Code of Massachusetts Regulations
540 CMR - REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Title 540 CMR 17.00 - Issuance Of Disability Plates And Placards
Section 17.02 - Definitions

As used in 540 CMR 17.00, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:

Disability Plate or Plate is a registration number plate issued by the Registrar displaying the international symbol of access.

Disability Placard or Placard is a special parking identification permit referenced in M.G.L. c. 90, § 2, of such size and design as the Registrar shall require, to be used by the person to whom it is issued when traveling in a private passenger vehicle, a private passenger vehicle bearing a commercial registration, a pickup truck or a vehicle designed and used for the transportation of handicapped persons. A placard may be used while a vehicle is parked in a designated handicapped space from which the authorized user is entering or exiting, including immediate drop off or pick up.

Health Care Provider is a medical doctor, optometrist, osteopath, chiropractor, podiatrist, registered nurse, or physician assistant, who is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; provided that the Registrar may specify the appropriate type of health care provider to address the applicant's medical qualifications to receive disability plates or placards and hold a driver's license.

Immediate Drop Off or Pick-up means ten minutes.

Medical Affairs Branch is the Registry of Motor Vehicles' office which initially handles issues involving the medical qualification of applicants for driver's licenses and for disability plates or placards. The name of this office may be changed by the Registrar in his discretion.

Private Passenger Vehicle means a vehicle used for non-commercial purposes, and with a gross weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.