Butler County Probate Judge Steve Norman wants to remind drivers who have handicap license plates and placards that physician re-certification for such credentials is required in 2007.

Norman said the county probate office must have the new certification on file before a handicapped driver is allowed to purchase license plates.

According to the Alabama Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division, physician certifications are required to obtain handicapped parking credentials for the period of Jan. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2012.

Individuals may self-certify every other five-year period.

Norman said his office has already turned away approximately 12 disabled drivers because of no new certification and would like to make those with handicapped tags and placards aware of the situation.

&#8220Because this doesn't happen but every 10 years I think it confuses some people,” said Norman. &#8220If they need a new form they can just call our office and we'll be more than glad to mail them one.”

The Butler County Probate Office can be reached at 382-3512.

According to the ADOR, disability access license plates and placards may be issued to:

A. Persons with a disability which limits or impairs their ability to walk; or

B. Organizations that transport persons with a disability that limits or impairs their ability to walk (except that organizations shall not be eligible for placards).

As determined by a licensed physician, persons with disabilities which limit or impair their ability to walk means persons who:

n Cannot walk two hundred feet without stopping for rest.

n Cannot walk with the use of, or assistance from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assisting device.

n Are restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person's forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured is less than one liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm.hg on room air at rest.

n Use portable oxygen.

n Have a cardiac condition to the extent that the person's functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV, according to standards set by the American Heart Association.

n Are severely limited in their ability to walk due to arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

Complete information can be found on the application form from the probate office, form MVR 32-6-230. The form can also be downloaded at www.revenue.alabama.gov/motorvehicle/index.html.