Can You Park Anywhere with a Handicap Placard in California?

No, you cannot park anywhere with a handicap placard in California. While a disabled person parking placard or license plate grants significant parking privileges, there are still specific rules and restrictions that placard holders must follow.

Where You CAN Park with a California Handicap Placard

Holding a valid California disabled person parking placard or license plate provides access to several advantageous parking locations:

• Designated Disabled Spaces: You may park in any parking space designated for disabled persons. This includes spaces marked with the international symbol of access, whether on public or private property, and regardless of whether they are reserved or unreserved.
• Metered Parking: You can park in a metered parking space without paying any fees.
• Time-Restricted Parking: You are exempt from parking time limits displayed on signs, such as those indicating a 1-hour or 2-hour limit.
• Green Curbs: You can park for an unlimited amount of time at a green curb, which typically indicates limited parking time.
• On-Street Parking: You may park in certain on-street parking zones that might otherwise be restricted, provided you do not impede traffic or violate other specific prohibitions.

For detailed information on placard use and eligibility, refer to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Where You CANNOT Park with a California Handicap Placard

Despite the privileges, there are strict rules about where a disabled parking placard does not permit you to park. General traffic and safety regulations still apply. You cannot park:

• Red Curbs: These areas are designated for no stopping, standing, or parking at any time.
• Yellow Curbs: Used for loading or unloading passengers or freight, usually with a time limit.
• White Curbs: Used for short stops to pick up or drop off passengers or mail.
• Blue Curbs (Unless Authorized): These are reserved for disabled persons, but you must have a valid placard/plate to park there.
• Crosshatched Areas: The striped access aisle adjacent to a disabled parking space is for wheelchair loading and unloading and must be kept clear. Parking or obstructing this area is illegal.
• Fire Lanes: Areas designated as fire lanes or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
• In Front of Driveways: Blocking a public or private driveway is prohibited.
• On Sidewalks: Parking on or blocking any portion of a sidewalk.
• In Tunnels or on Bridges: Unless otherwise permitted by signs.
• Areas Blocking Traffic: Any location that would impede the flow of traffic or create a safety hazard.
• Areas Prohibited by Local Ordinance: Some cities or counties may have specific local ordinances that further restrict parking, which are generally enforceable.
• Unsafe Locations: Do not park where signs specifically prohibit parking or where it would be unsafe, such as on a freeway shoulder unless in an emergency.

Violating these rules can result in fines, towing of your vehicle, and even the revocation of your placard. Always observe posted signs and curb colors.

Important Considerations for Placard Holders

• Proper Display: The placard must be properly displayed on the rearview mirror when parked and removed when driving.
• Placard Misuse: It is illegal to lend your placard to anyone else, or to use another person's placard without them being present. Misuse can lead to severe penalties, including fines and misdemeanor charges.
• Validity: Ensure your placard is current. Temporary placards have an expiration date, and permanent placards must be renewed.
• Out-of-State Placards: California generally recognizes disabled parking placards from other states and countries, allowing out-of-state visitors to use them according to California's rules.

Parking Privileges Summary

To clarify where you can and cannot park, the following table summarizes common parking scenarios:

Always refer to the official California Vehicle Code Section 22511.5 for the most current and complete regulations.