4 replies to this topic

[Nubsy]

Hiya everyone,

Just a quick question about parking badges when abroad - can the EU badges be used in the States?

It may seem a really silly question to ask, but I know American badges do differ from ours quite a bit, and it'll only take some silly officer to paste a ticket on the window as they may have never even seen anything European before and therefore assume it's a fake!!

My parents live out in Cali and my other half desperately wants to visit at some point, so we've decided that we'd go, rent a car (with hand controls - so he can drive, of course), and go do the mega touristy things! Yay.

Just wasn't sure on the badge situation - or perhaps the rental car companies supply a temporary one or something along those lines (as overly optimistic as that may be!).... Anyone else been in a similar situation?

Loads and loads of thanks to anyone who can offer advice!

[kewlcatkez]

Hi,

Here is some information from the dept of Transport- LINK

Quote

USA
We understand there is no national system of parking concessions for disabled people and that most States operate their own individual schemes. The type of badges used and the concessions provided are not standardised and vary considerably.

We also understand that it is entirely at the discretion of the authorities in each State as to whether or not disabled motorists' badges issued in other countries are recognised, or indeed whether a local temporary badge can be issued. Whilst our information is that most States do their best to accommodate disabled visitors from the UK, they are not obliged to do so.

In the meantime, if you are planning a visit to the USA you may find it useful to contact an organisation such as:

The American Automobile Association
1000 AAA Drive MS no. 20
Heathrow, Florida
FL32746-5043 USA

Tel: +1 (407) 444 8036

Alternatively you may find the following numbers useful:

Visit USA Association

0891 600 530

US Travel & Tourism Administration

09069 101 020

US Embassy

020 7499 9000

Florida
UK badges are not valid for use in Florida. However, if your badge is presented to any county tax collector's office, along with some form of photographic identification, such as a passport, a 90-day temporary permit will be issued for a fee of $15.

Further info on if you can use the blue badge in other countries ( Outside of the EU) please see this LINK



I hope this helps,

K

Edited by kewlcatkez, 26 October 2007 - 05:15 PM.

[Tim13]

Here is what California offers:

Travel parking placard for nonresidents who plan to travel in California and are a disabled person or disabled veteran. Valid for up to 90 days or the date noted by your physician on the application, whichever is less.

and a link to the California DMV section on disabled parking:

Link to Cali DMV

Here is the form that can be filled out and mailed to the DMV:

Form

Edited by Tim13, 27 October 2007 - 01:36 AM.

[russ1]

We went to florida in the summer and used our UK blue badge for two weeks without problem.

[Tinbasher]

I have used my blue badge in the USA Florida mostly but also Texas and Alaska and they are pretty used to seeing them with it being a tourist destination so no problems, not sure about out in the sticks.

However almost all parking in the USA is off street and you are alot less likely to pick up a ticket if you are showing a badge as it is very similar at least in colour to most USA badges (or plackards as they call them).

Tin