DMV.com - your advisor for Maine DMV issues (not from Maine? Select another state)

Information for Disabled Drivers in Maine

Submitted by deniz on Mon, 12/08/2008 - 01:15

In Maine, 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 eligible for disabled status if you:

  • Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
  • Cannot walk without assistance from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device.
  • Are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that your forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm of mercury of room air at rest.
  • Use portable oxygen.
  • Have a severe Class 3 or 4 cardiac Class condition according to the standards set by the American Heart Association.
  • Are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
  • Are recovering from childbirth (Temporary placards only).
  • Have given birth to a preterm infant by Cesarean delivery (Temporary placards only).

Disabled persons can acquire a disability placard or disability 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 $100 and lose their special parking privileges. Forgery and/or trading in counterfeit or genuine placards invite higher penalties, including time in state prison.

[edit] HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED STATUS

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

Duration of status

Disability license plates are available only to those who are permanently disabled. They must be renewed annually.

Disability 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 lesser.

How to apply for disability license plates or a disability placard

To obtain disability license plates:
  1. Download and complete the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates.
  2. Have a licensed physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse sign the Physician's Statement portion of the form.
  3. Provide a copy of your current registration.
  4. Submit the completed form along with applicable fees to the nearest branch office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or mail it to the address on the form.
To obtain a disability placard:
  1. Download and complete the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates.
  2. Have a licensed physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse sign the Physician's Statement portion of the.
  3. Submit the completed form along with applicable fees to the nearest branch office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or mail it to the address on the form.

[edit] FEE

A permanent or temporary disability placard costs $1. Renewals and replacements also attract the same fee. A fee of $25 is levied for disability plates. Substitute plates cost $11.

[edit] RENEWAL

Once the 4 year validity of permanent disability placards is over:
  1. Download and complete the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates.
  2. Have a licensed physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse sign the Physician's Statement portion of the.
  3. Submit the completed form along with applicable fees to the nearest branch office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or mail it to the address on the form:

[edit] REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated placards or plates:
  1. Download and complete the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates.
  2. Have a licensed physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or registered nurse sign the Physician's Statement portion of the form.
  3. Provide a copy of your current registration (for disability plates only).
  4. Submit the completed form along with applicable fees to the nearest branch office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or mail it to the address on the form.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION