Many countries around the world have reciprocal parking arrangements, to enable disabled people to travel easily between countries, without completing extensive paperwork for their parking card or permit to be recognised.

In 1978, the ECMT Council of Ministers agreed that all ECMT Member Countries would provide the same parking concessions to disabled individuals from other member countries as they did to their own citizens. These concessions typically included access to parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities, extended parking durations, or exemptions from parking fees.

This Resolution was revised and expanded in 1997. It now covers not only all ECMT Member Countries but also ECMT Associated Countries—Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and the United States. As a result, disabled drivers from both ECMT Member and Associated Countries are entitled to the same parking privileges as residents in any ECMT country, provided they display a badge featuring the international wheelchair symbol.

In 1998, the European Union adopted a similar Resolution for EU Member States. To aid recognition and reduce confusion at the local level, these badges were standardized as the EU Blue Parking Badge.

To support the implementation of these agreements, information is provided on the ITF website to help visitors understand the specific parking regulations in each country. Currently, different badge designs are in use, and where available, images of these badges are included here.

You can download the EU Reciprocal Parking Card here.

For the first time, the FIA has launched a new programme providing mentorship opportunities to disabled people in the world of motorsport.

Designed to build a sense of community and global connection, increase awareness for disabled people in motorsport, and facilitate personal and professional growth, less experienced individuals – mentees – will be paired with more experienced peers – mentors – connecting individuals and enhancing confidence through these relationships.

With 50 seats available on the programme, the programme launched during FIA Safety Week and will commence in March 2025.

Mentors and mentees will be matched based on their career interests, skills, knowledge, experience, disability, and wider skill set. Providing resources and clear guidelines, the FIA will help mentors and mentees to build successful relationships that accelerate all-round development.

Hosted online, participants will connect through a digital platform, powered by OneUpOneDown mentorship technology, allowing for flexible and accessible interaction regardless of location, with the online nature ensuring ease of scheduling and resource sharing.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said: “The FIA is committed to increasing accessibility and diversity across motorsport, and through programmes like this we are able to assist and grow our communities.

“This new programme will help to create a network of support and learning for disabled individuals, opening up new opportunities in line with our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, working together to break down barriers that obstruct full and effective participation in motorsport.”

Nathalie McGloin, FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission President, said: “The DAA was created to ensure accessible racing and motoring, to promote knowledge sharing and best practices, and to champion inclusivity and representation.

“I’m proud to be part of the launch of this next step in the FIA’s commitment to accessibility and diversity and look forward to seeing these mentorship partnerships flourish.”

At the FIA, diversity is encouraged across the board, with the federation committed to building better and more accessible pathways into motorsport and mobility alike. Established in 2018, the FIA Disability & Accessibility Commission has helped change the sport’s culture to better facilitate and value the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects.

To mark World Disability Day on 3 December, the Automobile Club of Italy (ACI) launched the campaign #NonèTuttoNormale, releasing a powerful video to highlight mobility challenges faced by people with disabilities.

The video showcases everyday obstacles created by improper actions, such as illegally parked cars in reserved spaces or blocked paths for the visually impaired. It also highlights institutional shortcomings like the lack of accessible platforms on public transport or traffic lights without sound systems for the blind.

Through this campaign and its hashtag, ACI calls on everyone to respect the right to mobility for people with disabilities and to act responsibly to remove barriers.

During the FIA General Assemblies meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem named the three winners of the 2024 FIA President’s Awards.

The Automóvil Club del Ecuador (ANETA) was awarded for its contribution to Road Safety, Saudia Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF)  for its commitment to Climate Action, and the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI)  for its efforts in promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Automobile Club d’Italia’s EDI project “Motorsport for People: INCLUSION-E” is a state-of-the-art simulator, incorporating ergonomic and cutting-edge technologies to reduce barriers to motorsport for disabled people. The simulator has been promoted at inclusive events across Italy and alongside national associations for people with disabilities.

ACI President Angelo Sticchi Damiani said: “We are proud to be recognised in this year’s President’s Awards. Our INCLUSION-E project focuses on breaking down barriers standing in the way of motorsport driver participation in society. By ensuring the Simracing discipline’s outreach in an inclusive way for people with disabilities and scaling zero-barriers technologies for motorsport practice, access to new opportunities and careers will improve.

“This award will support our Federation’s commitment to make motorsport more accessible by actively encouraging and fostering the shaping of new sustainable, diverse, and inclusive pathways.”

The winning Clubs were recognised at the meeting of the FIA General Assemblies.

• First launched in 2021, the website acts as a comprehensive global resource for drivers and
  travellers with disabilities.
• The relaunched version will also include updated information from ITF member countries,
  guide on vehicle adaptations, and advice on getting into motorsport.
  

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the International Transport Forum (ITF) are proud to announce the relaunch of the Disabled Motoring website, a comprehensive global resource for drivers and travellers with disabilities.

Originally launched in 2021, the website has been updated with expanded information, including new data from ITF member countries, guidance on vehicle adaptations for drivers with disabilities, and advice on getting involved in motorsport.

The website continues to empower motorists with disabilities by offering essential travel information on accessibility, parking, and driving regulations across international borders. With its new features, the site also seeks to inspire and support those interested in motorsport, making it a valuable tool for independence and inclusion.

FIA Sustainability and Diversity and Inclusion Director Sara Mariani highlighted the significance of the updated platform: “The relaunch of the Disabled Motoring website reflects the FIA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing mobility for all. By incorporating up-to-date information and new resources, we are taking a meaningful step forward in ensuring that drivers with disabilities have access to the tools they need for safe, confident, and independent journeys. We are particularly proud of the new content on vehicle adaptations and motorsport, which opens doors to new opportunities for drivers with disabilities across all geographical areas.”

Secretary-General of the ITF Young Tae Kim praised the collaboration’s impact: “Accessibility is a cornerstone of effective transport systems. This relaunch reaffirms our shared mission to empower people with disabilities by eliminating barriers to mobility. The inclusion of updated international data and practical resources equips motorists with disabilities to navigate the world with greater ease and confidence.”

FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission President Nathalie McGloin celebrated the new features aimed to inspire disabled users to pursue motorsport. She said: “Motorsport has the power to change lives, and I’m thrilled that the updated website now provides guidance for people with disabilities wanting to get involved in this exciting sport. Coupled with information on vehicle adaptations, this resource ensures nothing is out of reach. I look forward to seeing more drivers with disabilities on the track, proving that anything is possible.”

The FIA carries out significant work within the Disability and Accessibility space. With the support of its Disability and Accessibility Commission, the Federation has helped to break down barriers that obstruct full and effective participation of disabled drivers, road users in society and mobility systems. Made up of representatives from Mobility and Sport Member Clubs, the DAA is committed to improving safety for disabled drivers, in coordination with the FIA specialised Commissions, implementing any actions contributing to improving the comprehensiveness and quality of adaptations for drivers with disabilities. The DAA also promotes knowledge sharing and best practices between Clubs and other relevant organisations involved in the field of inclusive transport.

The ITF act as a platform for discussion and pre-negotiation of policy issues across all transport modes. The ITF are responsible for analysing trends, sharing knowledge and promoting exchange among transport decision-makers and civil society. The ITF’s Annual Summit is the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers and the leading global platform for dialogue on transport policy.

The FIA and ITF will be hosting a webinar on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Tuesday 3 December) at 14:30 CET to launch the website and share more information about the FIA’s and ITF’s commitment to mobility for persons with disabilities. You can join the session here [Meeting ID: 843 8165 1145]

Visit the website at disabledmotoring.fia.com to explore the updated features and resources.

About the FIA:
The FIA is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation of the world’s leading motoring organisations. Founded in 1904, with headquarters in Paris, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is a non-profit making association. It brings together 243 international Mobility and Sporting organisations from 147 countries on five continents. Its Member Clubs represent millions of road users and their families.

About the ITF:
The International Transport Forum (ITF) is an intergovernmental organisation with 64 member countries that serves as a think tank for transport policy, fostering inclusive and sustainable mobility worldwide.

