(1) The application for special parking privileges for persons with disabilities must contain:

(a) The following statement immediately below the physician's, advanced registered nurse practitioner's, or physician assistant's signature: "A parking permit for a person with disabilities may be issued only for a medical necessity that severely affects mobility or involves acute sensitivity to light (RCW 46.19.010). An applicant or health care practitioner who knowingly provides false information on this application is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. The penalty is up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 or both. In addition, the health care practitioner may be subject to sanctions under chapter 18.130 RCW, the Uniform Disciplinary Act"; and

(b) Other information as required by the department.

(2) A natural person who has a disability described in RCW 46.19.010(1) and is expected to improve within 12 months may be issued a temporary placard for a period not to exceed 12 months. If the disability exists after 12 months, a new temporary placard must be issued upon receipt of a new application with certification from the person's physician as prescribed in RCW 46.19.010(3) and subsection (1) of this section. Special license plates for persons with disabilities may not be issued to a person with a temporary disability.

(3) A natural person or veteran who qualifies for special parking privileges under this section must receive an identification card showing the name and date of birth of the person to whom the parking privilege has been issued and the serial number of the placard.

(4) A natural person or veteran who qualifies for permanent special parking privileges under RCW 46.19.010 may receive one of the following:

(a) Up to two parking placards;

(b) One set of special license plates for persons with disabilities if the person with the disability is the registered owner of the vehicle on which the license plates will be displayed;

(c) One parking placard and one set of special license plates for persons with disabilities if the person with the disability is the registered owner of the vehicle on which the license plates will be displayed; or

(d) One special parking year tab for persons with disabilities and one parking placard.

(5) Parking placards and identification cards described in this section must be issued free of charge.

(6) The parking placard and identification card must be immediately returned to the department upon the placard holder's death.

(7) This section expires October 1, 2035.

Effective date—2025 c 295: See note following RCW 46.19.010.