(1) The following organizations may apply for special parking privileges:
(a) Public transportation authorities;
(b) Nursing homes licensed under chapter
18.51 RCW;
(c) Assisted living facilities licensed under chapter
18.20 RCW;
(d) Senior citizen centers;
(e) Accessible van rental companies registered with the department;
(f) Private nonprofit corporations organized under chapter
24.03A RCW;
(g) Cabulance companies that regularly transport persons with disabilities who have been determined eligible for special parking privileges under this section and who are registered with the department under chapter
46.72 RCW; and
(h) Companies that dispatch taxicab vehicles under chapter
81.72 RCW or vehicles for hire under chapter
46.72 RCW, for such vehicles that are equipped with wheelchair accessible lifts or ramps for the transport of persons with disabilities and that are regularly dispatched and used in the transport of such persons. However, qualifying vehicles under this subsection (1)(h) may utilize special parking privileges only while in service. For the purposes of this subsection (1)(h), "in service" means while in the process of picking up, transporting, or discharging a passenger.
(2) An organization that qualifies for special parking privileges may receive, upon application, special license plates or parking placards, or both, for persons with disabilities as defined by the department.
(3) An organization that qualifies for special parking privileges under subsection (1) of this section and receives parking placards or special license plates under subsection (2) of this section is responsible for ensuring that the parking placards and special license plates are not used improperly and is responsible for all fines and penalties for improper use.
(4) The department shall adopt rules to determine organization eligibility.