As part of its mission, the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities promotes an understanding of the issues of concern to people with disabilities, including accessible public transportation. 

Our work includes:

• Representation on the Accessibility Advisory Committees for Pace Suburban Bus Company, Chicago Transit Authority, and Regional Transit Authority agencies
• Assistance with the State of Illinois Benefit Access Program as an eligibility requirement for the Ride Free Program
• Working with regional transportation agencies to promote accessibility for people with disabilities
• To book a WAV Taxi ride in Chicago starting July1, 2020:
  • Call 1-888-WAV-CABS (1.888.928.2227)  or
  • Download The CURB APP

To report an issue or get assistance with CTA, Metra, PACE or RTA, contact their Customer Services.

Read below to learn more about driving and parking in Chicago for motorists with disabilities.

Disabled Parking Placard and Plate Information

• Due to a new law enacted by the Illinois General Assembly, significant changes have been made to the Persons with Disabilities Parking Program, which affects both new applicants and current disability placard and license plate holders. Information can be found by visiting the Secretary of State's Disabled Parking Placard website.
• The recertification for current disability placards and license plate holders will begin in April 2013. Enforcement of the new provisions will begin on January 1, 2014.

Parking Meters

• If you have a yellow and gray placard, you will be exempt from paying any meter in the State of Illinois.
• If you have a blue and white placard, you now must pay the meter but you can still park in any designated disabled parking space
• The State of Illinois honors disabled parking placards from most states and foreign countries. However, as of January 2014, out-of-state placards will no longer allow a motorist to receive a meter exemption in Illinois.
• You cannot park in any space during a time when parking is prohibited (i.e. “No Parking, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.”).

Illegal use of Placards

• State Placard Violations
• City Placard Violations
• Parking Abuse Complaint Form

Residential Disabled Parking

• People with disabilities who meet the qualifications can now apply for a Residential Parking Permit. This permit ensures that residents of densely populated areas have access to parking near their residences. To find out more information visit Residential Disabled Parking Signs Information.

Residential Parking Appeal Process

MOPD oversees the appeal process of the disabled residential parking program. If you apply for a disabled residential parking sign and are denied by the Department of Finance, you can follow this process to appeal the decision. These instructions will also be included in the denial letter from the Department of Finance mailed to your address.

• Appeal requests must be made in writing and include reasons to support a request for review. Reasons must address the accessibility of the location.
• Appeals may be directed to The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities at:

Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities 

Disabled Parking Signs Appeal

City Hall, Room 104

121 N. LaSalle St.

Chicago, IL 60602

A decision regarding the appeal will be made within thirty (30) days of the request received by MOPD. Applicants will be notified by mail of the final decision.

For more information on the Residential Parking Appeal process, please visit The Residential Disabled Parking Signs Information page or call 312.747.0114. For more information on how to appeal the decision made by The Department of Finance, please call The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities at 312.744.7051 or reach out to us by emailing MOPD_ParkingAppeals@cityofchicago.org.

Additional Resources 

Please see this list of additional resources from MOPD partners.