Background
In the past, any vehicle, from any state, could park free for an unlimited period of time in any city parking space - even metered space and residential street spaces- as long as that vehicle had handicap plates or a visible handicap placard. This practice has caused on-street parking congestion throughout the District.
What Is the Law?
DC LAW 13-279 is an amendment to Title 18 of the District Municipal Regulations with regard to parking rules. It was enacted in August of 2001. Specifically, the law sets more realistic time limits on the amount of free, unrestricted street parking available to vehicles bearing handicap license plates or a hanging placard. It does NOT eliminate all free parking for those with disabilities, although that practice is now common in other municipalities.
What Is the Goal of the Handicap Parking Law?
The goal of the new regulation is to ensure that on-street spaces are available for short-term uses, such as shopping, dining and attending social functions, appointments and meetings.
Why Was This Change Enacted?
Following a city-wide parking survey, it was estimated that over 29 percent of the city's metered parking spaces were being used for all-day parking by vehicles bearing a handicap designation. A number of these vehicles belonged to commuters, and some were being used by non-disabled drivers to avoid parking fees. The change in the law will help curb fraudulent use of handicap license plates and placards by non-disabled drivers.
Is There Any New Signage?
New decals were installed on all parking meters in DC (approximately 17,000). The decals state that vehicles bearing DC-issued handicap plates or a hanging placard will have double the time posted on the meter free of charge before having to pay. All other drivers, including those with handicap plates, stickers or placards from other states, must pay the meter to park.
If I have Handicap Tags on My Car, How Long can I Park for Free?
If your car has DC-issued handicap license plates or a hanging placard, you may park for double the amount of time posted on the meter or street sign, EXCEPT in residential areas where the time limit is two hours only. All drivers must now adhere to the two-hour time limit in designated RPP residential neighborhoods, unless they have a residential parking permit.
If I am disabled and live in DC, do I now need both a residential parking sticker and handicap tags or a placard to park on the street?
Yes. To ensure that DC residents have adequate parking near their homes, two-hour parking limits will be enforced in all posted neighborhoods. Therefore, the residential sticker is necessary for long-term parking privileges.
If I Have A Handicap Placard from Another State, Can I Still Park For Free at the Meter?
No. Only vehicles with a DC-issued placard are eligible for free parking.
How Can I Get A DC Handicap Placard?
Disabled drivers can apply for a handicap placard in the following manner: - Complete the Application for Parking Permit for Senior Citizens or Persons with Special Needs - available at DC DMV offices. Section A of the application must be completed by the applicant's doctor.- Have the application notarized.- Present the completed, notarized application with a valid ID to DMV's Medical Review Office at 301 C St., NW weekdays from 8:15 am to 3:30 pm.- The DMV Medical Review Office will issue the placard upon approval of the application.
Is There a Fee to Get a Handicap Placard?
No.
Where Else Can Drivers Park Their Vehicles?
In commercial areas, parking lots and garages are widely available. These facilities are required by law to set aside a certain percentage of accessible spaces for persons with disabilities. In residential areas, long-term street parking (over 2 hours) is restricted to vehicles that have a Residential Parking Permit (RPP) on the windshield or a special visitor placard displayed on the dashboard. Many homes and apartment buildings offer private, off-street parking for guests.