida (http://www.ehow.com/list_6008540_handicapped-rules-meter-parking-florida.html)

Abstract: —Motor vehicles displaying a special license plate or parking permit issued to a person who has a disability by any other state or district subject to the laws of the United States or by a foreign country that issues disabled parking permits that display the international symbol of accessibility are recognized as displaying a valid license plate or permit, that allows such a vehicle special parking privileges.

Incorrect use/abuse of a disabled parking permit.

1. Don't use someone else's permit (including relative).
2. Don't park in Access Aisle (Stripped Area). Fine for parking in Access Aisle
is $250.00 even with a permit.
3. Don't drive with permit hanging on rearview mirror.
4. Don't use expired permit.
5. Don't put permit on dash with expiration date covered up.
6. Don't let anyone else use your permit including close family members and
relatives.(Permits are registered one permit per name. Permit registered to
person not vehicle).

From my experience, #2 above is abused the most.

It will not be a problem providing you obey FL law concerning restrictions on the use of the handicap placard.

Handicapped Parking Rules for Meter Parking in Florida (http://www.ehow.com/list_6008540_handicapped-rules-meter-parking-florida.html)

Abstract: —Motor vehicles displaying a special license plate or parking permit issued to a person who has a disability by any other state or district subject to the laws of the United States or by a foreign country that issues disabled parking permits that display the international symbol of accessibility are recognized as displaying a valid license plate or permit, that allows such a vehicle special parking privileges.

Incorrect use/abuse of a disabled parking permit.

1. Don't use someone else's permit (including relative).
2. Don't park in Access Aisle (Stripped Area). Fine for parking in Access Aisle
is $250.00 even with a permit.
3. Don't drive with permit hanging on rearview mirror.
4. Don't use expired permit.
5. Don't put permit on dash with expiration date covered up.
6. Don't let anyone else use your permit including close family members and
relatives.(Permits are registered one permit per name. Permit registered to
person not vehicle).

From my experience, #2 above is abused the most.

Cool, thanks so much for extracting the law!

And yes #2 is abused here as well.

Or more so... A non-handicapped person parks over two spots (one regular, one handicapped). Then they walk into the mall like nothing's wrong. Can't stand that!

It won't be a problem. My mother brings hers with her where ever she travels and has never had an issue.

It won't be a problem. My mother brings hers with her where ever she travels and has never had an issue.

Thank you everyone!

If you do have a problem, please come back and let us know.

I'll definitely let you guys know how it went. Leaving tomorrow, and back home Thurs afternoon.

Hey everyone! Here's the update.

I haven't used my permit as of yet (had no need for it).

I also got a reply back from FL Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles which states that its permitted.

Thanks again!

Good to hear - thanks for reporting back.

I hope you enjoyed your trip.

In my experience ON permits(My parents') was not a problem in all the states that we have traveled to.

As a related question, i will be taking my wheelchair bound father to San Francisco and the surrounding area. We will be taking his British disability parking permits. Will these be deemed acceptable for use?

We used them in Phoenix several years ago with no problems.

Thanks

As a related question, i will be taking my wheelchair bound father to San Francisco and the surrounding area. We will be taking his British disability parking permits. Will these be deemed acceptable for use?

We used them in Phoenix several years ago with no problems.

Thanks

I think you'll be fine. If not, I hope you'll also come back and let us know.

As a related question, i will be taking my wheelchair bound father to San Francisco and the surrounding area. We will be taking his British disability parking permits. Will these be deemed acceptable for use?

We used them in Phoenix several years ago with no problems.

Thanks

Legally, you will be fine; the UK and US have reciprocity in honoring each others' permits.

Thank you both, I will post a trip report in once the trip is over and will focus on how the disabled aspects of the trip were handled. We are flying United LHR - SFO and driving to Stinson Beach.

As promised i have written a report, you can find it here

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1274239-taking-my-sister-mother-disabled-father-sfo-united-c.html#post17360462

Thank you!

