In Tennessee, 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.
• Paraplegia, amputation of leg, foot or hands.
• A vision of not more than 20/200 with corrective glasses.
• An ambulatory disorder and cannot walk for more than 200 feet without stopping to rest and is solely dependent on prayer by spiritual means for treatment and healing according to the tenets of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts.

Disabled persons can acquire a Disabled Person (DP) placard or DP 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; and punishable with fine of up to $1000.

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 license plates are available only to those who are permanently disabled.

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

• Placards for the permanently disabled are valid for 2 years.
• Temporary placards are valid for up to 6 months or the date noted by your physician, whichever is lesser.

How to apply for DP license plates or a DP placard

To obtain DP license plates:

1. Download and complete the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates.
2. Have a doctor licensed to practice medicine or Christian Science Practitioner sign the Doctor's Certification of Disability portion of the form.
3. Provide the current registration card in your name, or documents that prove the vehicle is registered in your name; as well as any registration fees due on the vehicle.
4. Mail the completed form, along with any fees, to the address on the form.

To obtain a DP placard:

1. Download and complete the Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates.
2. Have a doctor licensed to practice medicine or Christian Science Practitioner sign the Doctor's Certification of Disability portion of the form.
3. Mail the completed form, along with any fees, to the address on the form.

Alternatively, to obtain either the plates or the placard, you can take the form to a local DoR office. You will receive your placard (or plates) within approximately two weeks. Along with your new plates, you will receive a self-certification form verifying your eligibility for the plates, which you must carry with you when in the vehicle, and present upon request by law enforcement officers or other authorized persons.

FEE

Fees for the disability placards and plates are given below: ___ Permanent Disability Placard $21.50 ___ Temporary Disability Placard $10.00 ___ Renewal Temporary Disability Placard $10.00 ___ Renewal Permanent Disability Placard $3.00 ___ Replacement Placard $2.00 One registration and license plate will be issued free for people confined to wheelchair.

RENEWAL

Once the 2 year validity of permanent DP placards is over, you have to apply again at the local DoR office for a new placard. Permanent placards renewal does not require recertification. Temporary cards will be renewed or extended only submission on new certification of disability.

REPLACEMENT

To replace lost, stolen or mutilated placards or plates a new application is required. If the placard is damaged, then it has to be submitted along with the application. Permanent placards' replacement does not need a recertification.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Location and hours of Tennessee DoR offices.