Blue Badge holders in Scotland risk fines or prosecution if they misuse the permit, according to updated guidance on MYGOV.SCOT. The latest figures show there are over three million Blue Badge holders across Great Britain, including 235,700 in Scotland.
The guidance warns that "you may be fined or prosecuted if you misuse a badge" and that "your local council may ask for your badge to be returned if you misuse it".
Places you cannot park with a Blue Badge
The guidance 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 signs say badge holders are allowed at that time, in parking places reserved for specific users such as residents or taxis, on pedestrian crossings and zigzag lines, at clearways, 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, and where there are temporary parking restrictions like roadworks or no-waiting cones.
Other common misuses of a Blue Badge
The guidance also lists actions badge holders must not take. These include letting other people use the badge when the holder is not with them, even if that person is collecting shopping or medication; using the badge to sit in a parked vehicle and wait for another person; displaying the badge so it is unreadable from outside the vehicle; using an expired badge; using a badge when no longer eligible; tampering with a badge; and making a copy of a badge.
Where you can use a Blue Badge and how to display it
Holders can use the badge when driving and getting out of the vehicle, or as a passenger being picked up or dropped off. They 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 set their own rules on where to park, how long to park, whether a ticket is needed, how much to pay, and whether a parking clock must be used.
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 the Blue Badge when the permit is received or renewed. The guidance on MYGOV.SCOT has the latest updates and can be viewed online.
