In Hawaii, drivers certified by licensed health personnel to have impaired mobility or a condition which substantially interferes with mobility may qualify for "Disabled" status.

You are also considered a disabled driver if you:

• Are diagnosed with an arthritic, neurological, renal, orthopedic or oncological condition that makes it difficult for you to walk 200 feet.
• Use or need assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, or another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
• Are restricted due to lung disease.
• Use portable oxygen.
• Are restricted by a cardiovascular disease.

Disabled persons can acquire a Disabled Person placard or special license plates. These entitle you to special parking privileges in areas designated for disabled persons, whenever you are the driver or a passenger of the vehicle. Misuse or abuse of these privileges is a misdemeanor; offenders can get fines of $250-$500. Forgery and/or trading in counterfeit or genuine placards invite higher penalties, including time in state prison.

Visit the section on Parking for Persons with Disabilities at the Hawaii Department of Health for details.

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED STATUS

You are considered to have disabled status when you acquire a disabled parking placard or license plate. The procedure to acquire these is explained below.

Duration of status

Special license plates are only issued to applicants who own a vehicle and whose disability is expected to last for at least 4 years.

Disabled parking placards may be issued to those with permanent or temporary disabilities:

• Placards for the permanently disabled are valid for 4 years.
• Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months or the date noted by your physician, whichever is earlier.

How to apply for a disabled parking placard or special license plate

To obtain a Disabled Parking placard or special license plate:

1. Download and complete the Person with a Disability Parking Permit Application.
2. Have a licensed physician complete and sign the Certification by Licensed Practicing Physician portion of the form.
3. Submit the completed form in person, along with any fees, at the nearest county agency as listed on the form.

For more information on how to fill up the form, refer to the instruction sheet. All applications must be submitted in person, unless the physician certifies that the applicant is unable to apply in person due to the nature of his/her disability.

FEE

A permanent disabled parking placard is free. A fee of $12 is charged for a temporary placard. A fee of $12 is also charged for all replacement placards. Renewals of permanent placards are free of cost. Renewals of temporary placards attract a fee of $12. Special license plates attract the same charges as for ordinary license plates for your class of vehicle.

RENEWAL

Permanent disabled parking placards can be renewed free of cost once their 4 year validity is over.

1. You may apply for renewal up to 60 day prior to expiry of your existing placard.
2. Download and complete the Person with a Disability Parking Permit Application.
3. Have a licensed physician complete and sign the Certification by Licensed Practicing Physician portion of the.
4. Enter the serial number of you expired or expiring placards in the form. The form may be submitted in person or by mail to your nearest county agency.

REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated placards or plates:

1. Download and complete the Person with a Disability Parking Permit Application.
2. Enclose any mutilated placard or remaining plates.
3. Present the completed application form in person to your nearest county agency along with the applicable fees.
4. Appropriate proof of identity as enlisted in the instruction sheet must be provided.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Location and hours of Hawaii motor vehicle offices.