Free parking for disabled and Purple Heart vets with new MVC placards

Disabled veterans and Purple Heart winners in New Jersey no longer need to fish through their pockets or whip out a credit card to feed municipal parking meters. New placards issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) mean free spaces.

MVC Chairman Ray Martinez unveiled the cards today at VFW Post 1333 in Asbury Park. He was in the company of Post 1333 Commander Frank Brogna; NJ Disabled American Veterans Department Adjutant John Walker; and Joe Belardo, Commande of the New Jersey Military Order of the Purple Heart.

"This placard honors the service and sacrifices these individuals have made in service to our country, and the MVC is committed to recognizing our veterans and making life easier for them where we can," said Martinez. "Eligible veterans will be able to obtain this placard free of charge at any MVC agency or by mail."

The placards are renewable every three years. Eligible veterans must present proof of the disability or the medal through forms DD-214, DD-215, an award of disability letter, or Purple Heart citation.

The cards do not apply to Person With A Disability (PWAD)-labeled spaces. A disabled vet or Purple Heart recipient can apply for a PWAD placard separately, and can have either, but not both.

The placard is permitted in vehicles owned by the disabled veteran or Purple Heart holder, and can be employed only when the vet is a driver or passenger.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and applications here, or call 609-292-6500.