For further information, please contact: press@fia.com

Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) – in collaboration with Motorsport South
Africa – provide young disabled racing driver with vital safety upgrades

FIA has empowered disabled competior Jarrod Blackman with vehcile upgrades, in partnership
with his local ASN Motorsport South Africa.

Blackman had previously encountered significant safety concerns when competing in the KNZ
Regional Championship behind the wheel of a V8 Sandmaster. Motorsport South Africa
subsequently contacted FIA and enhanced safety equipment was sourced.

The equipment received includes a new custom-fit safety fuel cell by ATL Technologies, a
Lifeline complete in-car and engine bay fire extinguisher system. Custom-fit gloves, overalls and
shoes have also been provided by HRX.

FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission President, Nathalie McGloin said:

“One area in which we have made tremendous progress is disabled karting. We are fortunate to
have Fabio Visentin on the DAA Commission, who has a wealth of experience competing in
karting as a disabled driver, and his passion for this sport is infectious. He has competed in the
Handikart Championship, an all-disabled karting event hosted by FFSA, for many years and
wants to help grow the event.

“He has been instrumental in shaping new legislation and guidance for disabled karters, and
with his help, we have established the foundations for increasing disabled karting globally. New
legislation, new equipment and a new section to the Adaptation Guidelines specifically on
karting adaptations are the building blocks to more disabled people joining our sport.”

The Disabled Motoring website is a tool to help motorists worldwide. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and ITF Secretary-General Young Tae Kim laud a an excellent example of collaboration.

Navigating the world as a disabled driver is an experience of resilience, adaptability, and sometimes frustration. As someone with Cerebral Palsy, I know firsthand the empowerment that comes from being behind the wheel. Driving means freedom: the ability to go where I want, when I want, without having to rely on others. But it also means facing the challenges of an infrastructure that isn’t always designed with accessibility in mind. This is where our work at Access Earth comes into play, and where technology can truly make a difference for disabled drivers and passengers.

The reality is that so much of our current infrastructure has been designed with a default user in mind—a mid-twenties, right-handed male. This approach leaves many of us behind, especially as our needs change over time. The role of local authorities should be to ensure that we all live in a society that we don’t age out of—a society that adapts to our needs, no matter our ability or stage of life.

Matt McCann, CEO of Access Earth

At Access Earth, we are on a mission to make the world accessible for everyone through the means of technology, innovation and inclusion. Our team is dedicated to mapping accessibility, not just in buildings but across entire environments.

We partner with organisations like the European Space Agency and local councils to create innovative solutions, like our SPACES project, which uses sensors and bluetooth technology to make parking more accessible for disabled drivers.

These kinds of solutions aren’t just about convenience, they’re about dignity, independence, and equality.

Technology has the power to completely transform the experience of disabled motorists. Imagine arriving at a car park and knowing, through a simple app on your phone, where the accessible spaces are located, and whether they’re currently available. This kind of real-time information can reduce the stress of traveling and provide a much smoother experience. Ground sensors and smart parking cards are just the beginning. By leveraging technologies like AI, GPS, and user-driven data collection, we can help disabled drivers find suitable routes, save time, and access services that might otherwise be out of reach.

Local authorities and the private sector both have a role to play in improving the experience for disabled drivers. Investing in accessible infrastructure, whether installing sensors in car parks or ensuring electric vehicle charging points are accessible, makes a real difference. It’s also about ensuring that accessibility information is readily available—that disabled drivers know, before they even set out, that their destination is welcoming and well-equipped.

The private sector has the opportunity to lead by example. Retailers, service stations, and entertainment venues can use technology to ensure their spaces are accessible and to communicate that commitment to customers. Imagine a world where every step of the journey, from planning to parking to entering a building, is seamless for a disabled driver or passenger. It’s achievable, but it requires commitment and collaboration.

Ultimately, the road ahead for disabled drivers can be a lot smoother if we all play our part. By combining lived experiences with technological innovation, we can create a more inclusive world—one where every driver, regardless of ability, can feel the same sense of freedom and empowerment that driving has always given me.

Just like road vehicles, motor sport vehicles can be adapted for competition. Watch the FIA’s video to understand more about the adaptation process.