APPENDIX C: Jurisdictions Using Tiered Permit System

Hawaii and Michigan are two jurisdictions that use a form of a ‘tiered’ permit system.

Hawaii Draft legislation from Hawaii can be viewed at the following link for more information: https://accessibleparkingcoalition.org/2018/06/draft-legislation-tiered-parking-meter-exemption/

The draft legislation from the state of Hawaii would restrict the parking payment exemption or gratuity to only those drivers who are medically certified to be unable to reach or operate parking meters due to disability. The current regulation allows for a Parking Placard holder to park for 2.5 hours or the maximum time allowed on the meter, whichever is longer.

Michigan Source: https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop12026/fhwahop12026.pdf

The State of Michigan enacted a new law that sees only individuals with severe disabilities (in a wheelchair or unable to operate street meters) qualify for free metered parking (3). This represents a complete waiver or subsidy on parking charges for only drivers with a severe disability. Other drivers with disabilities can park in handicapped spaces in off- street facilities at no charge, or are required to pay regular metered rates.

Prior to the enactment of the law, about 500,000 individuals with disabled parking placards were parking for free. However, after the law was enforced, only 2% (10,000) of those with disabled parking placards were allowed to park for free at metered parking. Under the new law, individuals with severe disabilities require a doctor’s certification to apply for a differentiated yellow placard, which distinguishes their vehicles from the traditional blue placard holders.