Navigating the NYC parking permit process can be utterly confusing, but it doesn't have to be. Obtaining the right permit is crucial for smooth and hassle-free parking in the city. In this guide, we'll break down how one can get an Individual Parking Permit, particularly a City issued and a State issued parking permit for people with disabilities and the entire process one must go through.
Classification of NYC Parking Permits
For starters, the State of New York and New York City issues several types of Parking Permits and there are three main categories:
Individual Parking Permits
Government Parking Permits
Organization Parking Permits
Before we go through in taking a closer look at each of the permits listed above, let us reiterate that “NYC does not issue residential parking permits” (yet).
Two types of Individual Parking Permits - People with Disabilities
In this guide, we will be focusing on Individual Parking Permits for People with Disabilities. There are two types and both types have different set of rules applicable to it.
NYC Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (PPPD)
NYC DOT issues parking permits to people that are affected with a permanent disability that severely impairs their mobility (a person’s ability to walk) and requires the usage of a private vehicle. This is also known as the “City Disability Parking Permit”.
How to know if you are eligible?
In order to be eligible for an NYC PPPD, an applicant must be the following:
resident or non-resident of New York City that has a permanent disability (certified with medical documents);
requires the usage of their own private vehicle.
An applicant must undergo submission of documentation which will undergo a review by the PPPD Unit.
What documents are needed for application?
State issued driver license, non-driver identification card, or an NYC Municipal ID (IDNYC)
Application form, signed and with supporting documentation
Supporting medical documentation dated within one (1) calendar year from application, providing details about the impairing or limiting disability towards a person's capacity to walk.
Medical History Page (see form example below)
Supporting vehicle documentation
Passenger vehicle registration for each license plate to be listed (only 3 license plate are allowed to be registered)
In cases where applicant is under 18 years old, additional details must be furnished directly to the application form which are;
Name of the parent or guardian or individual having legal responsibility for the administration of the underage applicant’s day to day affairs.
Telephone number of the person declared to be the parent or guardian or legal administrator
In cases where the applicant is 18 years old or older, unable to sign the application and/or requires assistance in filling out the application, only the telephone number of the person assisting is needed. The person assisting can be;
Spouse
Domestic partner
Guardian
Other individual assisting
Or individual with legal responsibility over administration of the applicant’s day to day affairs
Medical History Page
This part of the form must be completed by your personal physician (M.D. or D.O.)
Aside from personally identifiable information, the form contains sections indicating;
Medical diagnosis and its impact to the individuals ability to walk
Date of last examination (including examination note from physician)
If using or in need of assistive device, used device is declared
Additional medical information like exam and/or chart notes within one (1) calendar year should be submitted. Diagnostics reports indicated within the exam and/or chart notes should be attached to it. Example reports can be but not limited to:
X-Ray report
CT Scan report
MRI Scan report
EKG/Stress Test report
PFT report
EMG report
Six Minute Walk Tests
***********Example of Medical History Page***************
I’ve filled up the forms, what are the rest of the steps on getting an NYC PPPD?
Enclose the application form and supporting medical documentation or records declaring your severe impairment or limitation over your ability to walk and,
Mail it to the following address:
NYC Department of Transportation Permits & Customer Service (PPPD Unit) 30-30 Thomson Avenue - 2nd Floor Long Island City, NY 11101-3045
Or you can also drop off your application in that address. Please remember that the entrance to the DOT is on the 30th Place, near 47th Avenue and they are open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Note: If you are a designee, doing the application work for a PPPD, you must be the designee stated within the application form.
What happens after the application is received by the PPPD Unit?
They will check if all the necessary information and documentation is complete.
Once checking is done, they will forward your completed application to the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene’s (NYC DOHMH) Certification Unit for further review.
It will be assigned an NYC designated physician to review the application and supporting medical documents, to check if it is in compliance to Section 16-02 of Title 24 of the Rules of the City of New York.
If deemed compliant, the DOHMH will issue a certification and PPPD will issue a parking permit.
What if the information I passed to the PPPD Unit is incomplete?
It will be returned to you, with a letter attachment describing the missing information that needs to be completed.
What if the complete information I passed did not meet the criteria of the DOHMH?
You will be sent a letter mail about the details and an explanation of the appeal process.
How long is the application process?
NYC DOT notes that it can take up to ninety (90) days for the entire process.
