You can’t let your cousin borrow it for a concert. Seriously, it’s a felony to misuse a placard in New Jersey. People have gotten caught letting their able-bodied friends park in accessible spots, and the fines are brutal. Like, “pay your rent” brutal. Use it only when the person with the disability is in the car or being dropped off.
Also, check the expiration date. The state won’t send you a reminder—that’s on you. Set a calendar alert for two years from now (or six months for temporary). Renewal is the same form but with a new medical certification. Yes, you get to visit your doctor again. Fun stuff.
One last thing: don’t expect the placard to make traffic disappear. It won’t. But it will save you from walking across a sea of asphalt in the rain. And honestly, that’s a small miracle. Now go download that form. Your knees will thank you.
