Essential guide for Blue Badge users: where you can't park, risking fines even with a permit

The Blue Badge allows motorists to park in places where other drivers are banned from stopping - but there are 11 places where permit holders are not allowed to park at any time

00:20, 14 Mar 2025

Blue Badge holders will risk a fine if they park in these spots, even if they have a permit(Image: Getty Images)

If you have a disability or health condition that hampers your walking, or if you are living with an invisible illness, like dementia or Parkinson's, you could be eligible for a Blue Badge. These permits let you park closer to your destination, whether you are behind the wheel or passenger.

With a Blue Badge, you can nab a spot in disabled parking bays for free and might even dodge other parking restrictions.

The Blue Badge is your golden ticket to park in places off-limits to regular drivers, including metered spaces, pay-and-display spots, disabled parking bays, and even over single or double yellow lines.

[Woman's hands holding a Blue Badge parking disc issued in the UK to disabled drivers.]

Make sure your badge is displayed correctly(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

But beware, there are 11 no-go zones where badge holders can not park anytime, day or night, or they risk copping a fine or penalty.

Firstly, you need to ensure your blue badge is displayed correctly. It should be perched on the dashboard where it's clearly visible through the front windscreen. Make sure the badge is face up and the photo side is not visible through the windscreen. Handy indicators on either side of the badge will help you remember how to position it.

11 places where you cannot park at any time of day or night even with a Blue Badge

in loading/unloading bays, unless signs specify time limits for badge holders
on double or single red lines during their hours of operation
where there are one or two yellow markings on the kerb
where there are double white lines in the centre of the road, even if one of the lines is broken
parking places reserved for specific users such as residents or taxis
pedestrian crossings and zigzag lines
clearways (no stopping) including urban and bus stop clearways, during their hours of operation
school "keep clear" markings during the hours shown on yellow no-stopping plate
bus, tram or cycle lanes (badge holders are not entitled to drive in bus lanes)
suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed
where temporary parking restrictions are in force - such as roadworks or no-waiting cones

[Close Up Of Female Motorist Looking At Parking Ticket]

If you park in one of these spots, you risk a fine(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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And ten things to remember when using your Blue Badge

You are committing a crime if you don't follow the rules of your Blue Badge
You can only use the badge as a driver or passenger
No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them
You should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space if you are not getting out of the vehicle
You must not let other people use your badge
Your Blue Badge must be displayed 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
If your badge is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and your local authority
Always check signs to make sure that you are allowed to park there

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