Blue Badge rules every holder should know to avoid a parking fine over Christmas and New Year

Linda Howard
·6-min read

Blue Badge holders in Scotland receive an accompanying booklet from Transport Scotland when they receive their permit for the first time or a renewal. The ‘rights and responsibilities of a Blue Badge holder in Scotland’ guide contains essential tips on usage and parking to ensure people use the permit within the parameters of the scheme - and don’t end up with a £1,000 fine.

However, many of the 235,700 Blue Badge holders in Scotland may not have kept this booklet which includes 16 need-to-knows they may not be aware of, whether they are new to the scheme or been a permit holder for a number of years. This could be invaluable over the festive period when roads are busier as people hit the high street or visit family and friends.

READ MORE: People with a Blue Badge cannot park in these 11 places at any time of day or night

READ MORE: Full list of 11 groups of people who automatically qualify for a Blue Badge

Tips include using the permit as a driver or passenger, parking restriction s, rules around staying in the car in a disabled parking space and whether other people can use the badge. There are separate rules for off-street car parks including hospitals and supermarkets - look out for the signage in those areas.

The Blue Badge enables a vehicle to park in many places where other motorists cannot, such as on-street parking meter spaces, on-street pay-and-display spaces, disabled person’s parking spaces and over single or double yellow lines.

Below are 10 essential tips for using a Blue Badge correctly and six parking rules to follow, as a driver or passenger.

Top 10 tips for using your Blue Badge

  • You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don't you are committing a crime.

  • You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger.

  • No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them.

  • If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space.

  • You must not let other people use your badge.

  • You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down.

  • You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out.

  • If your badge gets damaged you must apply for a new one.

  • Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council.

  • Check signs to make sure that Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there.

Top 6 tips for parking with your Blue Badge

  • If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space.

  • If you are a passenger, someone else can use your Blue Badge to drop you off or pick you up.

  • If you are a passenger and the driver is remaining in the car, the badge must be removed from the vehicle and the driver should park in a non-disbaled parking space.

  • You should check for time restrictions on nearby signs or with the Local Authorities and use a parking clock.

  • You can park on single or double yellow lines, unless there are loading restrictions in place.

  • Never park where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users.

Full details about using a Blue Badge correctly can be found on the Transport Scotland website here.

Who might be eligible for a Blue Badge?

If you have a physical disability or health condition that affects your ability to walk safely, or have a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson's, you may be able to get a Blue Badge to help you park closer to the places you want to go. A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland and is valid for three years.

Below is a brief overview of the Blue Badge application process. Full details can be found on MYGOV.SCOT here.

Blue Badge automatic qualification

You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland if you:

  • are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team

  • are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired

  • get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA

  • get PIP and scored 8 points or more in the 'moving around' area of your assessment

  • get PIP and scored 12 points in the 'planning and following a journey' area of your assessment

  • get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis

  • get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed

  • get ADP and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points

  • get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment

  • get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement

  • got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability

Other people who may qualify for a Blue Badge

If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances, if you:

  • have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all

  • have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you're virtually unable to walk

  • regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms

  • are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment

  • are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around

  • have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys

What do I need to apply?

Applications are made online to your local council and you’ll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders - you can take this picture yourself.

You will also need a photo or scan of your:

  • proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)

  • proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter - you can also choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead

  • proof of benefits - if you get any

You will also need to know:

  • your National Insurance number

  • the details of your current Blue Badge - if you’re reapplying

Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision.

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