NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Expectant mothers in Tennessee whose doctors certify a high-risk pregnancy will be able to get a temporary accessible parking placard starting Jan. 1, 2027, the Tennessee Department of Health reminded residents this week.
The placards cost $10 and are good for up to six months. The department said anyone who thinks they may qualify should first talk with their health care provider and then apply at their county clerk’s office. The health department said the placard can make it easier to get to medical appointments, work and other places while managing a difficult pregnancy.
The change comes from House Bill 1457, which Gov. Bill Lee signed in April. Sponsored by state Rep. Gino Bulso, a Brentwood Republican who represents part of Williamson County, it makes women with high-risk pregnancies eligible for short-term disabled parking permits, as long as a physician signs off on the high-risk status.
Tennessee already issues temporary and permanent disabled placards for a range of conditions, including people who use wheelchairs, braces or crutches, those who have trouble walking, people with serious heart or lung conditions, people whose corrected vision is 20/200 or worse, and parents of children with permanent disabilities.
Bulso said when the bill was signed that it was meant to ease some of the burdens of a high-risk pregnancy. Florida and Illinois have passed laws that let expectant mothers use accessible parking, and other states have looked at similar measures.
Because the law takes effect at the start of the year, county clerks will not issue the new placards until January.
Filed under: Nashville TN Health News
