A new law taking effect in January will save money for Oregonians who need a disabled parking permit but can’t make it to the DMV.
Not everyone who uses a disabled parking permit is a driver. Many are passengers, driven by loved ones or caregivers. Most people in this situation get a parking placard free of charge by having their photo taken at a DMV field office. But for a small number of people, it’s medically impossible or ill-advised for them to visit the DMV.
The DMV could still issue a disabled parking permit in that situation, but state law required the agency to charge more than $40 for the non-photo permit. That fee is going away in the new year, as a result of a bill approved by Oregon lawmakers during their 2019 session. The DMV says it issues or renews about 180 of these non-photo disabled parking permits each year.