Blue Badge holders can park free in disabled bays and may be exempt from other parking restrictions, but there are 11 places where they cannot park at any time of day or night, or they risk a fine or penalty.
The badge allows parking on on-street parking meter spaces, pay-and-display spaces, disabled person’s parking spaces and on single or double yellow lines, subject to conditions.
Where you can park with a Blue Badge
Transport Scotland recommends badge holders park in bays rather than on yellow lines where possible. The badge must be displayed on the dashboard, clearly readable through the front windscreen, with the front facing upwards and the photo side not visible.
Parking concessions in Scotland include free parking without time limit at on-street meter and pay-and-display spaces, free parking at on-street disabled bays, and free parking on single or double yellow lines unless loading restrictions apply and it is safe to do so.
11 places where you cannot park
- 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 line is broken
- Parking places reserved for specific users such as residents or taxis
- Pedestrian crossings and zigzag lines
- Clearways, including urban and bus stop clearways, during hours of operation
- School ‘keep clear’ markings during hours shown on the yellow no-stopping plate
- Bus, tram or cycle lanes (badge holders are not entitled to drive in bus lanes)
- Suspended meter bays or when meter use is not allowed
- Where temporary parking restrictions are in force, such as roadworks or no-waiting cones
Top tips for parking with your Blue Badge
If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use the badge to get a parking space. If you are a passenger, someone else can use your badge to drop you off or pick you up. If the driver remains in the car, the badge must be removed and the driver should park in a non-disabled space.
Check time restrictions on nearby signs or with local authorities and use a parking clock. You can park on single or double yellow lines unless loading restrictions apply. Never park where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users; doing so could result in a fine or vehicle removal.
10 things to remember when using your Blue Badge
Failing to follow the rules is a crime. The badge can only be used as a driver or passenger, and no one else should use it if you are not in the vehicle. You must not let others use your badge, and you must display it the right way up with the number visible and photo face down.
You must apply for a new badge before the old one runs out, and apply for a replacement if it gets damaged. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the local council. Always check signs to ensure Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there. More information is available at MyGov.Scot.
