Description of Service / Summary:
This article provides an overview of the responsibilities, exemptions, and rules that apply to vehicles displaying a valid Accessible Parking Permit in Toronto. It outlines where exemptions apply, where they do not, and the obligations of permit holders and drivers transporting permit holders.
Permit Display Requirements:
A valid Accessible Parking Permit must be placed on the vehicle’s dashboard or sun visor so the international symbol of access, permit number, and expiry date are clearly visible from outside the vehicle (Ontario Regulation 581, Section 7(1)).
Copied, altered, or fraudulently obtained permits may result in charges under the Highway Traffic Act.
Parking Exemptions for Valid Permit Holders:
A permit holder or driver (operating a vehicle for the purpose of transporting an accessible permit holder) who displays a valid accessible parking permit is exempt from the following:
- Signed prohibited parking areas (this includes time restricted areas only between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) No exemptions exist during the rush hour periods between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Further non-exemptions apply, please see below.
- Signed on-street permit parking areas. Vehicles displaying a valid parking permit are permitted to park without a designated on-street parking permit.
- Signed parking limits such as one hour and two hour maximums; holders are allowed to exceed the signed maximum parking limit.
- Unsigned maximum three-hour parking limit in effect on all city streets.
- Holders may park at on-street parking meters or pay and display machines without putting a coin in the meter/machine during the hours of legal operation. No exemption for off-street parking meters/machines (e.g.on private property or in Green P parking lots).
- No overnight parking on residential streets if the accessible permit is displayed on a vehicle that exceeds 3,000 kilograms
- Vehicles displaying a valid Accessible Permit but exceed 3,000 kilograms are not exempt from paying at on-street paid parking spaces.
Please note: In all the above situations where parking is permitted, it is permitted for a period not to exceed a maximum of 24 hours.
For details on non-exemptions, please refer to the Accessible Parking Permits.
Permit Holder Responsibilities:
Use by or for the Permit Holder
- Permits are issued to the individual, not the vehicle.
- Permits are not transferable.
- The permit is valid only when the vehicle is being used to transport the named permit holder.
- Misuse may result in charges under the Highway Traffic Act.
- Permit Holder Not in the Vehicle: The permit may remain visible on the dashboard/visor as long as accessible parking privileges are not being used.
- Lost or Stolen Permits:
- Lost permits: report to Toronto Police by phone.
- Stolen permits: report by phone or in person (not online).
Permits From Other Jurisdictions:
Vehicles displaying a valid accessible permit or licence plate from another jurisdiction (bearing the international accessibility symbol) receive the same privileges as Ontario permits (Ontario Regulation 581, Section 8).
Municipal Differences:
Each municipality determines its own Accessible Parking Permit exemptions and responsibilities. Toronto’s rules apply only within Toronto.
