Disabled Parking in the City of Seattle

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Based on Washington State law, the City of Seattle allows on-street parking at no cost to holders of disabled parking permits (placards, license plates, and tabs).

If you would like to apply for or renew a disabled parking permit , please visit the Washington State Department of Licensing’s website at www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/parking.html or call (360) 902-3770 or TTY (360) 664-8885.

The City of Seattle does not issue disabled parking permits, but does set forth rules for parking on a city street with such permit. The table below shows what is typically allowed and not allowed:

This privilege applies to all public thoroughfares where parking is permitted. It does not necessarily apply to parking lots and garages, even if government-operated, unless specific signage is posted indicating otherwise.

Disabled Parking Zones in Residential Areas  

Seattle residents who possess a valid Washington State Disabled Parking Permit may request installation (at no cost) of a disabled parking space adjacent to their residence subject to certain conditions. However, a space signed for disabled parking may be used by any vehicle with a valid Disabled Parking Permit and is not dedicated to the exclusive use by the requesting resident. The City of Seattle does not provide disabled parking spaces for businesses. Please contact SDOT at 684-8415 with any sign requests.

Addressing abuse of disabled parking placards

The City of Seattle is committed to ensuring that on-street parking is managed effectively for short-term access in business districts. Recent studies have shown that between 30% and 40% of downtown and First Hill parking spaces are filled with vehicles with disabled parking placards. The tremendous amount of abuse of these placards limits access to legitimate placard holders and other parkers.

In January 2010, SDOT proposed a 4-hour time limit for vehicles with disabled parking placards. Based on discussions with the Washington State Department of Licensing and feedback on the proposal, SDOT decided not to implement the proposed four-hour time limit for placards only.

SDOT staff are currently revisiting the 4-hour time limit proposal. If implemented, the revised proposal would apply to all forms of disabled parking permits (placards, license plates, and tabs). Seattle Police Department Parking Enforcement Officers and SDOT staff have met with and will continue to meet with the newly formed Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities to get more feedback on the proposal and work together to improve public education around this issue.

Who to contact with comments or questions about the 4-hour time limit proposal:

Mary Catherine Snyder at  marycatherine.snyder@seattle.gov   or (206) 684-8110

If you have questions about obtaining or renewing a disabled parking permit, please contact the Washington State Department of Licensing:

• http://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/parking.html
• Phone: (360) 902-3770
• TTY: (360) 664-8885