EU disability card and parking permit implementation

The European Union has moved to implement standardized disability documentation to ensure uniform recognition of rights across member states. Under EU Directive 2024/2841, the European Disability Card (EDC) and a standardized European parking permit have been approved to reduce disparities in mobility and access to services.

The EDC is designed as a simplified document, valid for 10 years in both physical and digital formats, to attest to disability status without replacing medical reports. The new parking permit, which features a QR code, is intended for individuals with reduced mobility, visual impairments, or mental and intellectual disabilities, and will be recognized throughout the EU.

In France, specific transition requirements are in place. Older versions of priority, disability, and parking cards issued before 2017 must be replaced by the Carte mobilité inclusion (CMI) by December 31, 2026. The CMI is a secure, bank-card-sized document that includes Braille and provides access to public parking. Authorities have urged early application to avoid administrative delays and potential fines for using expired documentation.