Introduction
The Blue Badge scheme is the name given to the UK system of issuing disabled parking permits to disabled people who struggle with mobility or are unsafe when moving around for other reasons. Blue badges are valid for parking across the whole UK whether they were issued in Scotland or in England.
Who can apply for a blue badge?
Anyone who struggles with mobility because they are disabled can apply for a blue badge. You do not need to have a car or drive. The blue badge exists to allow a more parking options when a vehicle is carrying a disabled person or being driven by a disabled person. The badge is associated with the person and not with the car. This also means that the blue badge may not be used when the disabled person is not in the car.
Who will be given a blue badge automatically?
Some people are automatically eligible to receive a blue badge if they apply. Examples include people who
- Are registered severely sight impaired.
- Score 8 points or more in the Moving Around activity, or 12 points in the Planning and Following a Journey activity of the Adult Disability Payment.
- Get the higher rate of mobility of Child Disability Payment.
There is a longer list of those who are automatically eligible which includes people receiving some other disability benefits. You can check whether you are automatically eligible on the full list.
If your application is unsuccessful
If your council decides you are not eligible, they should tell you why. You can ask them to reconsider your case if you don’t think the information you provided was taken into account. You can re-apply if your mobility problems become more serious.
Parking concessions
When you park using the concessions your badge gives you, you must display the badge at the front of the car where it can be clearly read through the windscreen. If you do not display the badge correctly you may be fined.
The badge and its concessions are for the badge holder’s use only. It is a criminal offence to misuse the badge.
Blue badge holders can park on single or double yellow lines for as long as they need to, unless there is a ban on loading and unloading. Badge holders can also park at parking meters on the street and, at council pay and display machines and disabled parking bays for free as long as they want to.
You can still get a parking ticket if you park where there is a ban on loading and unloading during the prohibited times, or in other restricted areas such as a local permit holder bay and you don’t have a permit, Always check signs to see what the rules are when parking.
If you do receive a parking ticket you can appeal.
Regional parking variations
Scotland has a national scheme, but there are variations in the rules elsewhere. In Scotland, there is no time restriction on parking for Blue Badge holders, unless local restrictions apply. In England and Wales you will need a parking clock which must be displayed when you are parking on yellow lines or in a Blue Badge parking bay that has a time limit.
Badge holders living in Scotland should now be given a parking clock when they receive their Blue Badge. If not, contact your council. The Blue Badge scheme does not apply in four central London boroughs, who offer their own parking concessions.
Parking abroad
Acceptance of the Blue Badge varies, so check national and local rules before your travel.
There is information about using your badge in the European Union and European Economic Area here Using a Blue Badge in the European Union and European Economic Area – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Further information and resources
Blue Badge Initial Enquiry Support Service
Telephone (Scotland): 0344 100 1001
Transport Scotland / Blue Badge Improvement Service
Information last updated on 8 February 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Mobility, Travel and Transport:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?
If you are disabled you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption of vehicle tax. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a specific driver’s name and must only be used for your personal needs.
You can apply for exemption if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
You can find out more here Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
How can I get a disabled parking space outside my house?
If you need a disabled parking space outside your house, contact your council. They will assess your circumstances and may charge for this.
To qualify, you must
- have a current blue badge
- either be the driver of the vehicle or be assisted by a carer who is the driver if they live where the space is needed
- keep the vehicle at the address you give on the application form
- normally have difficulty getting a perking space on the public road.
A disabled parking space can be used by anyone with a blue badge, not just the person who applied for it.
For further information or help searching for your local council’s contact number then please contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
For more information on getting a blue badge, check out our Blue Badges Information Guide.
Mobility, Travel and Transport:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| Skye and Lochalsh Disabled Ramblers | Services provided: If you have mobility problems, are on Holiday to the Isle of Skye, or visiting the area for other reasons, and would like to use one of our scooters. We are able to offer the use of 2 trampers, Breeze 4, or Breeze 3. I am also avail… |
| Spinal Injuries Scotland | Aims: Delivering a Peer Support service designed to meet the needs of our members. Services provided: • Provide daily visits to the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit. Our Peer Support team have sustained a Spinal Cord Injury and focus on un… |
| Stairlift Experts | Established in 2010, Stairlift Experts have helped 1000’s of people buy a new or reconditioned stairlift to help them regain their independence within their home. Our service aims to provide the best value, which is why we have a whole-of-market offeri… |
| Taxicard (East Lothian Council) | Services provided: East Lothian Council’s Taxicard Scheme provides subsidised taxi travel for people with severe and permanent physical disability who don’t have regular access to private motorised transport. If you’d like to apply for a Taxicard, appl… |
| The Disaway Trust | Aims: To provide group holidays for people with physical disabilities between the age of 16 – 80 years, in the UK and abroad. Services provided: Holiday arrangements for people with physical disabilities Helpers / carers can be provided if the holidaym… |
| Thistle Help Limited | Description of service and products sold: Thistle Help are a team of mobility and small aid specialists dedicated to supplying mobility equipment that truly reflects the needs of those who require support for care and mobility. We offer a range of serv… |
| Thrifty Car and Van Rental | Vehicle hire |
| Tomcat SNI Ltd | Description of service and products sold: Tomcat was set up in 1998 to enable people with learning or sensory impairments to cycle. At that time, disability trikes were only really suitable for people with physical difficulties – shutting out a huge pr… |
| Transport Scotland | National transport agency for Scotland |
| Traveline Scotland | Provide information on public transport and travel across Scotland |