The yellow handicap placard in Illinois is officially known as a Meter-Exempt placard, specifically designed for individuals with permanent disabilities who face significant challenges accessing parking meters.
Understanding the Meter-Exempt Placard
In Illinois, the yellow handicap placard serves a distinct purpose within the broader disability parking program. It is easily identifiable by its yellow and gray striped design and is issued by the State of Illinois. Unlike standard blue placards that primarily grant access to accessible parking spaces, the Meter-Exempt placard provides an additional benefit: it allows the holder to park at metered spaces without the obligation to pay the meter.
This specialized placard is a crucial accommodation for individuals whose disabilities make it genuinely difficult or impossible to physically reach and operate a parking meter, ensuring equitable access to public parking.
Key Features at a Glance
For a quick overview of the yellow Meter-Exempt placard's characteristics:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Meter-Exempt Placard |
| Color/Design | Distinctive yellow and gray striped pattern |
| Issued By | State of Illinois (specifically, the Illinois Secretary of State's office) |
| Purpose | Exempts the holder from paying parking meters when parking in metered spaces |
| Eligibility | Persons with permanent disabilities who have a significant impairment causing difficulty accessing a parking meter |
Eligibility and Application
Eligibility for the Meter-Exempt placard is more specific than for a general disability parking placard. It is reserved for individuals with permanent disabilities whose impairment significantly impedes their ability to access or operate a parking meter. This typically includes severe mobility impairments that restrict reaching, bending, or handling coins/cards at a meter.
To apply for any disability parking placard or license plate in Illinois, including the Meter-Exempt placard, applicants typically need to submit a form that includes a certification from a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse. This certification verifies the nature and severity of the disability and its impact on the individual's ability to access parking meters.
For detailed information on eligibility criteria and the application process, it is always recommended to consult the official resources provided by the Illinois Secretary of State's office, which oversees the issuance of these placards. You can find more information about disability parking placards and license plates on the Illinois Secretary of State's website.
Importance of Proper Use
It is vital for holders to understand that the Meter-Exempt placard, like all disability parking placards, must be displayed correctly and used only by the person to whom it was issued. Misuse of any disability parking placard can result in significant fines, suspension of privileges, and other penalties. The placard should be hung from the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in an accessible or metered space and removed when the vehicle is in motion.
