Here in Indiana we used to have two placards. Last time we went to renew they told us they were moving to plates as the default but since we had two vehicles we could plate one and placard the other. Probably should have plated the truck, since he drives that one most often, but for some reason we plated the car instead, which is mostly driven by me. So our plated car is almost never parked in a handicapped spot, because unless he’s with me I’m not allowed to do that (and wouldn’t anyhow, since I don’t need the spot for me).
I think if there’s just one vehicle they want it plated. I think it’s to cut down on passing placards around but I’m not sure. I don’t this it’s mandated, just strongly encouraged.
My mother’s doctor approved a handicapped placard for her. She had back problems, and although she didn’t need a wheelchair or crutches, all but the shortest walks caused her pain. I did borrow her car on a number of occasions. I used the placard twice before realizing that it just wasn’t the right thing to do, and I never used it again.
Yes and no. The lot had 10-12 official legal spots then they added about 200 non-handicapped spots to the area. I would park in one of the non-handicapped spots.