Vehicles used to transport a person with a disability may park in designated disability spaces without time limit if the required plates or placard are displayed, and the vehicle owner is exempt from certain parking meter fees or penalties.
Sec. 681.006. PARKING PRIVILEGES: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) Subject to Section 681.009(e), a vehicle may be parked for an unlimited period in a parking space or area that is designated specifically for persons with physical disabilities if: (1) the vehicle is being operated by or for the transportation of a person with a disability; and (2) there are: (A) displayed on the vehicle special license plates issued under Section 504.201; or (B) placed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle's front windshield a disabled parking placard. (b) The owner of a vehicle is exempt from the payment of a fee or penalty imposed by a governmental unit for parking at a meter if: (1) the vehicle is being operated by or for the transportation of a person with a disability; and (2) there are: (A) displayed on the vehicle special license plates issued under Section 504.201; or (B) placed on the rearview mirror of the vehicle's front windshield a disabled parking placard. (c) The exemption provided by Subsection (b) or (e) does not apply to a fee or penalty: (1) imposed by a branch of the United States government; or (2) imposed by a governmental unit for parking at a meter, in a parking garage or lot, or in a space located within the boundaries of a municipal airport. (d) This section does not permit a vehicle to be parked at a time when or a place where parking is prohibited. (e) A governmental unit may provide by ordinance or order that the exemption provided by Subsection (b) also applies to payment of a fee or penalty imposed by the governmental unit for parking in a parking garage or lot or in a space with a limitation on the length of time for parking. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 30.156(c), eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 804, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1353, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1362, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 20.003(e), eff. September 1, 2005.