Police Department Community Services Cortland NY

Parking for the Disabled

Reserved parking for people with disabilities is a legal requirement, not just a courtesy. You can help support the law by parking in reserved spaces only if you have a permit or plates for people with disabilities, and only when the person who received the permit or plates is actually in the vehicle. Please avoid parking in the access aisle or striped area next to a reserved parking space - it is not a parking zone. This special area is needed for access by people who use wheelchairs and specially-equipped vehicles.

For detailed information on Qualifying Disabilities For Plates or a Parking Permit, Who Can Certify a Disability, and Proof of Disability, visit DMV Parking for the Disabled Brochure.

How do I get a parking permit for disabled persons?

You must live in New York State to be eligible for a permanent parking permit, but you need not be a licensed driver or own a vehicle. A temporary parking permit, valid for six months, is available for a non-resident with a qualifying disability. You and your healthcare provider can complete the application form MV-664.1 (pdf file). You also can have your healthcare provider (MD, DO or DPM) complete a statement on their letterhead. The statement must describe the disabling condition and verify that the disability qualifies according to the law. Bring the form or statement to the City Police Department at City Hall, 25 Court St.. There is no fee for a permit.

How do I get vehicle plates for the disabled?

Bring the proof of your disability (either form MV-664.1 (pdf file) or the statement from your healthcare provider) and current vehicle plates to any DMV office. Bring your proof of identity. Complete the application form, pay $18.00, and surrender your current vehicle plates.

Vehicle plates for disabled persons are issued only for vehicles registered in the name of the disabled person. Each disabled person can have one set of vehicle plates.

Qualifying Disabilities For Plates or a Parking Permit for People With Severe Disabilities:

A qualifying disability is one or more of the following impairments, disabilities or conditions that are both permanent in nature and affect mobility:

Use of portable oxygen;
Legal blindness;
Limited use, or no use, of one or both legs;
Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping;
A neuro-muscular dysfunction that severely limits mobility;
A Class III or IV cardiac condition (American Heart Association standards);
Severe limitation in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition;
Restriction because of lung disease to such an extent that forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than sixty mm/hg of room air at rest;
Any other physical or mental impairment not previously listed which constitutes an equal degree of disability, and imposes unusual hardship in the use of public transportation and prevents the person from getting around without great difficulty.

A Temporary Parking Permit, valid for six months, may be issued when a person has a temporary disabling condition that makes the person unable to walk without a cane, crutches, a walker or other assisting device.