Parking for people with disabilities

For more information about reserved parking for people with disabilities, read the DMV brochure, Parking for People With Disabilities.


Who is eligible for vehicle plates for disabled persons or a parking permit for disabled persons?

The NY State 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 persons with disabilities?

You and your healthcare provider can complete the Application for a Parking Permit or License Plates, for Persons with Severe Disabilities (PDF) (MV-664.1). You also can have your healthcare provider (MD, DO, DPM, or NP) 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 persons with disabilities?

To get plates

  • bring the proof of your disability (either Application for a Parking Permit or License Plates, for Persons with Severe Disabilities (PDF) (MV-664.1) or the statement from your healthcare provider) and current vehicle plates to a DMV office
  • bring your proof of identity
  • complete the application form, pay $28.75, and surrender your current vehicle plates
    • remove frames and fasteners before you surrender a vehicle plate or vehicle plates (the DMV office will not accept a vehicle plate with a frame or any fasteners attached)

Vehicle plates for persons with disabilities are issued only for vehicles registered in the name of the person with the disability. Each person with a disability can have one set of vehicle plates.

 
How much is the fine for someone who parks in a parking space or an access aisle reserved for people with disabilities?

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 people with disabilities 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 people with disabilities 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 customers with disabilities.

Is reserved parking for people with disabilities available in New York City?

New York City does not set aside reserved spaces on its streets for persons with disabilities. Reserved parking spaces are only available off-street, in parking lots for shopping centers/malls, office/apartment buildings and college campuses. You can use the vehicle plates for people with disabilities or a state permit for people with disabilities to park in reserved spaces in those off-street lots.

However, the NYC Department of Transportation issues a City permit (a rectangular dashboard permit) that allows persons with severe disabilities to park at most curbsides on NYC streets. City permits are issued to people with a permanent disability that so severely affects their ability to walk that they require the use of a private automobile. The New York City parking permit is not valid outside of NYC. For more information or to obtain an application for a NYC permit, call (718) 433-3100 or visit the NYC Department of Transportation's website.


What is a metered parking waiver and how do I get one?

For information about a metered parking waiver and how to apply, see the Application for Metered Parking Waiver for Persons with Severe Disabilities (PDF) (Forms MV-664.1MP) and Metered Parking Waiver Information (PDF) (MV-664.2MP).

The DMV does not issue metered parking waivers. The same agency that issues parking permits for people with disabilities in your locality also issues the metered parking waivers.

The NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law does not allow New York City to issue metered parking waivers to NYC residents, and the New York City Department of Transportation does not issue metered parking waivers.