Everything you need to know about your Blue Badge

Generic image of a blue badge sign
-Credit: (Image: STOKE SENTINEL)


As of March last year, 2.57 million people in the UK had a valid blue badge. This parking permit allows individuals with disabilities or health conditions to park closer to their destination.

If you're registered blind, have a mobility disability, receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and have obtained 8 points or more under the 'moving around' activity, you can apply for a blue badge.

You can apply for a blue badge for yourself, on behalf of someone else, or as an organisation that transports people who need a blue badge. In England, Scotland, and Wales, applications can be made on GOV.UK. The Welsh Government has issued a warning to those considering obtaining a blue badge in Wales, stating that misuse of the badge is a criminal offence, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

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The badge is intended for on-street parking only. Off-street car parks, such as those at hospitals, supermarkets, or local authority car parks, are governed by separate rules. Here's everything you need to know about the blue badge, how to get one, how to use it and what to do if it needs to be changed. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.

1. The badge is for your use only

The Blue Badge should only be displayed if you are travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or if someone is collecting you or dropping you off and needs to park at the place where you are being collected or dropped. It's important not to allow others to use the badge, even for errands on your behalf, unless you are travelling with them.

The badge should never be given to friends or family to enable them to park for free, even if they are visiting you. Non-disabled individuals should not exploit the benefits of your badge while you remain in the car.

2. Get in contact with your local authority if circumstances change

If circumstances change, it's crucial to get in touch with your local authority. The Blue Badge scheme is managed and enforced by your local authority, and they should always be your first point of contact for further information.

You should also tell your local authority if your circumstances change, such as:

  • if the badge has expired

  • the badge is lost, stolen or damaged

  • your address has changed

  • your surname has changed

  • your photograph needs updating if no longer recognisable

3. You can only park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours

You can only park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours. Blue Badge holders are permitted to park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, provided it is safe and does not cause an obstruction. However, this does not apply where there are loading or unloading restrictions, indicated by yellow kerb dashes and/or signs on plates. You should always check whether a particular local authority has chosen to exempt Blue Badge holders from this restriction. Parking on yellow lines in off-street car parks is not allowed.

4. All the places you need to check before parking

Woman's hands holding a Blue Badge parking disc issued in the UK to disabled drivers.
There are certain rules you have to follow -Credit:Universal Images Group via Getty Images

There are several restrictions and local parking schemes that you need to be aware of.

This includes a list of places and the parking restrictions in force, but if you are unsure, it's recommended to ask the relevant authority before travelling.

  • Off street car parks (such as supermarket, hospital or local authority car parks): Off-street car park operators should provide parking spaces for disabled people. However, it is up to the car park owner to decide whether badge holders can park free of charge. Do not assume you can always park for free.

  • Town centres where local schemes are in operation: You will need to check local signs for information.

  • On street parking areas where all motorists can park for free but only for a limited time: Badge holders may park for as long as they wish unless signs say otherwise. Please check with signs before parking. If there is a time limit please display the blue parking clock which should be set to show the quarter hour period during which you arrived.

  • Road systems at airports: contact the airport in advance to check the parking arrangements

  • Private roads: do not park unless you have permission from the owner(s).

5. The Blue Badge does not apply on private roads and in off-street car parks

The Blue Badge scheme is not applicable on private roads or in off-street car parks. However, some operators may offer spaces for individuals with impairments. You should check the signs for what concessions are available, and whether badge holders have to pay. The Blue Badge is not a licence to park anywhere. Like other road users, you must obey the rules of the road, as laid out in the Highway Code.

6. All the places you cannot park

Here is a list of places where you must not park:

  • Places where a ban on loading or unloading is in force, normally indicated by yellow marks on the kerb. Roadside signs display times of operation for loading bays.

  • Parking places reserved for specific users such as resident's bays, permit holders or loading bays. (Always check whether a particular local authority has chosen to exempt Blue Badge holders from these restrictions).

  • Pedestrian Zones unless Blue Badge holders are exempt (check signs).

  • Pedestrian crossings (zebra, pelican, toucan and puffin crossings), including areas marked by zig-zag lines.

  • Clearways (no stopping): A bus stop clearway during its hours of operation.

  • An urban clearway within its hours of operation. You may pick up or drop off passengers. All parking is forbidden.

  • School 'keep clear' markings during the hours shown on a yellow no-stopping plate.

  • Other ‘keep clear’ markings where you must not park at any time e.g. where emergency vehicles require access, vehicles such as doctors, taxis and other emergency vehicles.

  • Bus, tram or cycle lanes or cycle tracks. Badge holders are not entitled to drive in bus lanes during their hours of operation.

  • Where there are double white lines in the centre of the road (even if one of the lines is broken).

  • Suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed.

  • Where temporary parking restrictions are in force, as shown for example by no-waiting cones.

  • Across dropped kerbs whether or not they are indicated by 'H' bar markings.