The Surprising Qualifications for Disabled Parking in Texas

I don't know about you, but sometimes I see someone exit their car with a disability sticker dangling from their rearview mirror and they seem to walk across the street and carry on their day better than I do.

I know, I know, just because you can't visually see a disability doesn't mean it's not there. But in Texas, there is actually a long list of qualifications for being able to park at the front of restaurants and grocery stores.

(Jokes aside, I know this is no laughing matter. I just want to share how Texas views the topic of disabled parking)

Texas Disabled Parking Variations

According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there are three options when it comes to stating that a driver qualifies for disabled parking.

A red placard hanging on the rearview mirror indicates a temporary disability and expires every six months without renewal. A blue placard, however, indicates a permanent disability that must be renewed every four years.

Finally, if you see a stick figure in a wheelchair on someone's license plate, that's called the International Symbol of Access (ISA) and also indicates a permanent disability.

Texas Disabled Parking Eligibility

In order to be eligible for either of the three disabled parking options in Texas, a person must have:

• 20/200 visual acuity, at most, with glasses
• 20/200 visual acuity, at least, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less, according to specific measurements
• Mobility problems caused by paralysis, lung disease, cardiac deficiency, wheelchair/crutch/cane requirements, foot disorders

Did you also know that arthritis counts as a qualifying condition for disability in Texas?

How to Apply for Disabled Parking Passes

The Texas DMV invites those with qualifying conditions to fill out a disabled parking placard application. There is no fee for permanent disability placards, but for temporary cards, individuals must pay $5 per placard.

Always remember that it is a violation of state law to display a disabled parking placard if you do not qualify. This can lead to fines of up to $1,250 and a potential of 50 hours of community service.