WASHINGTON – New parking regulations are now in place for disabled veterans with a qualifying discharge and a disability rating of 70 percent or higher. These veterans can apply for special parking benefits, including blue placards, veteran parking plates or a disabled veteran tab.
In addition to these rules, a new law named after a retired veteran’s four-legged friend has been introduced. Known as Ranger’s Law, this legislation aims to protect service animals that assist veterans.
Dan Regester, the executive director of K-9 Kavalry, first brought forward the bill. Regester, a retired veteran, shared that his service dog, Ranger, plays a crucial role in his daily life. However, he faces challenges with parking access for safely loading and unloading his dog.
“It raises the question of, if we compare a veteran with a service dog to a person using a wheelchair, both are medical necessities or medical instruments to provide for codified condition at the ADA, so if we need room to get the wheelchair out, we need room to get the dog out safely too,” said Regester.
Regester also mentioned that the law helps protect service animals from being hit by cars or walking long distances on hot pavement, which could harm their paw pads.
Disabled parking applications require a letter from the U.S. Armed Forces or Veterans Affairs. Applications can be submitted at a vehicle licensing office or mailed to Olympia. Placards are expected to arrive in seven to 10 days, with ID cards taking two to three weeks.
Regester expressed how this change has improved his life and hopes it will benefit others who rely on their furry friends turned heroes.
