(1) A disabled person may make application to the secretary of state and the secretary of state may issue special registration plates inscribed with the official international wheelchair symbol or a reasonable facsimile of that symbol and special identification numbers. Vehicles registered under section 801(1)(a) may be issued special registration plates under this section. A vehicle that is used to transport disabled persons may qualify for these distinguishing plates when the registered owner of the vehicle resides at the same address as the disabled person, submits as part of his or her application for the plates a statement to the effect that the vehicle is used for that purpose, and provides the secretary of state with a medical statement attesting to the fact that the person being transported is a disabled person. The fees for the special registration plates shall correspond with the registration fees provided in section 801(1)(a). Application for the special plates shall be on a form prescribed by the secretary of state. As part of a penalty imposed for violation of the special privileges conferred by this section, a magistrate or judge may order the special plates confiscated and returned to the secretary of state together with a certified copy of the sentence imposed. The use of special plates on a vehicle other than the vehicle for which the plates are issued or by a person who does not qualify under this section is a misdemeanor.

    (2) As used in this section, “disabled person” means a person who is determined by a physician, a physician assistant, a physical therapist, or an optometrist as specifically provided in this section licensed to practice in this state to have 1 or more of the following physical characteristics:

    (a) Blindness as determined by an optometrist, a physician, or a physician assistant.

    (b) Inability to walk more than 200 feet without having to stop and rest.

    (c) Inability to do both of the following:

    (i) Use 1 or both legs or feet.

    (ii) Walk without the use of a wheelchair, walker, crutch, brace, prosthetic, or other device, or without the assistance of another person.

    (d) A lung disease from which the person’s forced expiratory volume for 1 second, when measured by spirometry, is less than 1 liter, or from which the person’s arterial oxygen tension is less than 60 mm/hg of room air at rest.

    (e) A cardiovascular condition that causes the person to measure between 3 and 4 on the New York heart classification scale, or that renders the person incapable of meeting a minimum standard for cardiovascular health that is established by the American heart association and approved by the department of public health.

    (f) An arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition that severely limits the person’s ability to walk.

    (g) The persistent reliance upon an oxygen source other than ordinary air.