Blue Badge rules every permit holder needs to know to avoid a parking fine
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.
READ MORE: Full list of 11 groups of people who automatically qualify for a Blue Badge
READ MORE: New DWP payment update for people on PIP or Universal Credit going into hospital over festive season
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.