Handicap parking

[Maxine]

In Denmark it is so that if there are no Handicap parking free, I can use a regular parking spot, but without the usual time limit that is for normal cars.
Is it not so in US?
Maxidane

 

[highdesertranger]

what I meant by my post was a handicap spot big enough to fit a motorhome. I have never seen one. VJG has pointed some out so I guess they exist, not very common though. I am not talking about a class B. Maxine it would be a good idea to get a handicap placard regardless, I was not trying to discourage you just pointing out that I don't think it will do you much for parking close to a store front. highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

Maxine, I think it varies by specific area. In the Seattle area, street parking is free instead of paid and there's no time limit, except for where the side of the road is required to be clear during a certain time on weekdays due to the bus using it as a bus lane. I use a handicap placard and just go by if the time limit sign is green, and there's no red or yellow signs posted with it, I can park there as long as I need to (up to 3 days, where a different law kicks in.)

Once you get into non-street parking, handicap is not always free. If they're charging everyone else to park there, they get to charge you too, and in almost all cases here in Seattle there's no discount. From what I hear I think other cities have different rules. Wherever you go the information should be clearly posted on signs.

Regarding insufficient room to park an RV in a handicap space, I actually have a suggestion. Assuming it isn't a gigantic class A, calling ahead of time and/or arriving off peak hours and taking up several handicap parking spots before immediately checking with them to get the okay might be a good solution. I've had very good experiences calling up places and being like "Hey! I'd love to shop in your store but I'm disabled and encountering the following access issue. (Describe) I was wondering if there was any chance you might be able to accommodate that?"

Sometimes they say they can't but most of the time they at least try and often really happy that I asked. It helps if you frame things in a simple problem>solution format. "Is there any chance you'd let me take up a few handicap spots to accommodate my disability?" Maybe they'll suggest a different but equally suitable solution, such as coning off two spots pull-through fashion that are right next to the disability spots and thus close enough. Or maybe they'll direct you to park where delivery truck do right outside the store where customers usually can't park. The key thing I've found is for me to suggest one possible solution, and that helps them get a picture of what's needed so they can brainstorm what works best for them. Usually they want disabled people to be able to utilize their services, so as long as it doesn't put them out too much they're happy to do so.

It wouldn't be a hassle-free solution, but if needed I think it would work out just fine.

 

[rvwandering]

Maxine, like Bitty says all cities have different rules about handicap parking on the street and in city pay lots and it's often hard to find exactly what the rules are. We just pay rather than risk having our home towed.

Most of the time we do not use handicap spaces in parking lots because our 25' RV is too long but we do use them if all of the other spaces are taken and there is a wide enough space behind us so that we are not obstructing traffic at all.

One advantage to having a handicap hang tag is that if you go to a public campground there are often handicap sites that are slightly better than other sites. They're usually closer to the restrooms. They're usually the last sites to be fill but often they can be used by anyone once the campground is full. There are no rules or standards for accessibility in campgrounds though so you never know what you'll find.

 

[Ella1]

...Regarding insufficient room to park an RV in a handicap space, I actually have a suggestion. Assuming it isn't a gigantic class A, calling ahead of time and/or arriving off peak hours and taking up several handicap parking spots before immediately checking with them to get the okay might be a good solution.

I happened to get out today to the grocery store. I wasn't especially early, but I found a handicapped place, then, because I felt the van stuck out to far, I turned around and backed in, which made it better for traffic flow. All the HC places in front of the store were taken, this one (and another) were along the side of the store. When I came out, the lot was filled. There were 3 15 passenger vans from various homes
delivering shoppers. Two were stopped in the fire lane, no drivers around, the third had parked in one of the HC stalls. I thought of going in to complain to management, because the DRIVER, unless handicapped, should have parked the van farther away so a disabled customer could use that space. When his passengers were finished, he could bring his van up to the door.
Some Walmarts here have been making those long HC spaces up close to the doors for the longer vehicles that take up space for several vehicles. Seems to me those long spaces should be out of the way, and if needed, an employee could drive a cart out to the motorhome.

Off my soap box now. I hope you get things figured out and have a pleasant trip.

 

[Maxine]

Highdesertranger, Bitty, TonyandKaren, Ella1
I am thanking you with a hug and a smile for your answers. I am sure it is going to go absolutely fine over there by you
I have the challenge to train myself in good fitness, that will be the only right thing. It will make everything easier and more painless. Right now I would love if you could send me some self-discipline ))
I think Bob says: dont think to much, act and move on!
He is so right. Dont make a problem out of the future you dont know yet.
5 month to kill and then.... ))))))))))))))

Maxidane