Frequently asked questions - Mobility Parking

General questions

I see people use mobility parking spaces who don’t have a disability parking permit. What can I do?

Unfortunately, you may sometimes see someone drive their car into a disabled space and dash into the shops.

These people may think that it’s OK because they’ll only be a minute, however they may not realise the effect something like this has on people with mobility disabilities.

Flyers are available from any Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) registry. You can use these flyers to remind people of the correct use of spaces designated for people with disabilities if they park there without a disability parking permit. Place the tear-off reminder in a prominent position on the vehicle, ensuring you do not damage the vehicle in any way, or obstruct the driver's view.

In which parking areas do disability parking permits apply?

Parking concessions under the MPS are only offered at on-street and council operated car parks. When parking in metered, coupon or ticket parking areas operated by councils, no charge is applied.

Car parks that operate behind boom gates are privately operated and no concessions are afforded in these areas. To park in a designated disability parking space in a private car park, you must display your valid MPS permit and pay any applicable fees required. Private car parks operate under rules determined by the private proprietor and enforcement of these rules is the responsibility of designated authorised officers.

Australian Disability Parking Permits

Why have I been sent an Australian Disability Parking Permit?
You have been sent the Australian Disability Parking Permit (ADPP) so you can continue to access mobility parking concessions in NSW.

The Australian Disability Parking Scheme is introducing a nationally common design for disability parking permits, after national public consultation revealed overwhelming public support. The new permits are progressively being rolled out in States and Territories.

Holders of NSW Individual and Organisation Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permits have been sent their new Australian Disability Parking Permits in the mail during October and November 2010.  New applicants for a MPS permit will get an Australian Disability Parking Permit at the same time.

What do I have to do differently?
You must display your current NSW MPS permit together with your new Australian Disability Parking Permit. You can no longer use the white plastic MPS permit holder. See Displaying permits for more information.

Do I still need my NSW MPS permit?
Yes. You need to display both permits - your NSW one and your new Australian Disability Parking Permit - together in order to obtain parking concessions. See Displaying permits for more information.

Is my current NSW MPS permit still valid?
Yes. Your current MPS permit remains valid until the expiry date shown on the permit, unless it is revoked earlier.

Can I just use my NSW MPS permit on its own?
No. This is a breach of the conditions of use. Your MPS permit must be inserted in the clear sleeve of the Australian Disability Parking Permit. See Displaying permits for more information.

Will the new Australian Disability Parking Permit cost more money?
No. There is no extra charge for the Australian Disability Parking Permit when it is issued with a NSW MPS permit.

I have an Individual MPS permit, and have not received an Australian Disability Parking Permit.
If your Individual MPS permit is still current, and you haven't received an Australian Disability Parking Permit in the mail by mid-November 2010, please attend any motor registry with your existing MPS permit. You will be issued an Austalian Disability Parking Permit free of charge.

I have a Temporary MPS permit, and have not received an Australian Disability Parking Permit.
If you are issued with a Temporary MPS permit after 20 September 2010, you will also receive an Australian Disability Parking Permit.

I have received an Australian Disability Parking Permit by mistake.
Please hand it in at any motor registry, or post it to:

Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority)
GPO Box 28
Sydney NSW 2001

Do I need a medical certificate to get an Australian Disability Parking Permit?
No. There are no additional requriements for the Australian Disability Parking Permit, because it is only issued in conjunction with a NSW MPS permit. See How to apply for information.

Will the eligibility criteria change under the new Australian Disability Parking Scheme?
There are no changes to eligibility criteria at this time.

Will the parking concessions in NSW change?
There will be new national minimum standards for parking concessions, however there will be no change to disability parking concessions in NSW at this time.

Applying for a permit

Can I mail in my application for my Individual or Temporary MPS permit?
No, only applications for Organisation MPS permits can be lodged by mail. If you are applying for an Individual or Temporary MPS permit you must visit any motor registry in person unless you are granted a photo exemption, or you are less than 16 years of age and your representative is attending the motor registry on your behalf. Nearly all motor registries have wheelchair access. If necessary, you can make an appointment with your local motor registry for a convenient time to have your photograph taken.

Can I get multiple permits?

You can be issued with an additional permit if you are eligible for an individual (5 year) MPS permit, and have a registered open style vehicle (such as a sports car, motorcycle or motor tricycle) in addition to a standard vehicle (such as a sedan). You can permanently affix one permit to the open style vehicle for security purposes, and you can carry the other permit in the usual way.  Holders of temporary or organisation permits are not eligible to apply for dual permits.

What is the minimum age to be issued with an MPS permit?
The minimum age for someone to be issued with an MPS permit is three years of age.

How long is an MPS medical certificate valid for?

When applying for an Individual MPS permit, the medical certificate is only valid for six months from the date the medical practitioner signed the form.

The medical certificate for a Temporary MPS permit is only valid for three months from the date the medical practitioner signed the form.

Replacements

I’ve lost or damaged my permit. Can I get a replacement?
Permits can be replaced if they are lost, stolen, destroyed or defaced. You will need to complete an application form (organisations must also provide us with the 'permit number' of the MPS permit that is being replaced) and pay the replacement fee. The new permit will have the same expiry date as the one it is replacing.

Please note that when collecting the replacement permit, you will need to return the old one if it has been damaged, or complete a declaration to confirm that the existing permit is no longer in your possession.

If I find an old permit that was replaced can I still use it?

Once a replacement MPS permit is issued, the previous MPS permit is revoked and can no longer be displayed in a vehicle. Displaying a revoked MPS permit can result in a heavy fine being issued. If your old MPS permit is found, you must post it to Roads and Maritime Services, Document Verification and Investigations, PO Box 3035, Parramatta, NSW 2124 as soon as possible.

Interstate and overseas disability parking permits

Can I use my interstate disability parking permit or overseas-issued equivalent while I am visiting NSW?

You can use an interstate issued Australian Disability Parking Permit while visiting NSW. There are three formats of the Australian Disability Parking Permit. This includes the:

• Pocket permit – NSW or ACT permit must be inserted into the plastic sleeve of the Australian Disability Parking Permit
• Hook permit – this typically hangs off the rear vision mirror when parked
• Short permit – this does not have a hook

Please refer to the Commonwealth Government Australian Disability Parking Scheme  website for further information.

There are reciprocal arrangements between States and Territories to recognise disability parking permits issued from other jurisdictions. This includes the recognition of Victorian permits, Queensland red permits, Western Australian ACROD permits, as well as all Australian Disability Parking permits (pocket, hook and short).

People who display a current disability parking permit issued by another State or Territory are eligible to receive the NSW disability parking concessions.

You can also use an overseas equivalent while visiting NSW, provided it is current and valid.

Can I use my NSW-issued permit elsewhere in Australia?
Yes. All States and Territories in Australia are participating in the Australian Disability Parking Scheme. However, as the concessions may vary between each State and Territory, you should contact the relevant authority for complete details.

In all cases, a visiting permit holder must comply with the disability parking concessions applicable in the State or Territory they are visiting.