Disabled veterans in Arkansas may wonder if they are allowed to park in handicap spaces. Arkansas has specific laws that govern who is eligible for handicap parking and what privileges they have. Disabled veterans are among those who may qualify for special license plates and placards that allow them to park in designated handicap spaces.
To be eligible for handicap parking in Arkansas, disabled veterans must meet certain requirements. According to Arkansas Code § 27-15-316, a disabled veteran is defined as a person who meets the definition of disabled veteran, disabled veteran – nonservice injury, or disabled veteran – World War I, under § 27-24-203. This means that the veteran must have a service-connected disability or a non-service-connected disability that affects their mobility.
If a disabled veteran meets the eligibility requirements, they can obtain special license plates or placards that allow them to park in designated handicap spaces. The process to obtain these special plates or placards is relatively straightforward. Disabled veterans must submit an application to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, along with proof of their disability. Once approved, they will receive their special plates or placards in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- Disabled veterans in Arkansas may be eligible for special license plates or placards that allow them to park in designated handicap spaces.
- To be eligible, disabled veterans must have a service-connected or non-service-connected disability that affects their mobility.
- The process to obtain special plates or placards involves submitting an application to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, along with proof of disability.
Eligibility and Requirements for Disabled Veterans
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Disabled veterans in Arkansas may be eligible for handicap parking privileges if they meet certain criteria. To qualify for handicap parking as a disabled veteran, the following criteria are typically considered:
- Service-Connected Disability: Disabled veterans must have a service-connected disability that significantly impairs their mobility. This disability should be a result of their military service. The VA Rating Certification is one way to prove service-connected disability.
- Permanent Disability: Disabled veterans must have a permanent disability that is certified by a medical professional. The disability may include spinal cord injury, amputation, multiple sclerosis, genetic ambulatory disorder, or any other permanent disability that limits mobility.
- Registration: Disabled veterans must register their motor vehicle with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) to obtain a Disabled Veteran License Plate. The DFA may require the Social Security Number, Marriage License, Death Certificate, and VA Rating Certification during the registration process.
- Parking Placard: Disabled veterans may obtain a temporary or permanent parking placard from the DFA. The placard should be displayed on the rearview mirror or dashboard of the vehicle when parked in handicap parking spaces.
- Fine: Anyone who parks in handicap spaces without a placard or license plate is subject to a fine of no less than $100 and no more than $500 for the first offense. If they offend again, the fine goes up to no less than $250 and no more than $1000.
Surviving spouses of disabled veterans may also be eligible for handicap parking privileges if they meet certain criteria. The spouse must provide proof of the disabled veteran’s service-connected disability and their death certificate to the DFA.
It is important to note that handicap parking privileges are only for those who truly need them. Disabled veterans and their spouses who qualify for handicap parking privileges should use them responsibly and avoid parking in handicap spaces unless they have a valid parking placard or license plate.
Process to Obtain Special License Plates
Arkansas offers special license plates for disabled veterans and persons with disabilities. The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) oversees the issuance of these plates. To obtain a disabled veteran special license plate, an eligible veteran must provide proof of disability certification from the Veterans Administration (VA).
To apply for a disabled veteran specialty plate, the veteran must visit any Arkansas Revenue Office or the DFA website. The veteran must complete a form and submit it along with the required documentation. The additional plate fee is $3.89. The DFA will issue the license plate upon successful completion of the application process.
For persons with disabilities, the DFA issues specialty plates and placards. To obtain a persons with disabilities license plate, an Arkansas resident with a disability must provide a certification letter from a licensed physician. The certification letter must state the nature of the disability and the expected duration. The DFA will issue the license plate upon successful completion of the application process.
Arkansas state law regulates the issuance of specialty plates. House Bill 1086 was passed in 2021 to expand the eligibility criteria for disabled veteran specialty plates. Rep. Mark Berry, a veteran and the Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard, introduced the bill. The bill aims to ensure that only veterans with disabilities that affect their mobility are authorized to park in handicap spaces.
The DFA regulates the renewal of specialty plates. Renewals can be done at any Arkansas Revenue Office or online through the DFA website. The DFA sends renewal notices to vehicle owners before the expiration date of their specialty plates.
In summary, Arkansas offers special license plates for disabled veterans and persons with disabilities. The DFA oversees the issuance of these plates and regulates the renewal process. To obtain a disabled veteran specialty plate, an eligible veteran must provide proof of disability certification from the VA. To obtain a persons with disabilities license plate, an Arkansas resident with a disability must provide a certification letter from a licensed physician. House Bill 1086 was passed in 2021 to expand the eligibility criteria for disabled veteran specialty plates.
Rights and Privileges in Arkansas
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In Arkansas, disabled veterans have certain rights and privileges when it comes to parking in handicap spaces. According to AR Code § 27-15-316, disabled veterans who have received a letter from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs verifying their eligibility for a disabled veteran license plate or parking placard are authorized to park in handicap spaces.
It is important to note that not all veterans are eligible for disabled veteran license plates or parking placards. Eligibility requirements include having a service-connected disability rated at 50% or higher, having a service-connected disability rated at 30% or 40% with a lung disease confirmed by spirometry or arterial oxygen tension, or having been diagnosed with spina bifida.
Temporary placards are also available for disabled veterans who are temporarily disabled due to a service-connected injury. These placards are valid for up to six months and can be renewed.
In addition to parking privileges, disabled veterans in Arkansas are also eligible for education assistance, property tax exemption, and Arkansas Veterans Homes. Military retirees who have retired from active duty are also eligible for personal property tax exemption and homestead benefits.
Surviving spouses of disabled veterans may also be eligible for property tax exemption and homestead benefits. Civilians who have a disability and are not veterans may also be eligible for handicap parking privileges if they have a handicap permit.
Overall, disabled veterans in Arkansas have certain rights and privileges when it comes to parking in handicap spaces. These privileges are authorized by the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and are available to eligible veterans who have received a letter verifying their eligibility.