Can Anyone Get A Handicapped Placard In Texas?

Do you really have to be handicapped to use handicapped spaces in Texas? I've seen some pretty healthy looking folks using them ...

It happens all the time, people with Texas state issued handicapped placards, park in handicapped spaces, then hop out and walk off with no difficulty at all. Aren't you supposed to be handicapped to use these things?

The answer is yes but the list of accepted disabilities isn't limited to the obvious ones.

Yes, you do have to be diagnosed with a particular handicap to get a handicapped placard for your vehicle. These allow the use of special handicapped parking spaces and, in some cases, you're exempt from parking meter fees and time limits.

What Qualifies For A Texas Handicapped Placard?

There are many accepted disabilities including being confined to a wheelchair or needing crutches. The not so obvious ones include vision problems, lung disease and arthritis just to name a few. Read more here.

I have a friend who got his due to chronic pain, primarily in his back. He may look fine to you but, inside, he's hurting and trying to be seated quickly.

Who Can Use The Placard?

Only the person it was issued to. They can be accompanied by anyone they want but the placard holder must be present. They're marked with the first four digits of that persons drivers license/ID and their initials.

READ MORE: 1,155 New Texas Laws

What If You Use Someone Else's?

Bad move. First, you're taking a spot meant for someone who really needs it and that sucks. Second, the penalties:

• Fines can be as high as $1,250
• Up to 50 hours of community service
• Immediate seizure and destruction of the placard

There are other legal consequences for using counterfeit/altered placards. If you genuinely need one, you can apply here.