Handicapped Parking for Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Yes, those spots are for you!

Updated on April 02, 2024

Medically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD

Fact checked by Dale Brauner

If you have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or any other debilitating chronic illness, those handicapped parking spots are there FOR YOU. Yes, the signs have a picture of a wheelchair, but that doesn't mean only people in chairs can park there.

Close up of a handicapped sign — Steven Puetzer / Getty Images

In fact, in many U.S. states the criteria for handicapped parking tags include:

Inability to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest.
Inability to walk without the use of or assistance from a brace, cane, or crutch, etc.
Ability to walk is severely limited due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

In some states, it's 50 or 100 feet rather than 200. Other states use different wording, such as:

A diagnosed disease or disorder which substantially impairs or interferes with mobility due to: (fill in the blank).

If you have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, it's fairly likely that you can't walk very far without needing to rest, at least on a bad day. Many do, at some point, need a cane for balance or due to pain in the legs or hips. And remember, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are, at least in part, neurological.

If any of the above statements describes you, then, by definition, you qualify for handicapped parking. If you find yourself saying, "Yes, but that's only on a bad day." Well, then get the plate or placard and only use it on the days you need it.

Some states, however, are more restrictive. For example, New York requires one of the following:

Limited or no use of one or both legs
Neuro-muscular dysfunction which severely limits mobility
Another physical or mental disability which makes the use of public transportation difficult
Legal blindness

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome aren't considered neuro-muscular, so that wouldn't help. However, some of the symptoms may qualify you under the third one. For instance, if you're prone to anxiety attacks in crowds, that could make public transportation a problem for you. Also, walking to the bus stop or subway station might not be possible.

Getting a Handicapped Plate/Placard

The process for getting a handicapped plate or placard is pretty simple. First, find your state's requirements and forms. (Many links are provided below.) Then, you and your healthcare provider fill it out and you send it in.

Of course, that won't work if you're stuck with a healthcare provider who doesn't believe that your illness is "real" or substantially debilitating. If so, you'll likely be better off finding a new practitioner (if possible), and not just so you can get a handicapped placard! (Sadly, many are stuck with inadequate medical care due to insurance, geography, or other reasons, and this is just one more thing that makes the situation awful.)

In most cases, a placard is free but you do have to pay for handicapped license plates. A major benefit of a placard is that it can travel with you rather than being attached to your vehicle.

The Social Stigma: Rude People

Some rude people think they can tell with a glance whether or not someone is handicapped, and for some reason, they feel like they have the right to comment or question.

In preparation for that you may want to carry a card with you that says:

Handicapped parking helps me stay active and productive in spite of severe pain in my hips, knees, back, shoulders, and hands. It reduces pain and fatigue, which means I'm better able to work and take care of my family.

Ninety-four percent of disability in the U.S. is due to invisible illness, including cancer, arthritis, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and more. "Invisible" doesn't mean "not real."

Feel free to customize the statement to fit your situation and keep it on hand. Or you can just ignore the critics.

The important thing is that you take advantage of something that's designed to help you get through life.

Disabled Parking Information, by State

You may have to download PDF forms to see specific criteria for qualification.

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