Can I use my Blue Badge in someone else's car?

The badge is for you only. It can only be used if you are the driver or the passenger. It cannot be used by other people, even if they are doing something for you.

Can my mum use her Blue Badge in my car?

No, the blue badge is tied to the person, not the vehicle. This is explained when the badge is issued. Pretty much any blue badge issued will come with a condition that the person it is issued to must be driving or a passenger in the vehicle (there's some different wording for organisations who hold blue badges).

Is a Blue Badge linked to a car?

The Blue Badge is linked to you rather than a vehicle, so you can use it with any car.

Can you use someone else's Blue Badge?

The blue badge cannot be used by someone else. If the Blue Badge is being used without the holder, the badge may be taken away and the user prosecuted.

Do traffic wardens check blue badges?

Police officers, traffic wardens, parking attendants and civil enforcement officers have the power to inspect the badge. These people should produce an identity card with their photograph on it to prove they are who they say they are.

Our Blue Badge fraud investigators crack down on misuse

What happens if you misuse a disabled badge?

Blue Badge misuse is a criminal offence that could lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge. A court prosecution can affect employment, job prospects, travel visa applications, insurance, etc. Legal action may also be taken in circumstances where false information has been provided to acquire a Blue Badge.

Do I need to tell DVLA about blue badges?

If you are a driver and your disability is likely to affect your ability to drive (even if your car is adapted), the law says you must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Can I use my Blue Badge on private land?

Normal Blue Badge concessions do not apply in these cases. Always check with the local authority. For further advice go to Where can I park? There are no statutory concessions for Blue Badge holders on private land, or in local authority car parks, but most car park operators will provide spaces for them.

Can someone who doesn't drive have a Blue Badge?

If you get certain benefits you'll automatically be able to get a Blue Badge. The application will be straightforward. You don't need to be able to drive to apply for a Blue Badge, unless you're applying because of problems with your arms.

Do I need to tell my car insurance I have a Blue Badge?

You don't need to inform the DVLA if you have a blue badge. However, you must tell them if you have a disability or medical condition that could affect your driving, or if your condition has worsened since you got your driving licence. Does PIP help with car insurance?

Do Blue Badge holders have to pay road tax?

Many Blue Badge holders are also eligible for exemption from paying road tax. People who don't have a Blue Badge might also be able to get a road tax exemption. You'll automatically get a refund for any full remaining months of road tax when you apply for exemption.

Can a Blue Badge park in a taxi rank?

A Blue Badge means you can park anywhere – MYTH

You can't park in taxi ranks or bus stops, or parking spaces reserved for permit holders or residents. It's important to apply common sense too, and make sure you don't park anywhere which could be a danger to others.

Do Blue Badge holders pay the blackwall tunnel charge?

Blue Badge holders can apply for an 100% discount from the tunnels charge. If you have an active Blue Badge discount with TfL you will get the 100% discount automatically, you don't need to do anything as long the vehicle you drive through the tunnels with is on your discount.

Do Blue Badge holders pay ULEZ?

Blue badge holders will need to pay the ULEZ charge unless their non-compliant vehicle qualifies for one of the following 3 grace periods. We've provided a brief summary of these grace periods here, but you should visit our discounts and exemptions page for full details, eligibility criteria and the online application.

Can I use my wife's Blue Badge to do her shopping?

The badge is for you only. It can only be used if you are the driver or the passenger. It cannot be used by other people, even if they are doing something for you.

Does arthritis qualify for a Blue Badge?

Having a Blue Badge lets you park closer to where you need to go. You may be eligible for a Blue Badge if you have arthritis – and if you claim benefits like Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence payment, or have difficulty getting around, then this will support your Blue Badge application.

What is the penalty for misuse of a Blue Badge?

Misuse of your Blue Badge is a criminal offence and can lead to a fine and the badge being taken away. It is your responsibility to use your Blue Badge according to the guidelines. If you misuse your Blue Badge, you risk a £1,000 fine, and the badge will be taken away from you.

Where can I park with a Blue Badge for free?

'On-street' disabled parking bays - signs have a blue wheelchair symbol. You may park for free. Unless signs say otherwise, you may park without time limit. You must display the Blue Badge (and the blue parking clock if the bay is time limited).

Can I use my Blue Badge abroad?

blue badge parking abroad

The Blue Badge is recognised across Europe, so you benefit from the same parking rights as anyone else with a disability in whichever country you're in. Rights do vary, so you'll want to check where, when and for how long you can park with your Blue Badge.

Do DVLA check medical records?

In more complex cases, DVLA may need to obtain further information from healthcare professionals involved with the individual's care and treatment. DVLA will write directly to the doctor and request further medical information in the form of a questionnaire, which is designed to be completed from medical records.

What happens if my Blue Badge is confiscated?

Ask about a confiscated Blue Badge

If we confiscate your Blue Badge, we will keep it for a few days to verify the details. If the badge is valid, we will return it to the relevant issuing authority.

Are blue badges valid all over the UK?

You can use the badge throughout the UK, the European Union and some other European countries. You can use the badge when you are driving or are a passenger in a car. Other people, such as your friends or relatives, can't use the badge unless you are travelling with them.

What happens if someone steals your Blue Badge?

If your badge has been stolen, you must report it to the police. They will give you a crime reference number. It costs £10 to replace a blue badge. If you have a crime reference number, you do not need to pay this.

Does a Blue Badge qualify you as disabled?

You might qualify if you have a severe long term disability or condition that means you're a constant safety risk to yourself or others near vehicles, in traffic or car parks. You can apply for a Blue Badge if you have a severe disability in both arms and drive regularly, but can't work parking machines.