Blue Badge holders can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions – but there are strict rules to follow
People with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions that impact their mobility, or those living with hidden conditions such as dementia, autism or Parkinson’s, may qualify for a Blue Badge to help them park nearer to their desired destinations.
Blue Badge holders travelling as either a driver or passenger can park without charge in designated disabled parking spaces and may also receive exemptions from other parking limitations. Recent statistics show there are more than 3.2 million Blue Badge holders throughout Great Britain.
Nevertheless, revised guidance on MYGOV.SCOT cautions “you may be fined or prosecuted if you misuse a badge” whilst noting that “your local council may ask for your badge to be returned if you misuse it”.
Places where Blue Badge parking is not permitted
The guidance on MYGOV.SCOT clarifies: “Having a Blue Badge does not mean you can park anywhere.”
Parking is not allowed:
- In loading bays unless nearby signs specify time limits for badge holders
- Where there are one or two yellow markings on the kerb – unless nearby signs say badge holders are allowed to park at that time
- In parking places reserved for specific users such as residents or taxis
- On pedestrian crossings and zigzag lines
- At clearways (no stopping)
- At bus stops
- On urban clearways within their hours of operation
- On double or single red lines during their hours of operation
- At school ‘keep clear’ markings during the hours shown
- On a yellow no-stopping plate
- In bus, tram or cycle lanes
- Where there are double white lines in the centre of the road, even if one of the lines is broken
- At suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed
- Where there are temporary parking restrictions, like roadworks or no-waiting cones
Other common misuses of a Blue Badge
The guidance further outlines additional regulations that Blue Badge holders must adhere to.
You must not:
- Let other people use your Blue Badge if you’re not with them – even if they’re doing something for you like collecting shopping or medication
- Use your Blue Badge to sit in a parked vehicle and wait for another person
- Display a Blue Badge in a way that makes it unreadable from outside the vehicle
- Use a Blue Badge that has expired
- Use a Blue Badge if you are no longer eligible
- Tamper with a Blue Badge
- Make a copy of your Blue Badge
Where a Blue Badge can be used
Your Blue Badge allows you to park if you are:
- Driving and are getting out of the vehicle
- A passenger being picked up or dropped off
On-street parking with a Blue Badge
You are entitled to free parking in:
- Pay and display bays
- Disabled parking spaces
- Parking meter spaces
- On single or double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions and it is safe to do so
Car parks and Blue Badges
Car parks typically have designated areas for Blue Badge holders including:
- Where you can park
- How long you can park for
- If you need a ticket
- How much you need to pay
- If you need to use a parking clock
Displaying your Blue Badge
When parked, your Blue Badge must:
- Be completely visible from outside the vehicle
- Have the side of the card that says ‘Front – display this way up’ facing up
Only these people have the right to check your Blue Badge:
- Police officers
- Local council parking attendants and enforcement officers
Transport Scotland provides a comprehensive guide to using your Blue Badge when you first receive or renew this parking permit. The most recent updates and guidance can be found on MYGOV.SCOT and are available for online viewing. You can find full details on MYGOV.SCOT here.
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