What Are the Handicap Parking Requirements in Colorado?

Complete the DR 2219 application available from local county motor vehicle offices or on the state website www.revenue.state.co.us. The form must be signed by a licensed Colorado physician, advance practice nurse, or commissioned medical officer. If you want plates, provide a copy of the vehicle registration or title. The disabled person must be listed as either the owner or co-owner. Bring these documents to the county motor vehicle office along with payment and personal identification. You will receive one set of plates and one placard. Plates must be renewed annually. If you do not own a vehicle, you can get two parking placards, which are renewable every three years.

Hang the placard from the rearview mirror while parking in a handicapped space. Remove it when driving the vehicle. You are required to carry the receipt for the placard with you if you plan to use it in another person's vehicle. Anyone using a placard when the disabled person is not present will be subject to a fine.

Veterans who were disabled because of their service are eligible for disabled veteran license plates. Use the DR 2219 application form to apply, and include the proper medical attendant’s signature. In addition, supply a written statement from the Veteran’s Administration certifying you have a permanent, service-related, 50 percent disability, or permanent loss of one or both feet or hands or both eyes. You will also need to provide your vehicle registration or title and personal identification.

Inquire locally about parking regulations. In Denver, persons with disability license plates or placards can park for free at Denver city meters for up to four hours. In both Colorado Springs and Denver, you may park in timed parking zones for up to four hours. You may not park where parking is prohibited or is restricted to specific vehicles such as emergency, police or delivery vehicles. You cannot park in the cross-hatched areas that provide access between disability parking spaces. Otherwise, parking is much like that in other states, where disabled parking spaces are required to be provided with clear access to the main entrances.

If you are disabled, even for a short-term disability, you can request a handicapped parking sign at your residence or place of work. This is also a good option if you have a handicapped child that needs to be transported by car. Get the proper paperwork from the city government.

If you travel to other states, they will recognize your disability plates and right to park in handicapped spaces, just as Colorado recognizes out-of-state handicapped license plates and placards.