[Beagle8U]

The placards are for those that have a temporary condition, not something that will get better with time.

If she really has/had MS the Doctor would have issued her a permanent permit that would give the license plate. I’d be willing to bet that she was driving her own car.

[sheana]

That depends on where you live. In California we have permanent placards that hang from the rear window mirror. They’re free through the DMV. We also have disabled license plates but those you have to pay for. We also have temporary placards that hang from the mirror.

[KeyLargo]

"The placards are for those that have a temporary condition, not something that will get better with time."

Wrong.

The woman has a permanent parking placard which must be renewed annually.

Believe it or not, people, including permanently handicapped do have more than one vehicle, or may have to operate a vehicle, not their own.

Illinois Secretary of State

How do I obtain a disability parking placard or disability license plates?

An applicant must complete a Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates form (VSD 62) certifying the disability by a licensed physician. If the applicant has a permanent disability, the form must be mailed to the Secretary of State's office (by either the physician or the applicant). Based on the information on the certification form, a disability parking placard and/or disability license plates will be issued.

If the applicant has a temporary disability, he/she may take the form to a Secretary of State facility and receive a temporary disability parking placard, which is good for up to six months, depending on the disability.

[Flaming Conservative]

No, they are NOT just for temporary conditions. They are valid for a certain number of years, then you order another one.

[Wiser now]

I have had my handicap placard for six years. My plates are my amateur radio call sign.
People don’t understand the placards require a drs. prescription based on certain guidelines that can range anywhere from severe COPD to osteoarthritis.
My car has a scooter lift, so nobody has ever questioned me, but my husband’s car has the placard only.