Eligibility, Use and Security Features
Accessible Parking Permits are issued by Service Ontario to either a driver or a passenger with a disability or health condition. Some disabilities are obvious, for example people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices. But some health conditions are invisible for example people with heart or lung conditions.
Permits are issued to people, not vehicles, so that people living with a disability can use the permit in any vehicle they’re travelling in. That person must be in the car for the permit to be valid.
The province began issuing new accessible parking permits with enhanced security features in 2016. The features, which include machine-readable barcodes, raised markings and serial numbers help to confirm that a permit is authentic. An Identification Number contains key information that describes the permit holder including first and last initials, gender and decade of birth. Permit abusers can be easily identified.
None of the following excuses will exempt you from the $400 fine:
- I need to drop off a few heavy things
- I won’t be a minute, I only needed to pop in to pick up something
- I have a disability, I just forgot my permit
- I don't have a permit, but I find it very difficult to walk
- Why should you be privileged? You don't look disabled
- I am a pensioner, so I am entitled to park near the shop
- I was going to miss my flight if I didn't park there
- I'm doing a few things for my dad and it's his permit
