Can I get handicap card for rental car? (my mother uses a wheelchair) - visiting from India

Posted by kalindir on 07/04/18 07:57 AM

Hi,
We are a family of 6 adults and my mother uses a wheelchair since she can barely walk. We are visiting from India and going to be renting a car for driving around in Zurich/Interlaken to Milan & Pisa.

We understand parking is challenging in Milan & Pisa, so, I was wondering if we could get a disabled/handicap card for the rental car since my mother uses a wheelchair? If so, what is the process to get so? We are not residents of Europe so I am not sure if this is even a possibility but it will definitely add convenience for my mother who cannot walk otherwise to the destinations we plan to attend.

Thanks!

Posted by joe32F

Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂

07/04/18 08:15 AM

12037 posts

A placard from a foreign country is not a certainty to be acceptable.

If the process in Italy is similar to what it is here, exam by MD, MD completes a form, form is sent to appropriate governmental agency, and if approved a placard is sent. Likely 2-3 weeks at best for the process.

Perhaps someone else has actual knowledge of the process for Italy or the EU and will advise.

Posted by Nigel

Northamptonshire, England

07/04/18 08:32 AM

34221 posts

Well if my memory is right your plan is a day trip from Zurich for each for Pisa and Milan. I never got an answer as to what you want to do in Milan.

Rather than trying to get a blue placard in Italy wouldn't your (slim) chance be better getting the blue placard in Switzerland?

Posted by Chris F

Basel, Switzerland

07/04/18 09:01 AM

8889 posts

Officially, disabled badges in EU countries are accepted from other EU countries, but not non-European ones. If the parking is manned, you could show your Indian badge and ask, they may say yes. Using a non-European badge without getting permission, it will depend on how lucky you feel.

This is an information leaflet from the British AA, including an Italian transaltion to print out and put with your card: http://www.theaa.com/public_affairs/reports/blue_badge_abroad.pdf

This is the official leaflet from the British Government, listing the parking rules for disabled in each Europen country, including Italy: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/3256/using-blue-badge-in-eu.pdf

Posted by Becky

seattle

07/04/18 02:22 PM

2147 posts

I have used my personal handicap placard on numerous trips to Itay. I will send you a private message with more details. Does she have a handicap placard in India?

Posted by lachera

Firenze, Italy

07/04/18 04:10 PM

1759 posts

My wife once asked for a handicap permit in Milan for her mother that was a permanent resident of the city and had just been recognized with a very serious walking handicap and the necessity of being driven around. She addressed the "polizia locale" (the municipal police) in their main office at Piazza Fontana and the permit arrived in about two weeks; she had to present an official medical report by a state medical commission. The whole thing seems more geared to residents than to tourist guests. The permit had to be sent back, in original and fairly quickly, when my mother-in-law passed away.