Blue Badge holders could be hit with a £1,000 fine if they fail to display their badge correctly or are found to be misusing it. The warning applies to those who leave the badge on display when it is no longer needed or who present it in a way that obscures essential details.
Under Department for Transport guidance, misuse of a Blue Badge is a criminal offence. This includes displaying the badge so that the front details are not readable or creating a copy of it. Offenders risk a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge.
Local authorities have the power to investigate suspected misuse. If found guilty, the badge can be withdrawn and future applications may be refused.
To avoid problems, drivers should ensure the badge is displayed correctly. The 'back' side, which contains the holder's photograph, expiry date, badge number and full name, should not be visible through the windscreen. If the vehicle has no dashboard, the badge should be placed somewhere it can be clearly read. Damaged or unreadable badges should be returned to the local authority for a replacement.
Blue Badges cost up to £10 in England, £20 in Scotland, and are free in Wales. They are valid for three years.
