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New National Disability Parking Permits Designed to Help Reduce Fraud

priority parking

In the past, there have been more than one hundred different types of National Disability Parking Permit available in Australia. However, under the new Australian Disability Parking Scheme, there is now a single permit with increased security features. Every state and territory recognises the Australian Disability Parking Scheme. Although the laws arenโ€™t the same everywhere.

The aim of there being one national Disability Parking Permit is to reduce fraudulent misuse. That is, to reduce the chances of people who are not eligible for a DPP using one because they want parking privileges. If you do still spot this happening, remember you can report illegal parking.

On top of reducing fraud, the new Australian Disability Parking Scheme makes it easier for permit holders to travel interstate.

How does the Australian Disability Parking Scheme work?

Although the Australian Disability Parking Scheme provides minimum national standards for disability parking concessions, permits are still issued by individual states and territories.

This allows states to more closely meet the needs of their populations. However, it also means that there are still slightly different eligibility criteria in each state and territory.

Hereโ€™s a guide to everything you need to know about the changes to individual parking permits.

Who is eligible for a Disability Parking Permit?

Are you eligible for a national Disability Parking Permit? Not everyone can get one under the Australian Disability Parking Scheme. Generally, the eligibility criteria is as follows:

  1. People who have an impairment that affects their mobility are eligible for a Disability Parking Permit.
  2. Permits can be held by individuals or by organisations that work with people with disability.
  3. Exact criteria for eligible impairments differs from state to state, so itโ€™s important to check your state or territory government website before you apply.
  4. For example, people living in the ACT who hold a Centrelink pension card endorsed as โ€œblindโ€ can receive a permit without having to consult a doctor.
  5. In contrast, blind people living in Queensland are not eligible for a permit unless they also have an impairment that directly affects their mobility.
  6. Disability Parking Permits can only be used when the owner of the permit is using the vehicle either as a driver or passenger.
  7. The permit must be clearly displayed with the permit number and expiry date visible.

Here are the steps you need to follow to get a DPP.

What if you have a disability parking permit from the old Australian scheme?

If you already have a permit issued under the old scheme, donโ€™t worry, your permit is still valid. In most cases you can continue using your permit until it expires. When you renew your permit you will automatically be sent a national Australian Disability Parking Scheme permit.

If your current permit doesnโ€™t expire for a while, you may be sent a new permit and asked to destroy your old one. People living in Queensland who currently have a red permit may choose to stay with this system when they are due for renewal.

elderly lady going down wheelchair ramp in disability parking spot outside in wheelchair accessible vehicle

Where can I park?

If you have a permit issued under the Australian Disability Parking Scheme, you are allowed to park in reserved spaces displaying the International Symbol of Access. These reserved spaces are larger than average. Accessible parking spaces are designed the way they are to make it easier for people living with disability to negotiate getting in and out of cars.

Accessible parking is also usually located close to the entrances of shopping centres and other facilities to minimise walking distances. This doesn’t mean you can park absolutely anywhere, however. Even with a national disability parking permit displayed on your vehicle, restricted locations include clearways, taxi and bus zones, no parking or no stopping areas, and authorised resident areas.

Not sure about all of the parking bays you can or can’t access? Check out these articles:

People with a national Disability Parking Permit are also eligible for concessions or increased time in most public parking spaces where a sign or meter shows specific time limit.

Can I use my national Disability Parking Permit anywhere in Australia? Even if I’m travelling interstate?

If you have a Disability Parking Permit from your home state you can use it anywhere in Australia. However, you need to be aware that road laws change from state to state. Its important to check parking laws in the state or territory that you are visiting. If you are planning to move interstate permanently you must re-apply for a permit in your new state.

We have a detailed guide to using your disability parking permit in another state which covers all of the intricacies of the Australian Disability Parking Scheme and national disability parking permits. Wherever you are in Aus!

What are the rules in my State or Territory?

At the moment, eligibility criteria differ slightly in different states. Hereโ€™s a quick guide to the rules in your state or territory:

Australian Capital Territory

Visit ACT page

There are three types of individual permits available in the ACT: temporary permits (3, 6 or 12 months), long term permits (can be renewed every three years) and permanent permits.

To be eligible for a permit in ACT you must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • unable to walk due to a temporary or permanent impairment
  • physical condition adversely affected by walking 100m
  • use a mobility aid
  • blind.

