Giannoulias Launches Disability Parking Placard Pilot As New Law Expands Access for Caregivers

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a pilot program to make disability parking placards easier to obtain as a newly signed law expands accessible parking relief for families caring for children and individuals with disabilities. The law allows the Secretary of State’s office to issue meter-exempt disability parking placards to legal guardians who transport individuals with disabilities who are incapable of driving.

To support the new law and improve customer service, the Secretary of State’s office is expanding in-person disability parking placard services to 14 additional Driver Services facilities across Illinois. The new walk-in option allows customers to apply for or renew permanent and meter-exempt disability parking placards, reducing processing times for applications that were previously handled exclusively by mail through the Springfield office.

“Families caring for children and individuals with disabilities already face enough challenges – accessing parking while transporting a loved one to medical appointments, therapy, school or other essential services should not be an added burden,” Giannoulias said. “This legislation provides meaningful relief for caregivers while making it easier for eligible Illinoisans to obtain the parking placards they need. It’s another step toward delivering more accessible, customer-focused services across our state.”

Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 4843 into law on July 31. The measure took effect immediately.

Previously, meter-exempt parking benefits were available primarily for individuals with disabilities who drive themselves. The new law addresses a longstanding gap by extending eligibility to caregivers who regularly transport individuals with significant disabilities.

The pilot program builds on the existing in-person disability parking placard service offered at the Springfield Flagship. Participating Driver Services facilities include the Chicago Flagship, Chicago North, Chicago South, Chicago West, LaSalle, Robinson, Rockford, Champaign, Carbondale, Peoria, Quincy, Moline, Macomb and Granite City.

Meter-exempt parking placards allow eligible individuals to park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities, such as at malls, grocery stores or retail locations. They also exempt the holder from parking meter fees and time limitations, except where parking is limited to 30 minutes or less.

The provision expanding access to disability parking placards is part of a broader legislative package advanced by Giannoulias to modernize the Illinois Vehicle Code, improve accessibility and strengthen services for Illinois residents.

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