The blue badge allows the holder, either as a driver or passenger, to park for free in and may be exempt from other parking restrictions however you may be fined or prosecuted if you misuse a badge
Blue badges are issued to people with a disability, physical or mental health condition that affects their walking ability, or have a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson’s that makes them eligible for the scheme.
The aim is to help people with reduced mobility park closer to the places they want to go. The blue badge allows the holder, travelling either as a driver or passenger, to park for free in and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions.
However, in Scotland updated guidance on the YGOV.SCOT warns “you may be fined or prosecuted if you misuse a badge” adding that “your local council may ask for your badge to be returned if you misuse it”.
The guidance states: “Having a Blue Badge does not mean you can park anywhere,” the Daily Record reports.
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You cannot park:
- 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
The guidance also highlights other rules Blue Badge holders must follow.
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 you can use a Blue Badge
You can use your Blue Badge to park if you are:
- Driving and are getting out of the vehicle
- A passenger being picked up or dropped off
- Street parking with a Blue Badge
You can park for free 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 with a Blue Badge
There are usually spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders in car parks.
Car parks set their own rules 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
- Showing your Blue Badge
When you are 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 issues a full guide to using your Blue Badge when you receive the parking permit for the first time or renew it. The guidance on MYGOV.SCOT has the latest updates and can be viewed online.