Germany Sets Rules for Disability Parking Permits and Eligibility

In Germany, two colour‑coded parking permits are issued to people with disabilities. The orange national permit allows extended parking on marked spaces, on meter‑free zones, and in residential zones for up to three hours, but does not grant access to designated disabled bays. The blue EU permit, which is more permissive, permits parking on marked disabled bays and must be displayed in the vehicle. Eligibility for either permit depends on the degree of disability (GdB) and, more importantly, on specific disability markers such as "aG" for severe walking impairment or "Bl" for blindness. Additional health conditions, including chronic illnesses like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or severe organ dysfunction, may also qualify a holder for the orange permit when the GdB reaches the required threshold (e.g., 60 or 70). Many individuals are unaware that chronic diseases such as hypertension, asthma, tinnitus or rheumatism can be recognised as disabilities, leading to missed entitlement to these parking benefits.

Application is handled by the traffic authority under § 46 StVO, which reviews the disability ID, accompanying medical certificates and any relevant Merkzeichen. The system aims to provide mobility relief while ensuring that permits are tied to the person rather than a specific vehicle.