Don’t wait until the last minute. Applying when you’re already in pain is a recipe for frustration. Order the form now, even if you think you don’t need it. Better to have it and not need it than to hobble across a parking lot wishing you’d acted sooner.
Keep your placard in an envelope in your glove compartment. Tucking it into the sun visor can cause fading from the sun, making the expiration date unreadable. Also, check if your placard has a magnetic back—some older models don’t, so a zip tie works wonders.
If you’re traveling out of state, your New Jersey placard is valid everywhere in the U.S. It’s like a universal key to the front row. Just remember: respect the locals. In Florida, they have their own vibes; in New York, they’ll honk if you hesitate.
