Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a pilot program aimed at making disability parking placards easier to obtain while a new state law expands eligibility for meter-exempt parking.
The new law allows legal guardians who transport individuals with disabilities who are unable to drive to qualify for meter-exempt disability parking placards. Governor JB Pritzker signed the measure July 31, and it took effect immediately.
Previously, meter-exempt benefits were primarily available to people with disabilities who drove themselves.
As part of the pilot program, the Secretary of State’s office is expanding walk-in placard services to 14 additional Driver Services facilities, allowing customers to apply for or renew permanent and meter-exempt placards without relying exclusively on mail processing through Springfield.
Southern Illinois residents will have access to the service at the Carbondale Driver Services facility, while Robinson is also among the participating locations.
Meter-exempt placards allow eligible users to park in designated accessible spaces and avoid parking meter fees and time restrictions, except in locations where parking is limited to 30 minutes or less.