Texas Disabled Parking Laws: What Drivers Need to Know

(Austin, Texas) The special blue and white markings indicating disabled parking spots are in parking lots all across the Lone Star State. They're not there to make the ground look pretty and colorful; they are there so that individuals with a disability can park closer to a building entrance and have more room to get into and out of their vehicles.

Get our free mobile app

Why Disabled Parking Spaces Matter

Vehicles displaying disability license plates or the blue (and sometimes red) placard from the rearview mirror have the legal right to park in those spaces. One thing that irritates me is seeing someone park in a disabled spot, get out, and seem to walk perfectly normally from their car to the front door of the business. But I have to remind myself, not all disabilities are visible.

However, the thing that irritates me even more is watching someone without a special license plate or a visible placard park in a disabled spot or drop someone off and wait for them to run inside and come back.

Seeing how this behavior has a tendency to bother me, I thought I'd share a few views on the topic from the State of Texas. From the different meanings of display options, to acquiring a disabled plate, to the consequences of using one illegally.

Three Texas Disability Options

When it comes to disability parking, Texas has three options. A red temporary placard, a blue permanent placard, and license plates. The red placard has an expiration date after six months of being issued. It must be renewed, or it can be converted to a blue permanent placard. The blue placard must be renewed every four years. Both must be properly displayed in the dash or hanging from the rearview mirror. Special license plates are available for those with a permanent disability.

Not everyone qualifies for special license plates or placards. Individuals must meet eligibility requirements to obtain a permit.

READ MORE --> 7 Weird Texas Driving Laws That Still Exist

Disabled Eligibility Requirements

Those requesting a permit must meet the legal definition:

• Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses
• Visual acuity of more than 20/200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less
• Mobility problems that substantially impair a person's ability to move around; these problems can be caused by: paralysis, lung disease, cardiac deficiency, wheelchair confinement, arthritis, foot disorder, or other medical condition causing a person to use a brace, cane, crutch or other assistive device.

Applying For A Disability Placard or License Plate

Applying for permanent license plates or placards can be done through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles after seeking medical advice and clearance from a licensed medical professional.

Fine For Disable Parking Abuse

It is illegal to use disabled plates and placards while the individual they are issued to is not in the vehicle. If you are parked in a disabled spot without a placard or plates, you could be fined $500 to $1250, with the possibility of serving 50 hours of community service and the vehicle being towed. Fines will increase for repeat offenders.

Disabled spots are enforceable both on public and private parking lots in Texas.

When parking in a normal spot adjacent to a disabled spot, please remember to leave plenty of room for that person to get in and out of their vehicle; they may have a wheelchair ramp that extends out.