What Are the Different Handicap Parking Placard Colors?
Introduction
What Are the Different Handicap Parking Placard Colors? - Understanding the different handicap placard colors is essential for individuals who rely on these permits for accessible parking. Each placard color serves a specific purpose, with eligibility criteria varying by state and need. Whether you are applying for a placard or simply want to ensure compliance with local regulations, this guide will clarify the distinctions among blue, red, green, and temporary placards.
This article will discuss:
What Are the Different Handicap Parking Placard Colors?
Who qualifies for each type
The validity and renewal process
How to apply for a disability tag online with HandicapMD.com
Understanding Handicap Placard Colors
Different states issue color-coded placards to indicate the type of parking privileges available to individuals with disabilities.
Handicap placards are color-coded to signify the type of parking privileges granted to individuals with disabilities. The color system helps law enforcement, parking officials, and the public easily distinguish between different types of permits and the duration of their validity. Although the specific colors and regulations may vary by state, the most commonly issued placards follow a standardized color scheme.
Types of Handicap Placards and Their Meanings
? Blue Placards – Permanent Disability
A blue disability tag is issued to individuals with permanent disabilities that significantly impair their mobility. These placards allow parking in designated accessible spaces and may come with additional privileges, such as metered parking exemptions in some states.
Eligibility: Issued to individuals with long-term or permanent mobility impairments, including but not limited to paralysis, amputations, severe arthritis, and conditions affecting the ability to walk.
Expiration & Renewal: Typically valid for several years (varies by state). Renewal often requires recertification from a medical professional or an automatic renewal process, depending on state regulations.
Usage: Must be displayed while parked in designated spaces but should not be used when the permit holder is not in the vehicle.
? Red Placards – Temporary Disability
A red disability tag is designated for individuals with temporary disabilities resulting from injuries, surgeries, or short-term medical conditions that affect mobility.
Eligibility: Issued to individuals recovering from conditions such as broken bones, post-surgical mobility restrictions, or short-term illnesses that significantly limit movement.
Expiration & Renewal: Typically valid for six months to one year, depending on the state. These placards cannot always be renewed—a new application with updated medical documentation may be required.
Usage: Provides the same parking privileges as blue placards but is intended for short-term use.
Green Placards – Organizational Vehicles
A green disability tag is assigned to organizations or facilities that regularly transport individuals with disabilities. These placards are often used by hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and nonprofit organizations that assist disabled individuals.
Eligibility: Issued to organizations providing transportation services for disabled individuals rather than personal use.
Expiration & Renewal: Varies by state, typically requiring periodic renewal.
Usage: Must be used exclusively for transporting individuals with disabilities and should not be used for personal employee parking.
? Purple Placards – Disabled Veteran Parking
A purple disability placard is reserved for disabled veterans who have sustained service-connected disabilities and meet the eligibility requirements set by their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Eligibility: Available to veterans with a certified service-related disability as determined by the VA. Some states may require a specific disability rating for eligibility.
Expiration & Renewal: Typically valid for several years, but renewal policies vary by state. Veterans may need to provide proof of continued eligibility.
Usage: Grants parking privileges similar to blue permanent disability placards but may include additional benefits, such as fee exemptions at certain public parking facilities.
https://www.handicapmd.com/handicap-parkin...
Posted By: How May I Help You NC
Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 7:29PM
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