Accessible On-Street Parking in Philadelphia
We’re committed to making sure accessible parking is available where it’s needed most. Here’s what you should know:
UPDATE:
As of July 1, there have been significant updates to our People with Disabilities Parking Program. Eligible residents can now apply for a disability parking space assigned to a specific person in front of their home.
KEY DETAILS:
Only new applicants or those whose current zone is five years old or older are eligible.
If approved, applicants must use their assigned space and not park elsewhere, unless their designated spot is occupied by someone else illegally.
For your convenience, the new application and informational FAQs are below:
No. These spots are license plate specific and only for the applicant who resides on the block.
The applicant can only park in this designated PWD zone, unless the space is illegally occupied by another vehicle
No, the vehicle must be registered in the applicant’s name. Exceptions will only be made for those who are under the age of 18.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority is responsible for all repairs of the parking poles that will be installed. If a pole or sign is loose or knocked down, please contact us at 215-683-9746 to arrange for necessary repairs to be completed.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority is responsible for removing the zone. If the zone is no longer needed, please contact us at 215-683-9746, and we will remove it. We will not know if the zone should be removed unless we are contacted and informed to do so. Furthermore, if the Philadelphia Parking Authority receives reports of zone abuse (i.e., cones or other objects saving the zone, jockeying of cars to save a spot on the street, etc.), a parking investigator will verify the evidence that has been obtained. Once the evidence is corroborated, the zone can and will be removed.
The City of Philadelphia technically owns this property. Contact your local City Councilperson and have them write you a letter stating that you are allowed to have a Residential Parking for People with Disabilities Zone that infringes on this property.
Where Accessible Parking is Available:
- Accessible parking spaces are located as close as possible to schools, government buildings, hospitals, medical centers, cultural institutions, and recreational facilities.
- In residential areas, accessible parking is provided according to Section 3354(d) of the Vehicle Code, 75 Pa. C.S. § 3354(d), and any updates to it. Click below to apply for a residential disabled persons parking zone.
Disabled Persons Parking Sign Application
- Below is an interactive map of all spaces in Center City that are reserved parking for disabled persons. Please remember to always check the parking signs before you park to ensure you’re in a permitted space.
Metered Accessible Parking:
- On each side of every hundred block with metered parking, there will be at least one accessible parking space near an accessible curb ramp. These spaces are clearly marked with accessibility signs.
- Only vehicles with a valid disabled person plate or placard or a severely disabled veteran’s plate or placard may park in these spaces. The person the vehicle is transporting must have a disability or be a severely disabled veteran.
- Vehicles displaying the proper credentials mentioned above can park for an extra 60 minutes beyond the maximum time limit. However, all other parking rules and regulations still apply.
Parking for Wheelchair Lift-Equipped Vehicles:
- If you’re driving a vehicle equipped with a wheelchair lift and are transporting a person with a disability or a severely disabled veteran, you can park without time limits and without paying any kiosk fees on streets where parking is allowed but limited by time. Again, all other parking prohibitions must be followed.
- For those who qualify, you can contact our Planning and Analysis Department to obtain an optional virtual parking permit to help ensure your vehicle will not be ticketed.
Eligibility for Special Parking Privileges:
- To use accessible parking spaces, ensure your vehicle prominently displays valid disabled persons or severely disabled veteran’s plates or parking placards.
- Only vehicles legally bearing a disabled parking permit or disabled license plate and used to transport a disabled person can park in accessible spaces.
- There are penalties for parking in an accessible space without a proper permit or for misusing a permit. This includes parking in a space without transporting the person the permit was issued for or using a counterfeit permit.
Apply for a Person with Disability Parking Plate
Apply for a disability plate at the: Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services site.
We’re here to help you navigate parking in Philadelphia. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.