Disabled Parking Permits – How the Rules Work in Practice

What Is a Disabled Parking Permit?

A disabled parking permit is a personal authorization that allows you to park closer to your destination.
The purpose is to make everyday life easier for people who have difficulty walking longer distances.

Permits are issued by your municipality and are valid throughout Sweden — and often in other EU countries as well.
They can be granted to:

• A person who drives the vehicle themselves
  
• A person who is regularly driven by someone else
  

The permit is tied to the person, not the car.
That means you can use it in any vehicle, as long as you are present in it.

How to Apply for a Parking Permit

You apply through your home municipality.
Most municipalities offer an online service, but you can also download a paper form.

You will need:

• A medical certificate confirming your mobility impairment
  
• Personal details and driver’s license (if you drive)
  
• Signature (applicant or legal representative)
  

The municipality will review your application and contact you if anything is missing.
Processing time is normally 2–6 weeks.

Tip: Renew your permit well in advance — most municipalities recommend applying at least a month before it expires.

Where Can You Park With the Permit?

The permit gives you certain exemptions from standard parking rules — but not all.
Here are the most important ones:

You may park:

• In spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol (reserved for disabled drivers).
  
• At paid parking spots without paying in many municipalities (but not all).
  
• For longer than the stated time limit — usually up to 24 hours, unless otherwise signed.
  
• On streets with parking restrictions, if it doesn’t obstruct traffic and no sign prohibits it.
  

You may not park:

• On sidewalks, cycle paths or loading zones.
  
• In front of driveways, junctions or pedestrian crossings.
  
• Where stopping is prohibited.
  

Rules can vary between municipalities, so always check local signage carefully.

What Does the Permit Look Like?

The permit is blue, marked with the wheelchair symbol, and should be placed clearly visible inside the windshield.
It is personal — it cannot be shared or lent to others.
The municipality may revoke it if it’s misused.

Is My Swedish Permit Valid Abroad?

Yes. Swedish disabled parking permits follow the European standard and are valid in most EU and EEA countries.
However, always check the local rules before traveling — some countries require a short English-language certificate as proof.

Digital Parking Permits – The Next Step

More and more municipalities and property owners are moving to digital parking permits.
That means no more paper cards, no risk of losing them, and less admin for both users and authorities.

Parkit is one of the companies leading this transition.
Our technology verifies permits directly in the system — safe, simple, and sustainable.

Why This Matters

Accessibility is not a side issue.
It’s about freedom, dignity and the right to take part in society.

By explaining how parking permits work, we want to help more people get the support they need —
and make sure the rules are followed with understanding, not frustration.

We believe in a Sweden where parking works for everyone — where technology, empathy and clear information go hand in hand.