Blue Badge holders risk fines or even losing their permit if they break little-known parking rules, including where the badge can and cannot be used. Guidance on MYGOV.SCOT warns “you may be fined or prosecuted if you misuse a badge” and adds “your local council may ask for your badge to be returned if you misuse it”.
Where you cannot park with a Blue Badge
The guidance on MYGOV.SCOT states: “Having a Blue Badge does not mean you can park anywhere.” Holders 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, and at clearways (no stopping).
They also cannot park 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 line is broken), at suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed, and where there are temporary parking restrictions like roadworks or no-waiting cones.
Other common misuses of a Blue Badge
The guidance also highlights other rules Blue Badge holders must follow. They must not let other people use their Blue Badge if they are not with them, even if those people are doing something for them like collecting shopping or medication. They must not use the badge to sit in a parked vehicle and wait for another person.
Holders must not display a Blue Badge in a way that makes it unreadable from outside the vehicle, use a badge that has expired, use a badge if they are no longer eligible, tamper with a badge, or make a copy of a badge.
Where you can use a Blue Badge
A Blue Badge can be used to park if the holder is driving and getting out of the vehicle, or is a passenger being picked up or dropped off. For street parking, holders can park for free in pay and display bays, disabled parking spaces, parking meter spaces, and on single or double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions and it is safe to do so.
Car parks usually have spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders, but car parks set their own rules, including where you can park, how long you can park for, whether you need a ticket, how much you need to pay, and whether you need to use a parking clock. When parked, the badge must be completely visible from outside the vehicle with the side that says 'Front – display this way up' facing up. Only police officers and local council parking attendants and enforcement officers have the right to check a Blue Badge.
Transport Scotland issues a full guide to using your Blue Badge when the permit is received for the first time or renewed. The guidance on MYGOV.SCOT has the latest updates and can be viewed online.
