Disabled veterans need to know new rules, but metered parking still comes free

A recent change in Texas law calls for disabled veterans to have a disabled parking placard or license plate, one with the blue wheelchair symbol, to park in a space for people with disabilities. The law went into effect Jan. 1.

This recent change is due to Senate Bill 792, which was signed into law last spring by Gov. Greg Abbott.

Veterans looking to park in these spaces need to apply for a disabled parking placard or for a new disabled veteran license plate featuring the International Symbol of Access (the blue wheelchair). These plates have different requirements than the previous disabled veteran plate.

Here are the Texas DMV’s definition of a disability:

Visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correcting lenses.

Visual acuity of more than 20/200 but with a limited field of vision in which the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of 20 degrees or less.

Mobility problems that substantially impair the ability of a person to move around. Problems that may have been caused by paralysis, lung disease, a need for portable oxygen, cardiac deficiency, wheelchair confinement, arthritis or neurological or orthopedic condition, foot disorder and any medical condition causing someone to use a cane, brace or crutch.

To apply for a new plate or placard with the ISA symbol, visit the Texas DMV website.

Free parking with disabled veteran license plate

Another benefit of having a disabled veteran license plate is being able to park for free in any metered parking space.

Parking meters in Fort Worth and other Texas cities can be expensive. Some veterans who are new to the Lone Star State may not be familiar with the exemption that saves them money.

To qualify, a veteran needs to have a disabled veteran license plate, which they can get at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

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