Renewing a DP Placard

If a person has lost a limb or both hands and submits their application in person at a local DMV office in California, no medical certificate is necessary. Furthermore, anyone who already has a Handicapped Veteran license plate or a permanent California disabled person placard can apply for disabled person license plates without having to provide additional medical documentation. Handicapped Veterans License Plates are available to disabled veterans with a 100 percent disability rating. They are also excused from paying registration and license costs for their vehicles.

Anyone applying for a disabled person license plate must also show that they own and register the car with the required paperwork. Finally, before acquiring the disabled person plates, individuals must surrender their automobile license plates.

DP Placard Renewal

Although it is called a permanent disability placard, it does not stay indefinitely. Disabled placards in California are only good for two years. When permanent placards expire, the DMV automatically renews them and sends out new ones. The person must apply again on the third renewal date, but there is no necessity to get a medical certificate. When a person's residence changes, they must notify the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

A temporary parking permit is only valid for six months. To obtain a new placard, a person must submit a new application signed by a medical expert. You can repeat this process up to six times.

Restrictions on DP License/Placard Enforcement

Misusing a DP plate or placard, as well as using a place intended for a disabled person, are both unlawful under the California Vehicle Code. Fines are imposed for both infractions.

Only the disabled individual who applies for a plate or placard will be able to use it for parking. Allowing someone else to use their placard, using someone else's placard, or fraudulently obtaining a badge can result in a fine or punishment. Forging a medical professional's signature on an application, providing false information to get a badge, changing a placard, or possessing or displaying a counterfeit placard or license plates are all considered fraud.

Placard abuse is punishable under California Vehicle Code Sections 1825, 4461, 4463, 21458, 22511.5, 22511.6, 22511.7, 22511.55, 22511.59, and Business and Professions Code Section 13660. The deception can be charged as an infraction with a fine of up to $1,000, or as a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in county jail. A $1,500 civil penalty may also be imposed by the court.