Accessible parking

Accessible parking spaces are reserved for vehicles that display an accessible parking plate or placard and are being used by or for a person with a disability who is in the vehicle. Parking in one without a plate or placard, or using a placard when its holder is not in the vehicle, carries a $250 fine.

Who may park in an accessible space

The vehicle must display one of these:

• A Kentucky accessible parking registration plate.
• A Kentucky accessible parking placard, permanent or temporary.
• A disability plate or placard from another state or country, or a parking placard issued by a United States Department of Veterans Affairs hospital.

A placard hangs from the rearview mirror so the expiration date can be seen from the front of the vehicle, or sits on the dashboard if there is no mirror. Where local rules limit parking time, a qualifying vehicle may stay two hours beyond the limit. That extra time does not apply in fire lanes, where parking is barred for heavy traffic at certain hours, or where the vehicle would clearly be a traffic hazard.

Getting a placard or plate

Placards are issued by the county clerk in the county where the applicant lives, on a Transportation Cabinet application form. A person qualifies with a severe visual, hearing or physical impairment that limits personal mobility or the ability to walk. Proof usually comes from a statement by a licensed physician, physician assistant, chiropractor or advanced practice registered nurse, dated within 60 days of the application. A parent or guardian may apply for a minor. A placard is issued to the person, not tied to a vehicle.

• Permanent placard: valid for six years and renewable. The first is free and a duplicate costs $10.
• Temporary placard: valid for up to three months and issued at no charge.
• Accessible registration plate: available to a person whose disability limits the ability to walk, who has lost the use of an arm, or who is blind, and to a parent or guardian of such a person.

Misuse and fines

The fine is $250 for any of the following:

• Parking in an accessible space without an accessible plate or placard.
• Parking with a placard when the person with the disability is not in the vehicle.
• Making, issuing, possessing or knowingly using an imitation, counterfeit or transferable placard or plate.

Ninety percent of each fine goes to the state personal care assistance program. The marked access aisle beside a space is there so that people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices can get in and out of a vehicle, so keep it clear.