There is no fee to apply for a permit but applications must be delivered in person to Access Canberra offices.

New South Wales

Visit NSW page

New South Wales has two types of individual parking permits. Blue permits are issued to people with permanent disability and can be renewed every five years. Red cards are for people with temporary impairments and can be renewed every six months for a total of one year.

Eligibility criteria in NSW are the same as in ACT. Permit holders in NSW need to lodge their applications in person at a Service NSW office to have a photo taken for a NSW Parking Scheme Permit. This must be displayed in the clear sleeve of your Australian Disability Parking Scheme Permit.

Applicants under the age of 16 are not required to have their photo taken. Other applicants can apply to receive a photo exemption if they provide a medical certificate stating that they have a facial disfigurement or that their impairment restricts their ability to attend a Service NSW office in person. There is a fee payable for new permits and renewals. Permanent permits cost $41 while temporary ones are $14. Concession card holders do not have to pay these fees.

close up of yellow disability parking logo on tarmac

Northern Territory

Visit NT page

Disability Parking Permits in the Northern Territory can be renewed every three years and are available to anyone with a disability that affects their mobility. Permit holders can park in any time-restricted spot in the Darwin Municipality for twice the allotted time and can park for free in metered spots. There is a $10 fee for new applications, renewals are free.

Queensland

Visit QLD page

New applicants in Queensland will receive a blue Australian Disability Parking Scheme permit, however people who already hold a red Queensland permit are able to continue in that scheme upon renewal. Red permits can be used for any off-street parking showing the International Symbol of Access, however they cannot be used for on-street parking. Blue permits can also be used for increased time in on-street parking.

To be eligible for a permit in Queensland you must be either unable to walk, or your ability to walk must be severely restricted. People with intellectual, psychiatric, cognitive or sensory impairments alone are not eligible unless they also have a mobility impairment that impacts on their ability to walk. There is a fee of $16.45 for new applications.

South Australia

Visit SA page

To be eligible for a permit in South Australia you must have a permanent or temporary impairment that severely restricts your speed of movement and your ability to use public transport. There is a fee of $10 for one year permits and $20 for five year permits.

Tasmania

Visit TAS page

In Tasmania disability parking permits, taxi subsidy schemes and vehicle registering and licensing concessions are all run through the Transport Access Scheme (TAS). This means that you only need to complete a single form to access all of these services. To be eligible for a permit you must have a life-long, permanent and severe disability that affects mobility. People with temporary impairments are not eligible. Permits are free, however if you lose yours there will be an $11 replacement fee.

Victoria

Visit VIC page

Victoria has two types of parking permits. Blue permits are available for people with a significant mobility impairment that requires complex mobility aids or which makes it difficult to access average sized parking bays. You are also eligible if your health may be endangered by walking. Or if you require the assistance of a carer to ensure the safety of yourself or others.

Blue permits allow people to park in bays showing the International Symbol of Access and allows parking for double the time indicated on signs or meters.

Green permits are for people who are ambulatory, but who require continuous breaks while walking. Green permit holders are not allowed to park in bays displaying the International Symbol of Access, but they are allowed to park for double the time indicated on signs or meters. Parking permits in Victoria are free.

Western Australia

Visit WA page

Parking permits in Western Australia are available to anyone who is unable to walk or whose ability to walk is severely restricted by a temporary or permanent disability. Parking permits in Western Australia are free.

middle aged man accessible side of car in wheelchair from accessible disability parking space in car park

Insurance for national Disability Parking Permit holders

As the Australian Disability Parking Scheme continues to be rolled out, there will be increasing levels of standardisation across the country. There is no reason to be concerned about the changes. In fact, the opposite is true. They are designed to make the system easier and fairer for everyone.

You can continue to use you existing permits in exactly the same way as you always have. If you want more information or to download an application form, visit your state or territory government website.

If you are a holder of a national disability parking permit, you are eligible for up to a 25% discount on your car insurance premium. Why? Because at Blue Badge Insurance, we know that DPP holders are safer drivers. And we can even provide comprehensive cover for your wheelchair accessible vehicle or disability converted car.

*Information in this article was correct at the time of writing. However, legislation and costs around disability parking permits change regularly. You should always check the rules in your state or territory.

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