Rights, Responsibilities and Regulations

Information about the Blue Badge scheme.

People who can use a Blue Badge:

  • Blue Badge permits are for the use and benefit of the holder only.
  • The Permit must only be displayed if the holder is travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger.
  • You cannot allow other people to use the Permit to do something on your behalf, unless you accompany them.
  • Non-disabled people should not be allowed to take advantage of the benefits from the permit while you sit in the car.
  • Never give your permit to friends or family to allow them to park for free, even if they are visiting you.

Misusing a Blue Badge Permit

It is a criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse a permit and misusing a blue badge permit could lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. There could also be additional penalties related to any parking offence.

Never copy the permit, attempt to alter the details or continue to display the badge when you no longer need it.

Displaying a Blue Badge

You must display your blue badge permit on the dashboard where it can be clearly seen through a windscreen.

The front of the permit should face upwards showing the hologram and the back side that shows the photograph should not be visible through the windscreen.

If the detail on the front of the permit become illegible through fading or wear and tear, you must return the permit to the parking department of your local council so they can issue a new one. 

Disabled Parking

Badge holders may park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours in England and Wales, except where there is a ban on loading or unloading. (NOTE: these allowances are not applicable in Central London)

There is no time limit for parking on yellow lines in Scotland and Northern Ireland, unless local restrictions apply.

Where a time limit is in force, you must display both the Blue Badge and a parking clock, set to show your time of arrival. Use a Blue Badge Wallet to ensure these are both clearly visible.

Badge holders may park for free and for as long as they need to at on-street parking meters and pay-and-display machines. (NOTE: these allowances are not applicable in City of London)

Blue Badge holders can also park in council car parks either free and unlimited, or at reduced prices, or for longer periods. Check the information given by the pay and display machine at each carpark.

If  you  park in one of these circumstances, you  may still be asked to move your  vehicle by a police officer or traffic warden. If this happens, you must move the vehicle. 

If you're unsure about what parking restrictions apply in a certain area,  check before using your badge. You may be penalised for misusing your badge, even if you do so accidentally.

Parking Timer

In England and Wales, when you park on yellow lines or another place where there is a time restriction, you need to display the parking disc to show your time of arrival. You can buy parking timer clocks direct from us. These are made from plastic to prevent wear and tear of the cogs and comply with Department of Transport guidelines. 

If you need to use a parking disc/clock, you must display the disc on the vehicle’s dashboard or facia panel, so that the time can be seen clearly through the front windscreen. Using a Blue Badge Wallet helps ensure your timer and badge are both clearly visible.

You do not need to display a parking disc/clock when visiting Scotland, unless local restrictions apply, although this is currently under review.