Information for Disabled Drivers in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, 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 have:

• Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping or if you need the support of a brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair or another person.
• Restricted walking due to arthritis, neurological or orthopedic conditions.
• Suffer from lung disease or use portable oxygen.
• A cardiac condition classified by the American Heart Association as Class III or Class IV.
• Paralysis or paresis.
• Lost the use of one or more limbs.
• Been declared legally blind.
• Multiple sclerosis.

Disabled persons can acquire a Disabled Person (DP) placard. 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 be fined up to $1000 or imprisonment in jail for up to one year.

[edit] HOW TO APPLY FOR DISABLED STATUS

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

Duration of status

DP placards may be issued to those with permanent, long term or temporary disabilities:

• Placards for the permanently disabled are issued for more than three years.
• Placards for long term disability are issued for one to three years.
• Temporary placards are issued from two months to twelve months.

How to apply for DP placard

To obtain DP license placard:

1. Download and complete the New/Renewal of Parking Placard Application.
2. Have a licensed physician sign the Doctor's Certification of Disability portion of the form.
3. Please note that all muscular-skeletal conditions must be submitted with a copy of the x-ray, MRI or CT scan. Make sure you do not submit the original, only a copy to the DMV office.
4. This application has to be submitted within 30 days of the physician's certification.
5. Mail the completed form, along with any fees, to the address on the form. Sufficient time must be allowed after submitting the form as it has to be approved by the Medical Review Board which meets once in a month. Approval of your application will be mailed to you.

[edit] FEE

A permanent DP placard is free. There is also usually no fee for replacement. Contact the local DMV office for more information on fees.

[edit] RENEWAL

The application for renewal of the DP placard is the same for application of new DP placard. Make sure you check the box for renewal.

[edit] REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated placards or plates, contact the local DMV office.

[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Location and hours of Rhode Island DMV offices.
• For more information for disabled drivers, call (401) 462-4368 or mail:

  Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles
  100 Pawtucket, RI 02860