I have a parking permit issued by Pennsylvania, and recently used it in Belgium and the Netherlands. Since I was doing fairly well health-wise, the only time I used the permit for parking purposed was in a couple massive parking garages, where the walk to the elevators was long, steep and convoluted - my ankle fracture never fully healed, and steep slopes remain a challenge.

What the permit was more useful for this last trip was pre-boarding on DL. Because on inclines, like jetways, I walk very slowly (ankle) and suffer extreme pain from being jostled (arthritis) I like to pre-board and settle in before the teeming mob pushes down the jetway. I found that if I held the permit in hand, with our boarding passes, as I asked the GA if I could pre-board, they always said yes without further questions or any hassle. Wish I could say the same about some of the very pushy medallion members on DL; how is it any of their business if the GA allows someone to pre-board? I don't believe gaining status entitles them to question other pax about their status.

I use my handicapped placard for pre-boarding sometimes too - on bad days.

Oddly, one time I used it to board a DL flight and the GA scolded me saying "We don't require proof of being handicapped, but you should have told the agent at the ticket counter and he/she would have marked your record as needing assistance."

Oh, OK, just what I needed - being scolded for not being correctly handicapped. I usually do not need additional assistance unless it is a really bad day.

Wish I could say the same about some of the very pushy medallion members on DL; how is it any of their business if the GA allows someone to pre-board? I don't believe gaining status entitles them to question other pax about their status.

I hear complaints about my pre-boarding and I need an aisle chair to get to my seat! Some people just aren't happy unless they are complaining. :)

Usually, I transfer from my wheelchair to the aisle chair at the jetway right next to the airplane. Once the gate agent allowed first class passengers to board right behind me and one of them literally shoved past me as I was transferring and made me fall. He just continued charging ahead onto the plane without a look back, as the people who push the aisle chair had to pick me up from the floor of the jetway and put me back into the aisle chair.

I've also had people complain about my sitting in my wheelchair where the gate agent has told me to sit (usually off to the side of where they check the boarding passes). I tell them I am sitting where I was told to sit and then usually make a joke about how at least I'm not taking a seat away from anyone since I bring my own along with me. That usually ends the comments. :)

I hear complaints about my pre-boarding and I need an aisle chair to get to my seat! Some people just aren't happy unless they are complaining. :)



+1. And sometimes the complaints are from gate agents/flight attendants :-(.

Legally, you will be fine; the UK and US have reciprocity in honoring each others' permits.

Actually Canada doesn't according to Ontario gov.....so if accepted its more a courtesy than the law

Q: Is an Ontario Accessible Parking Permit valid in the United States for those with recognized disabilities to access special parking privileges?

A: Alan Cairns, spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Government Services, provided this response from Service Ontario:

The use of accessible parking permits (APP) differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There is no reciprocal agreement between Ontario and out-of-Canada locales to recognize each other’s APP.


http://www.thestar.com/wheels/article/1178100--is-an-ontario-accessible-parking-permit-valid-in-the-u-s


I did find a Federal gov agreement for the EU (not the UK )

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/policy/acc-accf-accessexecutivesummary-704.htm

Has anyone had any problems using a Ontario Accessible Parking Permit in other provinces in Canada or the United States?

Has anyone had any problems using a Ontario Accessible Parking Permit in other provinces in Canada or the United States?

Since you ask for specific states and provinces:

BC AB ON QC

AK WA OR CA AZ TX LA FL SC NC VA MI MN IL MO CO OH PE NY NJ CT VT NH MA ME RI

These are states and provinces that we have used either of my parent's permit while traveling with them and not have our parked vehicle tagged.

Since you ask for specific states and provinces:

BC AB ON QC

AK WA OR CA AZ TX LA FL SC NC VA MI MN IL MO CO OH PE NY NJ CT VT NH MA ME RI

These are states and provinces that we have used either of my parent's permit while traveling with them and not have our parked vehicle tagged.

Thanks....I guess then if you follow local rules about useage its unlikely to get ticketed even though they could legally refuse to accept a non-local US permit. This is a new area for me as I'd assumed it was universal so just trying to avoid any problems for a family member when they travel.

Actually Canada doesn't according to Ontario gov.....so if accepted its more a courtesy than the law

Q: Is an Ontario Accessible Parking Permit valid in the United States for those with recognized disabilities to access special parking privileges?

A: Alan Cairns, spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Government Services, provided this response from Service Ontario:

The use of accessible parking permits (APP) differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There is no reciprocal agreement between Ontario and out-of-Canada locales to recognize each other’s APP.


http://www.thestar.com/wheels/article/1178100--is-an-ontario-accessible-parking-permit-valid-in-the-u-s



Unless Ontario for some reason is not bound by Canadian reciprocity agreements (which I suppose might be the case as I am not familiar with provincial versus national powers), that's not true. Canada and the United States are both ECMT Associate members and are therefore signatories to the 1978 ECMT Resolution concerned reciprocity of parking permits.

Actually Canada doesn't according to Ontario gov.....so if accepted its more a courtesy than the law

Q: Is an Ontario Accessible Parking Permit valid in the United States for those with recognized disabilities to access special parking privileges?

A: Alan Cairns, spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Government Services, provided this response from Service Ontario:

The use of accessible parking permits (APP) differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. There is no reciprocal agreement between Ontario and out-of-Canada locales to recognize each other’s APP.


http://www.thestar.com/wheels/article/1178100--is-an-ontario-accessible-parking-permit-valid-in-the-u-s


I did find a Federal gov agreement for the EU (not the UK )

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/policy/acc-accf-accessexecutivesummary-704.htm

Unless Ontario for some reason is not bound by Canadian reciprocity agreements (which I suppose might be the case as I am not familiar with provincial versus national powers), that's not true. Canada and the United States are both ECMT Associate members and are therefore signatories to the 1978 ECMT Resolution concerned reciprocity of parking permits.

Sounds like a politician or civil servant reply to avoid responsibility if and when someone with an ON permit gets tagged outside Daltonland.

BTW - When using these permit, make sure the permit holder is using the vehicle and he/she is carrying a photo ID matching the name on the permit.

In general, when I look at the prevalence of fake, expired, and used-by-the-wrong-person parking permits in my country, and the very low incidence of fines and enforcement of existing laws, I figure that any country's official parking permit is going to pass muster with most any law officer who happens to look at it, unless it's really hard for a single-language speaker to grasp that it actually is a handicapped parking permit (i.e, it's in a non-Latin alphabet and doesn't have the universal symbol of the little wheelchair guy on it).

P.S. I just sent the Toronto Star editorial desk an email asking how the Service Ontario response could be true. We'll see if anything comes of it!

P.S. I just sent the Toronto Star editorial desk an email asking how the Service Ontario response could be true. We'll see if anything comes of it!
I feel that the information in the article is accurate as the Ontario government (or any other State, Provincial or Municipal goverment) does not have authority over another jurisdiction. While the Ontario government clearly indicates that they recognize visitor's accessible parking permits, it may not be the same everywhere.

ServiceOntario: Accessible Parking Permit - Frequently Asked Questions (http://www.ontario.ca/en/services_for_residents/ONT05_039830.html)

2. How does a visitor to Ontario obtain an Accessible Parking Permit?

Ontario honours accessible parking permits, licence plates, markers or devices, bearing the international symbol for access for the person with a disability from other jurisdictions. You do not need to apply for a visitor permit if you are travelling with one of the above.

However, if you are disabled but do not have one of the above, please call ServiceOntario's Driver and Vehicle Contact Centre at 416 235-2999 or toll free at 1-800-387-3445 (Canada wide) to obtain information on how to apply for a visitor's Accessible Parking Permit.

These permits ensure that people with disabilities have a unique entitlement to designated accessible parking throughout Ontario (specific parking privileges vary depending on the municipality or parking lot owner). ServiceOntario issues Accessible Parking Permits to out-of-province visitors for a maximum of six months.

