For residents of Maine facing mobility challenges, accessible parking is more than a convenience—it is a vital tool for maintaining independence and ensuring safe access to the community. Whether you are a resident, a caregiver, or a visitor exploring the Pine Tree State, understanding the regulations surrounding disability parking permits is essential.
This guide breaks down the complexities of the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) regulations, offering a clear roadmap on how to qualify for, obtain, and responsibly use handicap placards and disability license plates.
What Is a Maine Handicap Placard or Disability Parking Permit?
Maine evaluates eligibility based on functional limitation rather than diagnosis alone. The core requirement is that a medical condition must substantially impair an individual’s ability to walk.
To qualify, an applicant must be certified by a medical professional as having one of the following conditions:
- Post-Childbirth Recovery: Specific eligibility for a temporary placard during recovery.
- Mobility Impairment: Inability to walk 200 feet without resting, or the need for assistance from another person or device (brace, cane, crutch, wheelchair, prosthetic, etc.).
- Respiratory Restrictions: Severe lung disease defined by specific spirometry measurements (FEV1 < 1 liter) or arterial oxygen tension (< 60mm/hg on room air).
- Oxygen Dependency: Requirement for portable oxygen.
- Cardiac Conditions: Class 3 or Class 4 cardiovascular disease as defined by the American Heart Association.
- Walking Limitations: Severe orthopedic, neurological, or arthritic conditions that restrict walking.
Types of Disability Parking Permits Available in Maine
Maine offers different permits depending on the nature of the disability and the applicant’s status.
| Permit Type | Color | Duration | Who is it for? |
| Permanent Placard | Blue | 4 Years | Individuals with permanent disabilities. Renewable without new medical certification (contact info update only). |
| Temporary Placard | Red | Up to 6 Months | Individuals with temporary conditions (e.g., surgery recovery, post-childbirth). Non-renewable after 6 months. |
| Disability Plate | Various | Registration Period | Maine residents with permanent disabilities who prefer a plate on their vehicle. Available in Chickadee, Veteran, and other styles. |
| Agency Placard | Green | Varies | Organizations/agencies that transport patients or clients with disabilities. |
Note on License Plates: Disability plates grant the same privileges as the Blue Placard but are affixed to the vehicle.
How to Apply for a Maine Handicap Placard or Disability Plate
Obtaining a Maine handicap placard or disability license plate involves a straightforward process managed by the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). The primary document required is Form PS-18, the Application for Disability Plates/Placard .
Step 1: Download the Form: Acquire Form PS-18 (Application for Disability Plates/Placard). You can download this from the Maine Secretary of State website or pick one up at any BMV branch.
Step 2: Complete Your Section: Fill out the top portion of the application with your personal details and contact information.
Step 3: Medical Certification: Have the bottom portion signed by a licensed provider. Acceptable signatories include:
- Physician
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
Step 4: Submit: Mail or deliver the completed form to the Maine BMV. There is no fee for the placard or disability plate.
Maine Handicap Placard Renewal Rules
Permanent Permits: Must be renewed every 4 years. Crucially, if your condition is permanent, you do not need to visit a doctor again. You simply resubmit the form to update your contact details.
Temporary Permits: Expire after the designated time (max 6 months) and cannot be renewed; a new application is required if the condition persists.
Parking Rights and Benefits for Disability Permit Holders
Possession of a Maine handicap placard or disability license plate grants specific parking privileges designed to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, these privileges come with responsibilities regarding proper usage and display.
Parking Benefits
- Meter Exemption: Vehicles displaying a valid placard or plate are exempt from meter fees.
- Extended Time Limits: You may park for twice the posted time limit at metered or time-restricted spaces.
- Designated Spaces: Access to blue-marked spaces with the International Symbol of Access.
Critical Rules
Presence Required: You cannot use the placard if the permit holder is not in the vehicle. Using a friend or family member’s placard to get better parking when they are not with you is illegal.
Hang It Only When Parked: The placard must hang from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is stationary.
Take It Down to Drive: It is illegal and unsafe to drive with the placard hanging, as it obstructs vision.
Access Aisles: Never park in the striped access aisles next to handicap spaces. These are vital for wheelchair lifts. Blocking an aisle creates a physical barrier for others and carries a fine of at least $200.00.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, there are no additional fees required to obtain disability plates or placards in Maine.
If your placard is lost or stolen, you should contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles or visit your nearest Motor Vehicle Branch office for a replacement. Your original application must be on file and current with the BMV. The expiration date of the replacement placard will be the same as your lost placard.
Yes, recovering from childbirth is a specific qualifying condition for a temporary placard in Maine.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Maine handicap placard is a key step toward independence and accessibility. By following the BMV guidelines on eligibility, application, and proper usage outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate parking regulations. To get started, simply download Form PS-18 from the Maine Secretary of State website or contact the BMV directly.
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