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Disabled parkingUnited States

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United States. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United States

55. Disabled parking

Disabled parking refers to parking spaces and parking privileges reserved for people with disabilities who meet the applicable eligibility requirements. Reserved spaces are normally identified by the international wheelchair symbol and are positioned to provide easier access to nearby facilities.

Use of a disabled parking space generally requires a valid disabled parking permit or card. The permit normally belongs to the eligible person rather than to a particular vehicle and may only be used when that person is driving or travelling in the vehicle.

Disabled parking
Disabled parking. (Vermont, United States)
Wikimedia.org • MarkBuckawicki • CC0
Is a state disability placard enough for on-street disabled parking privileges in New York City?

Not generally. A New York State disability hangtag can be used in designated off-street accessible spaces in New York City, while the separate NYC disability parking placard provides qualifying on-street concessions. Do not treat one as equivalent to the other.

🔗 nyc.gov • New York City Department of Transportation, two disability parking permits

Can somebody else use a New York State disability parking hangtag without its holder?

No. New York State’s disability parking hangtag may be displayed only when its holder is travelling in the vehicle. Relatives or friends cannot use it independently for their own parking or errands. Check the applicable parking rules and permit recognition when travelling elsewhere.

🔗 nyc.gov • New York City DOT — New York State disability parking permit, holder must travel in vehicle

Can you park in the striped area beside a California accessible space?

No. The crosshatched area must remain clear for wheelchair and lift access.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, Driver Handbook, parking

Does a valid California disability placard provide free on-street metered parking?

Yes. California DMV lists on-street metered spaces among its no-charge privileges. This does not establish a nationwide exemption.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, disability parking privileges and limitations

Does a California disability placard allow parking at red, yellow or white kerbs?

No. The placard does not provide a parking exemption at those kerbs. Observe their stopping and loading rules.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, disability parking privileges and limitations

1 United States 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Speed limit 5 Minimum speed 6 Advisory speed 7 Bike path 8 Pedestrian warning 9 Tunnel 10 Bridge 11 Speed bump 12 Toll road 13 One-way traffic 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Road narrowing 22 Pedestrian crossing 23 Railway crossing 24 Mandatory direction 25 Turn prohibition 26 School area 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Roadworks 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Traffic lights 40 Traffic lights warning 41 Pedestrian lights 42 Road markings 43 Bike box 44 Speed feedback 45 Driving licence 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Parallel parking 53 Park and ride 54 Kiss and ride 55 Disabled parking 56 Traffic management 57 Reversing 58 U-turn 59 Carpool 60 Detour 61 Uncontrolled crossroad 62 Ramp 63 Exit 64 Horse riding 65 Emergency exit 66 Runaway truck ramp 67 Oversize load 68 City limit 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Axle weight limit 72 Licence plate 73 Charging station 74 Flooding 75 Dip 76 Horse 77 Local traffic 78 Pedestrian 79 Cyclist 80 Motorcycle 81 Truck 82 Bus 83 Police 84 Ambulance 85 Police signals 86 Gravel road 87 Pothole 88 Median strip 89 Public property 90 Path 91 Particulates 92 Air pollution 93 Interchange 94 Rush hour 95 Filling station 96 Road code 97 Two-way traffic 98 Passing lane 99 Street gutter 100 Road debris ...