Blue Badge holders cannot park in 11 places at any time of day or night, including loading bays, red lines, and pedestrian crossings, risking fines or penalties.
Where Blue Badge holders can park
People with a disability, physical or mental health condition which affects their walking ability, or those with dementia, autism or Parkinson's, may be eligible for a Blue Badge. A Blue Badge holder travelling either as a driver or passenger can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions.
The Blue Badge enables a vehicle to park in many places where other motorists cannot, such as on-street parking meter spaces, on-street pay-and-display spaces, disabled person's parking spaces and over single or double yellow lines. Transport Scotland recommends Blue Badge holders park in bays instead of over yellow lines where possible.
11 places where parking is never allowed
Even with a Blue Badge, you cannot park in the following places: in loading/unloading bays unless signs specify time limits for badge holders; on double or single red lines during their hours of operation; where there are one or two yellow markings on the kerb; where there are double white lines in the centre of the road, even if one of the lines is broken; parking places reserved for specific users such as residents or taxis; pedestrian crossings and zigzag lines; clearways (no stopping) including urban and bus stop clearways, during their hours of operation; school 'keep clear' markings during the hours shown on yellow no-stopping plate; bus, tram or cycle lanes (badge holders are not entitled to drive in bus lanes); suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed; and where temporary parking restrictions are in force - such as roadworks or no-waiting cones.
Top tips and rules for using your Blue Badge
If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space. If you are a passenger, someone else can use your Blue Badge to drop you off or pick you up. If you are a passenger and the driver is remaining in the car, the badge must be removed from the vehicle and the driver should park in a non-disabled parking space. You should check for time restrictions on nearby signs or with the Local Authorities and use a parking clock. You can park on single or double yellow lines, unless there are loading restrictions in place. Never park where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users - parking here could result in a fine or having your vehicle removed.
You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge; if you don't, you are committing a crime. You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger. No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them. You must not let other people use your badge. You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down. You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out. If your badge gets damaged, you must apply for a new one. Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council. Check signs to make sure Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there.
