Section 22511.59.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 22511.59.
in effect(a)
Upon the receipt of the applications and documents required by subdivision (b), (c), or (d), the department shall issue a temporary distinguishing placard bearing the International Symbol of Access adopted pursuant to Section 3 of Public Law 100-641, commonly known as the “wheelchair symbol.” During the period for which it is valid, the temporary distinguishing placard may be used for the parking purposes described in Section 22511.5 in the same manner as a distinguishing placard issued pursuant to Section 22511.55.
(b)
(1)
A person who is temporarily disabled for a period of not more than six months may apply to the department for the issuance of the temporary distinguishing placard described in
subdivision (a).
(2)
Prior to issuing a placard pursuant to this subdivision, the department shall require the submission of a certificate signed by a physician and surgeon, or to the extent that it does not cause a reduction in the receipt of federal aid highway funds, by a nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, physician assistant, chiropractor, podiatrist, or optometrist, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 22511.55, substantiating the temporary disability and stating the date upon which the disability is expected to terminate.
(3)
The physician and surgeon, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, physician assistant, chiropractor, podiatrist, or optometrist who signs a certificate submitted under this subdivision shall maintain information sufficient to substantiate that certificate and, upon request of the department, shall make that information available
for inspection by the Medical Board of California or the appropriate regulatory board.
(4)
A placard issued pursuant to this subdivision shall expire not later than 180 days from the date of issuance or upon the expected termination date of the disability, as stated on the certificate required by paragraph (2), whichever is less.
(5)
The fee for a temporary placard issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be six dollars ($6).
(6)
A placard issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be renewed a maximum of six times consecutively.
(c)
(1)
A permanently disabled person or disabled veteran who is not a resident of this state and plans to travel within the state may apply to the department for the issuance of the temporary
distinguishing placard described in subdivision (a).
(2)
Prior to issuing a placard pursuant to this subdivision, the department shall require certification of the disability, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 22511.55.
(3)
The physician and surgeon, nurse practitioner, certified nurse midwife, physician assistant, chiropractor, podiatrist, or optometrist who signs a certificate submitted under this subdivision shall maintain information sufficient to substantiate that certificate and, upon request of the department, shall make that information available for inspection by the Medical Board of California or the appropriate regulatory board.
(4)
A placard issued pursuant to this subdivision shall expire not later than 90 days from the date of issuance.
(5)
The department shall not charge a fee for issuance of a placard under this subdivision.
(6)
A placard issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be renewed a maximum of six times consecutively.
(d)
(1)
A permanently disabled person or disabled veteran who has been issued either a distinguishing placard pursuant to Section 22511.55 or special license plates pursuant to Section 5007, but not both, may apply to the department for the issuance of the temporary distinguishing placard described in subdivision (a) for the purpose of travel.
(2)
Prior to issuing a placard pursuant to this subdivision, the department shall require the applicant to submit either the number identifying the distinguishing placard issued pursuant to Section 22511.55 or the number on the special license
plates.
(3)
A placard issued pursuant to this subdivision shall expire not later than 30 days from the date of issuance.
(4)
The department shall not charge a fee for issuance of a placard under this subdivision.
(5)
A placard issued pursuant to this subdivision shall be renewed a maximum of six times consecutively.
(e)
The department shall print on a temporary distinguishing placard, the maximum penalty that may be imposed for a violation of Section 4461. For the purposes of this subdivision, the “maximum penalty” is the amount derived from adding all of the following:
(1)
The maximum fine that may be imposed under Section 4461.
(2)
The penalty required to be imposed under Section 70372 of the Government Code.
(3)
The penalty required to be levied under Section 76000 of the Government Code.
(4)
The penalty required to be levied under Section 1464 of the Penal Code.
(5)
The surcharge required to be levied under Section 1465.7 of the Penal Code.
(6)
The penalty authorized to be imposed under Section 4461.3.
(f)
The department shall require a person who applies for a temporary placard pursuant to this section to provide proof of his or her true full name and date of birth that shall be established by submitting one of the following to the department:
(1)
A copy or facsimile of the applicant’s state issued driver’s license or identification card.
(2)
A copy or facsimile of the document required for an applicant for a driver’s license or identification card to establish the applicant’s true full name.
(3)
An applicant unable to establish legal presence in the United States may fulfill the true full name and date of birth requirement by providing the department a copy or facsimile of the documents used to establish identity pursuant to Section 12801.9.
References
referencesCal. Government Code - GOV § 70372.
referencesCal. Government Code - GOV § 76000.
referencesCal. Penal Code - PEN § 1464.
referencesCal. Penal Code - PEN § 1465.7.
referencesCal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 3.
referencesCal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 22511.5.
referencesCal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 22511.55.
referencesCal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 5007.
referencesCal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 4461.
referencesCal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 4461.3.
referencesCal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 12801.9.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026