To apply for apply for a New York City Special Parking Permit - Parking Permits for People with Disabilities (PPPD), you can download the form right here or you can visit their website for more information.
Where do I place the city permit?
The permit should be present at all times, in full view on the driver’s side of the dashboard
Is it valid outside of New York City?
No. The city permit only allows you to park only on city streets within the five boroughs.
Where can I park with this permit?
You can park in:
Metered parking spaces without charges, whether its for Passenger or Commercial meters.
“No Parking” spaces, regardless of time, including those under street cleaning regulations (Alternate Side Parking).
Spaces dedicated for use of Authorized Vehicles, including parking spaces for Diplomats (DPL), New York Press (NYP), or any other governmental agency.
“Truck Loading Only” spaces on days and times that trucks can park. Exceptions are from West 35th through West 41st streets, between 6th and 8th Avenues (Garment District loading areas)
Where can’t I park with this permit?
”No Stopping” zones
”No Standing” zones
Fire zones
Within 15 feet of fire hydrants
Crosswalks
Driveways
Sidewalks
Bus stops
Reserved spaces for the following:
Carshare vehicles
Taxis and other “for hire” vehicles
EV charging
Ambulances/Ambulettes
Reserved spaces for the NYPD, Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (for a film, TV shoot, or parade)
Spaces where you would double park or block any traffic lanes
What can I do if I get a parking ticket?
Most people who have a NYC Parking Permit placed on their dashboard would contest the ticket. You can check out our guide on how to fight your parking ticket and the entire process of doing so, right here. On the other hand, if you know that you are in the wrong and are ready to pay your parking ticket, you can just go to our homepage, enter your plate number, and the rest is a breeze.
NY State Permit Blue/Red Hangtag (State)
Now that we’ve talked about the City Permit, let’s now go to getting a State Permit. NYC DOT is the authorized agency handling the issuance of New York State Parking Permits for People with Disabilities.
*insert blue and red hangtag sample image here
Blue hangtags are issued to individuals with severe or permanent disabilities, impairing their ability to walk, while red hangtags are issued for individuals with temporary disablement. Both blue and red hangtags display the permit number and expiration date.
How to know if you’re eligible for a New York State Blue/Red Hangtag?
As stated by Title 4, Article 4 404, an individual must:
have limited or no use of one or both limbs/legs;
have a neuro-muscular dysfunction which severely limits mobility;
have a physical or mental disability that prevents you from getting around and imposes an unusual difficulties in using public transportation (must be certified by a Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy);
Blind or legally blind
Reference: NY Veh & Traf L § 404-A (2016)
What documents are needed for hangtag application?
Valid copy of your NYS Driver’s License or NYS Non-Driver’s Identification card or NYC Municipal ID (IDNYC)
A completely filled out DMV Application Form
Also available in the following languages:
Medical Certification Section
This part of the form must be completed by the physician (M.D. or D.O.)
Section where your doctor or physician fills up necessary information.
The physician (or any other legally allowed medical practitioner) must further state the severity of the condition and the frequency on how it affects you as an individual moving within the state or city.
I’ve filled up the form, what are the rest of the steps of getting a blue/red hangtag?
Forward the form to your doctor or physician for completion of medical information
The doctor or physician can either forward the form online or be mailed to this address: NYS Hangtag Permit NYC DOT Parking Permits and Customer Service 30-30 Thomson Avenue, 2nd Floor Long Island City, NY 11101
Check for your application status by calling: Agency: Department of Transportation Division: Authorized Parking and Permits Phone Number: (718) 433-3100 Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Where do I place the blue/red hangtag?
They should be hung from the rear-view mirror, at all times, when the vehicle is parked. It should only be removed from the rear-view mirror when you are driving.
Where can I park with the blue/red hangtag?
You can park in publicly accessible spaces that is marked by the International Symbol of Access (ISA), just like the one on the top of this article. These spaces are situated off-street like parking lots for buildings, schools, shopping centers, etc.
Where can’t I park with the blue/red hangtag?
All rules and regulations apply to you if you’re parking on the street of NYC and there are no exceptions, even if you have a blue/red hangtag.
I got a parking ticket. How much do I need to pay for it?
It depends on the type of violation that you’ve managed to earn a ticket of. You can check out our big list of all the ticket violation codes and their corresponding fines here or if it’s your first time getting one, you can read more on what the fine details mean right here.
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