Imho, the answer that you're looking for is actually "No." The caregiver cannot possess a handicapped placard for themselves. However, since they are transporting the caregiver in their vehicle, they are entitled to use the elder's handicapped placard, assuming said elder possesses one. My mother, a legally blind individual, possessed a handicapped placard and I used it when in my vehicle while WITH my mother. Point of reference: My auto was registered in the state of Maryland and my mother lived in the state of Massachusetts.
You are in California. The caregiver cannot get a handicap placard unless they themselves are handicap. However the person they are caring for can get a placard if they are considered handicap and then, their caregiver is legally allowed to use the placard when transporting their client. You can only get a placard from the DMV.
Yes! My mother had one that she clipped to the rearview mirror when she was transporting my grandmother. Contact your local DMV about what documentation you need to get one.
Not true in California where OP is located. The handicapped person is issued the placard, and it can be used only when the person to whom it was issued is in the vehicle.
I have my mother's placard in my car, but it hasn't been used in more than two years because I haven't taken her anywhere. If I did use it, I'd get a very pricey ticket.
The Handicapped person can get a card and it can be used in any car they are being transported in. YOU can not use the card to run into the store and leave the Handicapped person in the car.
Uh, actually you CAN, my mom isn't allowed to leave the car when YB runs her to the store. She sits in the car in a handicapped stall while my perfectly OK brother runs in to shop.
Nobody has ever said anything--it's kind of a nit-picky thing to worry about, so we don't. She goes out once every other week and gets $30 worth of groceries.
I recently needed one for myself due to a back issue and was able to obtain a temporary one here in MA. I had to get the form from the DMV (available on-line) and have my Dr. fill out the reason needed. I received the hang-tag with instructions that it was only to be used if I was in the vehicle and could only be used for parking if I was exiting the vehicle. I see so many people who pull up and use the spot, run into the store and the handicap person is sitting in the car. If my husband or son drive, even if they are getting out with me, they drop me at the door and park elsewhere and then when we are done they go get the car and pick me up. I also have a friend whose adult son has a hang-tag due to CP and if he goes with us shopping he sometimes decides to skip a certain stop. If that’s the case I will not park in handicap.
In my State you go online to get the form. Take it to the doctor to get filled out and send it back to DMV. Its free in my state. And every 3 or 4 years they remind u to update.
In the meantime, check with your township clerk to see if they offer temporary plaques. I did pay for this, $4, but it was convenient till I got the State one. It lasted 6 months with one renewal.
The Op is in CA, no townships here and you can only get a handicap placard, even if it’s temporary, from the DMV. The city clerks do not have temporary tags.
I have placards for both mom ( passed this month) and for me.. they are great if you are going somewhere in a friends car,, I never wanted the car plates. Just ask your Dr and they will get you the form for the DMV. I never had any problem, and now they are "permanent" so I dont have to renew them every year. You also get a paper form.. so if anyone askes you just show them the paper form so they know you are legit
My Mom has a placard and a license plate on her car.
The placard is issued to the handicapped person. The caregiver may apply for their own, if qualified, or may use the placard of the care recipient if they are present. I can't remember what the rules are for one way trips (I assumed that I'd have her come out and attest that she was a passenger if necessary).
Note that the police are much more likely to ask questions if the placard and the vehicle are in different names. My aunt had to show her paperwork once when using her placard on my cousin's car. Every now and then the local news reports that the police have caught a bunch of people using "borrowed" placards at sporting events, where parking is limited/expensive.
I have to renew my handicap placard. Took the paperwork to the Doctor’s office, dropped it off, picked it up. Mailed it in, etc.
Got it back in the mail because my brilliant Doctor dated it January 15, 2011, not 2021 - now I have to start over, grrrrr.
I have my mother's placard in my car, but it hasn't been used in more than two years because I haven't taken her anywhere. If I did use it, I'd get a very pricey ticket.
YOU can not use the card to run into the store and leave the Handicapped person in the car.
Nobody has ever said anything--it's kind of a nit-picky thing to worry about, so we don't. She goes out once every other week and gets $30 worth of groceries.
In the meantime, check with your township clerk to see if they offer temporary plaques. I did pay for this, $4, but it was convenient till I got the State one. It lasted 6 months with one renewal.
After she passed away I returned it.
The placard is issued to the handicapped person. The caregiver may apply for their own, if qualified, or may use the placard of the care recipient if they are present. I can't remember what the rules are for one way trips (I assumed that I'd have her come out and attest that she was a passenger if necessary).
Note that the police are much more likely to ask questions if the placard and the vehicle are in different names. My aunt had to show her paperwork once when using her placard on my cousin's car. Every now and then the local news reports that the police have caught a bunch of people using "borrowed" placards at sporting events, where parking is limited/expensive.
There is a form that the doctor fills out for the DMV. More information about the California program is available here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/disabled-person-parking-placards-plates/