Parking permits

Australia now has one disability parking permit that is recognised in all states and territories—the Australian Disability Parking Permit. Individuals and organisations can apply for a permit.

• Eligibility
• Applying for a permit and cost
• Using the permit
• Finding disability parking spaces.

Eligibility

Individuals

If you are a Queensland resident you are eligible for a permit if you meet 1 of the following criteria:

• unable to walk and always require the use of a wheelchair
• ability to walk is severely restricted by a permanent medical condition or disability (5-year permit)
• ability to walk is severely restricted by a temporary medical condition or disability (6-12 month permit).

People with intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive or sensory impairment are not eligible for this permit, unless their ability to walk is severely impaired.

Organisations

Organisations may also be eligible for a permit if they:

• provide evidence that the organisation is a legal entity e.g. Certificate of the Registration of a Business Name
• have a Queensland business address
• transport people who would be eligible for a permit and who enter/exit the vehicle when using the disability parking space.

Applying for a permit and cost

Individuals

1. Download and complete Section 1 of the application form (PDF, 511KB)
2. Have your medical practitioner or occupational therapist complete section 2 of the application form.

3. Lodge the completed form with the application fee at any Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre, or post (with cheque or money order) to:
   
   Department of Transport and Main Roads
   Disability Parking Permit Scheme
   PO Box 525
   Fortitude Valley Qld 4006

Organisations

1. Download and complete the application form
2. Lodge the completed form with the application fee at any Department of Transport and Main Roads customer service centre, or post (with cheque or money order) to:
   
   Department of Transport and Main Roads
   Disability Parking Permit Scheme
   PO Box 525
   Fortitude Valley Qld 4006

Cost

The application fee for individuals and organisations is currently $14.35 (as at 1 July 2012). This fee is reviewed at the end of every financial year. Please visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website for the latest details.

Using the permit

The permit allows you to park:

• for free at any on-street parking in local government metered and regulated parking areas:

- up to 30 minutes—when the time limit stated is less than this

- for an unlimited time—when the time limit stated is 30 minutes or more

• in parking bays displaying the international symbol of access for on- and off-street parking bays.

Permits only need to be displayed when using a valid parking bay/space. Permits must be displayed in the lower left-hand corner of the windscreen with the permit number and expiry date clearly visible.

Check the local arrangements when using the permit outside Queensland, as they may vary. The Australian Disability Parking Scheme website has links to all Australian state and territory rules and regulations and is a good place to start.

Finding disability parking spaces

In Queensland, your local council should be able to tell you where disability parking spaces are in your local area, as well as any particular parking privileges or concessions that apply.

More information

Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 132 380 for further information.