ASBURY PARK -- Disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients will no longer have to pay to use parking meters in New Jersey.

Vets will be exempt from feeding the meter once they obtain a placard that will have to be renewed every three years, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission said Thursday.

MVC officials made the announcement Thursday at VFW Post 1333 in Asbury Park.

The placard may only be used in a vehicle that is owned by the disabled veteran or Purple Heart recipient, and only when that individual is a driver or passenger in that vehicle.

"These new placards will ensure that disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients receive the consideration they deserve for their honorable and faithful service to our State and nation," state Deputy Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Raymond Zawicki said in a statement.

Veterans can obtain instructions on how to acquire the placard by visiting the designated page on the MVC website or by calling 609-292-6500.

Motor Vehicle Commission chairman Raymond Martinez, left ,and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs deputy commissioner Raymond Zawicki, right, flank veterans on Thursday at the VFW Post 1333 in Asbury Park on Thursday.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.