A Blue Badge can only be used by the badge holder. It is a crime for the badge holder or anyone else to misuse the badge. Misuse could lead to a £1,000 fine and the badge being taken off you.
Where you can park
As the Blue Badge is issued to you and not to a vehicle, you can display it on any vehicle (including taxis and hired cars) in which you are travelling as a driver or a passenger.
You can use your badge to park:
- on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours as long as there are no loading restrictions
- in on-street disabled parking bays without charge and for as long as required (unless a time limit is shown)
- at on-street parking meters, pay and display, shared use bays without charge and for as long as required
Display your badge
You must display your badge, face up, on the dashboard so it can be clearly read.
You must also display the parking clock if there are time restrictions where you are parking.
Where you cannot park
Safe and responsible parking
Don’t park where it would obstruct or endanger pedestrians or other road users. You could be fined or have your vehicle removed.
You cannot park:
- where a loading restriction is in force
- at special bays – e.g. doctor, police, diplomat, resident
- on footways, unless there is an exemption indicated by signs and white lines
- on clearways (no stopping)
- on bus stop clearways during hours of operation
- on taxi ranks
- on a pedestrian crossing or its extended zig-zag markings
For a complete list, please refer to the Blue Badge scheme: rights and responsibilities in England
The scheme does not apply:
- on private roads
- in off-street car parks i.e. supermarkets, hospitals, or local authority car parks - please check the conditions of use of the car park and any concessions as there may be a charge
- in some town centres, where access is prohibited or limited to vehicles with special permits issued locally
- on road systems at some airports
If you are unsure, please check in advance.
Using your Blue Badge abroad
Using a Blue Badge in the European Union details the parts of the EU where you can use your badge, although the terms may vary between countries.
Please check the rules for the country you’re visiting before you travel.