ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
David C. asked, “My dad has a state-issued handicap parking pass for his truck. Can we use it in my SUV when I take him out places?”
This is a great question and an important one to clarify to avoid unintentional misuse of handicap parking privileges. Here’s the breakdown:
The type of handicap parking pass matters
Handicap parking passes come in two primary forms:
- Handicap License Plates: These are permanent license plates installed on the registered vehicle. They are issued to a specific person, but they are tied to a specific vehicle. If your dad’s handicap parking pass is in the form of a license plate on his truck, it cannot be transferred to another vehicle. The license plate is meant to stay with the truck it was registered to and should never be moved, even if your dad is traveling in a different car.
- Plastic Handicap Placards: These are portable permits, typically blue or red, that hang from the rearview mirror or are displayed on the dashboard. These placards are issued to the disabled individual, not a vehicle, which makes them transferable. If your dad has a plastic handicap placard, you can use it in your SUV, provided he is in the vehicle as a passenger or driver.
Rules for using a handicap placard in a different vehicle
If your dad’s pass is a plastic placard, here are some key rules to follow:
- The person assigned to the placard must be present when it is being used. It cannot be used by someone else when the disabled individual is not in the car.
- Display the placard properly (hanging from the rearview mirror) while parked in a handicap spot.
- Remove the placard from the rearview mirror when driving to avoid obstructing your view.
Avoid misuse to protect the privilege
Misusing a handicap parking placard or license plate can lead to fines, revocation of the pass and even criminal charges in some states. It’s important to follow the rules and ensure the placard is only used when your dad is with you.
Key takeaway
If your dad’s handicap parking pass is a license plate, it must remain with his truck. However, if it’s a plastic placard, you can use it in your SUV as long as he is traveling with you.
For further clarification, check Florida Department of Highway and Motor Vehicles (DMV) website or local handicap parking regulations.
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.
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