Disabled Driving Laws and Permits in Iowa

Drivers' disability laws vary by state. It is important that you know the rules and regulations of not only the state you live in, but also the states you may visit or pass through.

How do I know if I am eligible for a license plate, sticker or plaque with a disability?

In Iowa, you are eligible for disabled driver parking if you have one of the following conditions:

• If you have portable oxygen

• If you are unable to walk more than 200 feet without rest or assistance

• If you need a cane, crutch, wheelchair, or other mobility aid

• If you have a heart condition classified by the American Heart Association as class III or IV.

• If you have a lung disease that severely limits your ability to breathe

• If you have a neurological, arthritic, or orthopedic condition that limits your mobility

• If you are hearing impaired or legally blind

If you are suffering from one of these conditions, your next step is to visit a licensed doctor and ask that doctor to confirm that you are suffering from one or more of these conditions. A licensed physician in Iowa may include a chiropractor, podiatrist, physician assistant, or experienced nurse practitioner. Iowa has a unique rule where you can have a licensed doctor from Iowa or one of the adjacent states certify that you are a disabled driver. Iowa's contiguous states are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

How do I apply for a badge, license plate or sticker for the disabled?

The next step is to complete an application for a disabled parking permit for Iowa residents. Be sure to ask your doctor to complete a section confirming that you do have one or more eligible disabilities.

How much does a plate, plaque or sticker for a disabled driver cost?

In Iowa, posters, signs, and stickers are free. However, if you would like to have a custom disabled plate, it will cost you $25 plus the cost of regular vehicle registration fees.

What is the difference between a license plate, a sticker and a plaque?

You can apply for a license plate if you have a permanent disability or if you are the parent or guardian of a child with a permanent disability. You are eligible for removable windshield decals if you have a temporary disability or an estimated duration of less than six months of disability. Again, you can get a windshield decal if you regularly carry disabled children, adults, or elderly passengers. You can get a sticker to place on the lower right corner of your license plate if you have a disability but don't want to dislike the license plate of a person with a disability.

What if I have a car specially equipped or modified to help me with my disability?

Iowa offers a reduced $60 annual registration fee for those with modified vehicles of this type.

How long is my disability permit valid?

You will renew your disabled license plate each year you register your vehicle, along with self-certification in writing that the disability still exists for the child or driver of the vehicle. A permit for a removable windshield expires six months from the date it was issued, unless your doctor has given a date prior to that time. Disability stickers are valid as long as the vehicle registration is valid.

Please note that for the plate to be valid, the plate must be signed by the owner of the vehicle. Also, your nameplate should be displayed when your vehicle is parked on your rearview mirror with the expiration date facing the windshield. Please make sure a law enforcement officer can read the date and number on the plate if needed.

Can I lend my poster to someone else, even if that person has a disability?

No. Your plate should remain only with you. Providing your poster to another person is considered an abuse of your disabled parking privileges and may result in a $300 fine. Also, be aware that if you don't return a windshield plate, sticker, or license plate when it's no longer valid, it could result in a fine of up to $200.

Where am I allowed to park with a sign, sign or sticker?

In Iowa, you can park anywhere you see the International Access Symbol. You may not park in areas marked "no parking at all times" or in bus or loading areas.