ServiceOntario: Accessible Parking Permit Services (http://www.ontario.ca/en/services_for_residents/ONT06_024145.html)
Nova Scotia (http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/paal/rmv/paal277.asp), for example, appears to have entered into specific reciprocal agreements with several U.S. states, specifically the following:

- States of Florida, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Ohio and Oregon, and Commonwealths of Kentucky and Puerto Rico.

Government of Nova Scotia: Handicapped Parking - Reciprocating States Regulations (http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/mv21289.htm)

I feel that the information in the article is accurate as the Ontario government (or any other State, Provincial or Municipal goverment) does not have authority over another jurisdiction. While the Ontario government clearly indicates that they recognize visitor's accessible parking permits, it may not be the same everywhere.


I thought the original question was not whether visitor permits were valid in Ontario, but whether Ontario permits are valid in the US.

Thanks all for the feedback. Its not as straight forward as I thought but getting an education on how this all works so will keep an eye on this thread for sure.

Hi Katja...

That was the original question, but then the discussion turned to the article quoted by Points Surfer. I simply feel that the response noted in the article is accurate as the Ontario provincial government cannot guarantee that an Ontario accessible parking permit will be accepted everywhere. All the Ontario provincial government can do is ensure that they accept parking permits from other jurisdictions as that is within their authority.

To your point about Canada and the United States both being ECMT associate members, it does seem odd to me that Nova Scotia would find it necessary to enter into specific reciprocity agreements with only select, individual states - and that those states also felt the need to have the agreements in place. :confused:

Anyway, as others have indicated, my observations while travelling have also been that provided the parking permit is used correctly and by its intended user, they seem to be accepted.

Just as an FYI I thought I'd add a note about a recent experience in Montreal.

I have a Pennsylvania permit/hang tag and as the parking ticket writer was walking down the block as I fed the meter, I asked about my permit being acceptable there (car was in a handicapped space on street). He said as long as I fed the meter, I could park there all day.

So: non Canadian permit accepted, no meter exemption. Worked out well for me.

Hello,
My wife has a temporary handicapped parking plastic tag (the ones that you hang from your rear view mirror) due to broken foot.
We are traveling to Hawaii shortly and were wondering if they are recognised / valid there?
Also, in CA you can park for free at normal meter spots.
Q. Is that true in Hawaii?


Thanks for any replies^

The only problem you'll face in FL is that about 50% of drivers seem to display handicapped permits, and open spaces can become sparse

Many of the ones who don't should, although in the case of some of them, their
handicaps are cerebral instead of physical. Folks objecting to my comments are warned that I'm 72 and not disparaging the frailties of the elderly.

Hello,
My wife has a temporary handicapped parking plastic tag (the ones that you hang from your rear view mirror) due to broken foot.
We are traveling to Hawaii shortly and were wondering if they are recognised / valid there?
Also, in CA you can park for free at normal meter spots.
Q. Is that true in Hawaii?

Thanks for any replies^

We had a Canadian ON permit, it was honoured in HI. There are some handicapped metred spots which you need to pay and have the permit.

My procedure with my parents is when in doubt, just put money in the metre. Better than having a ticket charged to your rental plus all the handling fees.

The only problem you'll face in FL is that about 50% of drivers seem to display handicapped permits, and open spaces can become sparse

Many of the ones who don't should, although in the case of some of them, their
handicaps are cerebral instead of physical. Folks objecting to my comments are warned that I'm 72 and not disparaging the frailties of the elderly.

My father understands your point. Seems like every second car in FL has a permit.

Hello,
My wife has a temporary handicapped parking plastic tag (the ones that you hang from your rear view mirror) due to broken foot.
We are traveling to Hawaii shortly and were wondering if they are recognised / valid there?
Also, in CA you can park for free at normal meter spots.
Q. Is that true in Hawaii?


Thanks for any replies^

All US states have reciprocity agreements.

