What is a Disability Placard in California?
A disability placard, also known as a disabled person placard, is a blue tag that hangs from the rear view mirror in a car. Here is a sample picture showing what one looks like:
The tag will have the universal wheelchair symbol on it.
Is a Disabled License Plate Also Needed?
No. The tag is mobile so it can be used when a disabled person is in a car that does not have special disability license plates.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 22511.55(a)(1))
Can a Placard be Used if the Disabled Person is a Passenger and Not a Driver or Owner of the Car?
Yes. The tag is made to be mobile. It is issued to a person and not a car like a license plate.
This means a healthy person can transport a disabled person in their car and park in a handicap space. This is so the disabled person will not have to walk very far.
The healthy person must be in the presence - or reasonable proximity - of the disabled person. For example, a driver can drop-off the disabled person at a medical office and then park their car in a handicap spot while displaying the placard. They are in the presence or reasonable proximity of the disabled person and parking the car so the disabled person does not have to walk far when they are done with their medical appointment.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 4461(b))
A Non-Disabled Person Cannot Borrow the Placard
A disabled person is not allowed to let someone else borrow it if they are not entitled to its use.
A healthy person can only use the placard if they are transporting the disabled person.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 4461(a))
Can Another Disabled Person Borrow the Placard?
What if a disabled person loses their tag? Can another disabled person let them borrow their tag until a replacement is obtained from the DMV?
No. California law says if a disabled placard has been issued to you then you cannot lend it to another person.
The tag can only be used by the person to whom it was issued.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 4461(a),(b),(c))
The solution is for the disabled person with their tag to accompany the person who lost their tag. Thus, healthy person A drives the car using the disability placard belonging to person B to transport person C who lost their tag.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 4461(b))
Of course, the person who lost their tag should immediately contact the DMV and request a replacement.
What if a Family Member or Friend Unknowingly Takes a Placard?
The disabled person is only in trouble if they "knowingly" let a non-entitled person use it. For example, if mom is disabled and her son sneaks out of the house with her tag to get a close parking space at the concern, mom does not have liability. Of course, her son has a potentially expensive legal problem.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 4461(a))
What if My Car Does Not Have a Rearview Mirror?
If your vehicle does not have a rearview mirror then the disability placard can simply be placed on the dashboard.
Some vehicles may also come with a special clip on the front window of the driver's side that the placard can be inserted into.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 22511.55(a)(1))
Can Anyone Park in a Handicap Space if the Vehicle has a Disabled License Plate?
No. Only if the vehicle is transporting a disabled person can it park in a handicap parking space, even if the car or truck has a disability license plate.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 4461(d))
Where Else Can Someone With a Disability Tag Park?
A vehicle with a disability placard or disability license plates can also park:
- Unlimited parking in a metered parking space without being required to pay for the meter.
- Unlimited parking in a zone where parking is restricted by length of time.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 22511.5)
- Next to a green curb where parking is limited by time.
- Next to a blue curb designated for disability parking.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 21458)
Where Can a Vehicle With a Disability Placard Not Park?
Parking is not allowed, even if a vehicle has a disability placard or disabled license plate:
- On the lines of the boundaries of a handicap parking space.
- In any area with crosshatched lines next to a handicap parking space. (The crosshatched lines are to allow access to the handicap space by wheelchairs)
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 22507.8(c))
- In a zone where no vehicle parking or stopping is allowed.
- Parking spaces reserved for certain types of vehicles.
- Parking for a street vending business.
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 22511.5)
- Next to a red curb where no vehicle parking or stopping is allowed.
- Next to a yellow curb designated for loading or unloading of freight or passengers.
- Next to a white curb or loading or unloading of passengers, or for depositing mail in a mailbox.
(Obviously, stopping in a yellow or white curb to the intended purposes is allowed. A disability placard does not allow parking in these areas for other purposes)
(Source: California Vehicle Code section 21458)
