DV plates will soon require disability placard in 2022
POLICY CHANGE
This is for informational purposes only. For clarification to the law or specific changes, you need to contact your state representative.
Effective Jan. 1, 2022 Senate Bill 792 requires that as of Jan. 1, 2022, anyone parking in a disabled parking space must have a license plate or a disabled parking placard that features the International Symbol of Access (ISA). Currently, disabled veteran license plates do not feature the ISA, and all Texans with these plates are permitted to use disabled parking.
(This has been edited with the update as of Aug 26th, 2022 // https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/body-files/08_26_21-Disabled-Veteran-Plates.pdf)
BOTTOM LINE
Veterans with “DV” plates but without the ISA symbol will not be able to park in a handicapped spot, but may still enjoy Texas toll roads free of charge.
DV plates with a handicapped placard may park in disabled parking spots.
Plates with the ISA symbol may park in disabled parking spots.
Eligible veterans may request a DMV form VTR-24 (https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/form_files/VTR-214.pdf) to be filled out by their medical professional to receive a handicapped placard from their local tax assessor office.
What this means
In Texas, 50% or greater disability rating qualifies one to apply for a DV plate. Currently, motorists with Texas Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates are able to park in handicap marked parking spots (ADA parking spaces). With the current change in state policy, effective Sept. 1, 2021, motorists with a DV plate will require an ADA placard in their vehicle to park in the ADA parking space, and in Dec. 1, 2021, the DMV will no longer automatically issue the placard without a doctor’s signature on the placard application.
While some may feel frustrated at this policy change, remember that DV license plates allow veterans to enjoy tollways, and downtown parking free of charge (and many more benifits). Of course, veterans may still apply for the ADA placard as needed to use ADA disability parking spaces after Dec. 1st, 2021.
Different disability placards that are accepted by the Texas DMV, but the expiration date should be on the white portion of the placard.
Eligibility for Disabled Parking Placards or License Plates with the International Symbol of Access
Placard and plate eligibility is based on a medical condition that meets the legal definition of a disability. "Disability" means a condition in which a person has:
• Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses.
• Visual acuity of more than 20/200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less.
•Mobility problems that substantially impair a person's ability to move around; these problems can be caused by:
Paralysis.
Lung disease.
Uses portable oxygen
Cardiac deficiency.
Wheelchair confinement.
Arthritis, neurological, or orthopedic condition.
Foot disorder.
Other medical condition causing a person to use a brace, cane, crutch or other assistive device.
A parking placard or plate with the ISA is only valid when being used by the person with the disability or someone who is driving the person with the disability
Mark your calendars
Currently, the DMV will give you an option to receive a permanent blue ADA placard along with your DV tags.
After January 1st, 2022, you will be required to display these tags if you park in an ADA handicapped location, but the DMV will still give you an option of automatically receiving the permanent blue ADA placards along with DV tag applications.
The DMV will no longer automatically give ADA placards to DV tag holders, but rather an application for disabilities parking placard must be completed with a physician’s signature. Just like anyone who gets an ADA placard, this form is required to be signed by physician to be approved for an ADA placard. <Click here> to access the ADA placard application form.
While you may have an ADA placard that automatically comes with your DV tags, be sure to check the expiration date. Even permanent ADA tags require renewals every 4-5 year cycle.
An exception to this is for a DV plate with an ISA Wheelchair Symbol. Plates with the ISA symbol may still park in a handicapped ADA parking spot as a substitute for the ADA placard.
Sources:
https://www.txdmv.gov/sites/default/files/body-files/08_26_21-Disabled-Veteran-Plates.pdf
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/pdf/SB00792F.pdf#navpanes=0
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/analysis/pdf/SB00792F.pdf#navpanes=0
https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/disabled-parking-placards-plates
https://davtexas.org/news-regarding-disabled-veterans-texas-license-plates/