According to this Hawaii Parking Users Guide (http://hawaii.gov/health/dcab/parkingusersguide/), you can park at metered spots on county streets (but not on residential and commercial properties) without paying. I'd check the regulations of whatever municipality you are planning to visit to see if that's also true on municipal streets. Google is your friend.

All US states have reciprocity agreements.

According to this Hawaii Parking Users Guide (http://hawaii.gov/health/dcab/parkingusersguide/), you can park at metered spots on county streets (but not on residential and commercial properties) without paying. I'd check the regulations of whatever municipality you are planning to visit to see if that's also true on municipal streets. Google is your friend.

Thank you for your reply^

All US states have reciprocity agreements.US states do NOT have "reciprocity agreements." US states are bound by the "full faith and credit" clause of the US Constitution, the same clause that allows the use of your out-of-state drivers' license and license plates in any US state.

I don't know about reciprocity for US vs Canada disabled placards, presumably there is reciprocity for drivers' licenses and license plates, and no sane cop or judge would punish someone with a valid disabled placard because it was issued in Canada (or the US).

Meter parking varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, get out your smartphone and google ($city_name meter parking handicapped)

US states do NOT have "reciprocity agreements."

Actually, they do. A couple of examples:

Florida: http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/disabled_pkg.html
Oregon: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/driverid/disparking.aspx#recip
Connecticut: http://www.ct.gov/dmv/lib/dmv/regulations/14-253a_14_27.pdf

Hawaii is above.


I don't know about reciprocity for US vs Canada disabled placards, presumably there is reciprocity for drivers' licenses and license plates, and no sane cop or judge would punish someone with a valid disabled placard because it was issued in Canada (or the US).



Reciprocity between the US and Canada, interestingly enough, is thanks to the ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport) Resolution on Accessibility for People with Reduced Mobility: Reciprocal Recognition of Parking Badges, which can be found here, http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/IntOrg/ecmt/accessibility/parking.html, along with helpful links to all US state DMVs here: http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/IntOrg/ecmt/accessibility/parking.html#U

I'm sorry if I'm intruding, but just wanted to make sure: my 78 year old mom and I are taking a road trip from NC to Toronto this spring. She has a valid handicapped placard for NC in her name and of course has the proper registration card for that permit in the glove box of the car at all times. I'm understanding from this that we can use designated spaces in Canada as long as the permit is hers and she's in the car at the time and the permit is properly displayed when we park. (Mom has a treated and controlled heart condition, one knee replaced, and the other well past its sell-by date, if you'll pardon the bad joke, and walks short distances with a cane but rides in a wheelchair if there's a lot of walking. She's a tough old bird, though and is excited about our upcoming trip!)

I'm sort of glad I stumbled across this thread because I have to admit, I'd only JUST thought of this right now at this moment! :eek:

I think your understanding is correct, and you should relax and concentrate on other aspects of the trip. I hope that you and your mom have a lovely time!

I think your understanding is correct, and you should relax and concentrate on other aspects of the trip. I hope that you and your mom have a lovely time!

Thank you! Passed this on to Mom today so she can 'check one more thing' from her list!

All US states have reciprocity agreements.

I would caution that while NYS does honor other states blue hang tag that is not true of New York City. NYC does not honor any (even NYS hang tag) for parking anyplace on the street. There are no handicapped spaces on the streets and the only permit accepted is the NYC Permit placard which is not a hang tag. In NYC you will be ticketed and possibly towed if you rely on any blue hang tag.

I would caution that while NYS does honor other states blue hang tag that is not true of New York City. NYC does not honor any (even NYS hang tag) for parking anyplace on the street. There are no handicapped spaces on the streets and the only permit accepted is the NYC Permit placard which is not a hang tag. In NYC you will be ticketed and possibly towed if you rely on any blue hang tag.

Correct. This was mentioned in some other thread about permits - states have reciprocity, which means that you can use your State X tag in State Y exactly as residents of State Y can use theirs. So you need to know the nuances. In NYC, you're screwed. In Denver, you don't have to feed the meter. In Boulder, you do. Etc., etc.