Everything you need to know about Accessible Parking Permits in Victoria

Did you know that if you have a significant disability or injury, you may be eligible for an Accessibility Parking Permit?

Different permits allow you to park in accessible parking bays or park in regular bays for double the usual time.

Types of permits

Australian Disability Parking Permits for individuals

An Australian Disability Parking (ADP) permit can be used Australia-wide. Having an ADP permit allows you to:

Park your car in an accessible parking bay for the time displayed on the sign.
Park your car in a standard parking bay for double the time indicated on the parking sign.

Permits can be issued for a short period or long-term depending on the nature of your medical condition or disability.

You may be eligible for an ADP permit if your GP or occupational therapist (OT) assesses you and finds that:

You have a significant mobility impairment.
You need to use a mobility aid.
A standard parking bay isn’t big enough for you to get in and out of the vehicle.
You have an acute or chronic medical condition. A small amount of walking, less than 100 metres or so, causes you to stop because of pain, fatigue or imbalance, which may endanger your health.
You have a neurological, cognitive or behavioural impairment. You can’t safely walk without the support of a support person.

Victorian ADP permits can be used interstate, but it’s recommended that you check the rules of the state you are visiting.

Double Time permits for individuals.

A Double Time (DT) permit allows you to park in a standard parking bay for twice the amount of time on the parking sign. Any parking fees still apply.

You may be eligible for a DT permit if a GP or occupational therapist assesses you and determines that you have a significant mobility impairment or illness which:

You have difficulty walking more than 100 metres.
You need regular rest breaks.

DT permits are unique to Victoria and aren’t recognised interstate.

How to use your Accessible Parking Permit

A few rules apply when using your Accessible Parking Permit:

You can only display the permit if you are the permit holder or driving them.
You must display the permit, so the number and expiry date are visible from the outside of the vehicle.
You can only have one permit issued to you.

An Accessible Parking Permit does not allow you to:

Park in a restricted location such as Clearway, No Stopping or No Parking Area, Taxi Only Area, Bus Zone, and Authorised Resident Area.
Park for free in areas where parking fees apply.

How to apply for an Accessible Parking Permit

There are four major steps in applying for a permit:

Visit the Accessible Parking Permit website to check your eligibility.
Start your application online.
Have a functional assessment done by your GP or occupational therapist. Remember to take your reference number so they can complete the application.
If successful, you’ll receive your permit in the mail. Otherwise, you’ll receive a letter explaining why your application was declined.

For further information, visit the VicRoads website.