Across the country, a small but growing number of states are moving to provide pregnancy disabled parking permits, offering short-term accommodations for expectant mothers facing mobility challenges. These measures aim to ease access to stores, workplaces, and public facilities during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages, when physical demands can make long walks or harsh weather more difficult to navigate. While some states have already enacted these policies, others have explored the idea without final passage. Florida, Illinois, and New Mexico offer three distinct examples of how legislatures are addressing this issue.

---

Florida: Expanded Access Beyond the Illinois Model

In July 2025, Florida enacted a law authorizing pregnant women to obtain pregnancy disabled parking permits for use during pregnancy. Signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, the measure allows expectant mothers to access designated disability parking spaces by presenting medical documentation confirming their pregnancy. Permits are issued through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and remain valid for the length of the pregnancy.

Representative Fiona McFarland, who sponsored the bill, modeled the legislation after Illinois’ third-trimester-only policy but expanded it to include women at all stages of pregnancy for up to a year. McFarland, a mother of three, noted that the change was intended to address the challenges of navigating large parking lots, especially in Florida’s heat, while pregnant, sometimes with other children or with heavy items. 

The law reflects a broader trend of states adopting short-term parking accommodations for expectant mothers, aiming to reduce mobility barriers without limiting eligibility to later stages of pregnancy. By expanding access beyond Illinois’s restrictions, Florida positioned itself as one of the more inclusive states offering this type of temporary parking accommodation.

---

Illinois: Third-Trimester Parking Decals

Illinois became one of the early adopters of pregnancy disabled parking permits when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 3027 into law in August 2021. Effective January 1, 2022, the law extended eligibility for temporary disability parking decals to women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Applicants must present documentation verifying their pregnancy stage, and the decal is valid for no more than 90 days, with the expiration date clearly displayed.

Under the program, the Secretary of State oversees administration while local authorities handle issuance and placement of decals. This addition to Illinois law treats third-trimester pregnancy as a temporary disability, giving expectant mothers short-term access to parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.

---

New Mexico: A Proposal for Pregnancy Disabled Parking Permits That Did Not Pass

In 2024, New Mexico lawmakers considered, but ultimately did not pass, Senate Bill 112, which would have authorized pregnancy disabled parking permits for women in their third trimester. The bill, introduced by Senator David Gallegos, proposed issuing temporary placards valid for up to 90 days upon receipt of medical documentation confirming pregnancy stage. These placards would have followed the same design and security features as existing temporary disability permits, including holograms and expiration dates.

Although the measure does not appear to have been reintroduced in 2025, it reflected a growing awareness among state lawmakers about the potential benefits of providing short-term parking accommodations for expectant mothers.

---