Columbus — A proposal in the Ohio General Assembly would allow pregnant women to apply for temporary parking placards that provide access to designated accessible parking spaces. House Bill 450, introduced by Representatives Heidi Workman and Adam Mathews, seeks to update state law so pregnancy becomes an eligible condition for an accessibility placard.
As originally introduced, the bill would have created a new “pregnancy removable windshield placard” that lasted for one year and covered both pregnancy and a period of postpartum recovery. A later committee version takes a different approach. Instead of creating a new category, the substitute version adds pregnancy under the list of temporary conditions that qualify for Ohio’s existing removable placard, which is valid for up to six months. That placard already covers individuals who have temporary mobility limitations, such as recovering from injury or surgery.
To apply under the current draft, an expectant mother would submit the standard placard application to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles along with documentation from a health care provider confirming her pregnancy or mobility restrictions related to pregnancy. The application fee would remain the same as the existing temporary placard, which is eight dollars.
Supporters say the measure recognizes the mobility challenges many women face during pregnancy, including back pain, fatigue, balance issues and reduced walking stamina. They argue that temporary access to closer parking spaces would improve safety and reduce fall risks, particularly during late-term pregnancy.
Some disability advocates have raised concerns about expanding eligibility for accessible parking. They worry the change could make it harder for people with permanent mobility impairments to find available spaces. Others question whether a six-month limit is sufficient for pregnancies that involve complications or longer postpartum recovery.
House Bill 450 has been assigned to the House Children and Human Services Committee, where it awaits further hearings. The bill must still clear both chambers and receive the governor’s signature before becoming law. For now, pregnancy alone does not qualify for an accessible parking placard in Ohio.