How to use a Blue Badge
Using your Blue Badge
Your blue badge will be posted out to you with a booklet that explains the general rules of use. The Blue Badge can only be used by the person who it is issued to. You can use the badge in any car that you are driving or a passenger in.
How to display your badge
Make sure your badge:
- is the right way up
- is clearly visible through the windscreen
- hasn’t expired
If you park somewhere with a time limit, always set the parking time clock on your blue badge to show the 15 minute period that you arrived. If you get a parking ticket even though you’ve displayed your badge properly, you can appeal it.
If your badge has been damaged or is lost or stolen, you should contact us on 020 7520 7205. Please note you will have to pay £10 for a replacement badge.
Where can I park with my Blue Badge?
- Single/double yellow lines - a maximum stay of 3 hours with no return within 1 hour providing the time clock is displayed showing time of arrival except where loading restrictions apply
- Pay and display bays - no time limit unless specified on pay and display machine/notice board
- Disabled bay - no time limit unless specified by time plate next to the bay
- Shared use bay - parking bays that are shared between pay and display and permit parking. No time limit unless specified on pay and display machine/notice board
- Resident permit bays – a maximum stay for 3 hours with no return providing the
time clock is displayed showing the time of arrival, except where loading restrictions apply
Where can’t I park with my Blue Badge?
- Loading restrictions on single/double yellow lines - this restriction is indicated by yellow kerb markings
- Doctors bay - this restriction is clearly marked and signposted
- Business permit bays - this restriction is clearly marked and signposted
- Suspended parking bay - the bay suspensions would be clearly signposted to advise the time and date of suspension
- Bus stop/taxi ranks - this restriction will be clearly signposted and marked on the road
- School entrance “Keep clear” markings - this restriction is clearly marked on the road
- Zigzag markings - this restriction is clearly marked and typically found at pedestrian crossings
- Dropped kerbs - no vehicle can be parked adjacent to a dropped kerb as this would be used for either residential or pedestrian access to and from the road
- Loading bay - blue badge holders are not permitted to park in the loading bay
Returning a Blue Badge
If the Blue Badge is no longer needed, or if you find a lost badge please return it to:
Redbridge
PO Box 10786
Nottingham
NG6 6EG
Using your badge abroad
You can use your badge in all European Union countries, and countries in the European Economic Area. There’s a full list of EU and EEA countries on GOV.UK.
Concessions in EU countries may change over time. It is advisable to check what concessions are available before travelling as the rules might be slightly different depending on where you go. You should ask locally, for example at a tourist information office, and pay attention to road signs when you get there.
If you break the rules
Do not allow other people to use the badge to do something on your behalf, such as shopping or collecting something for you. It is a criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse the badge, and doing so could lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge. You can still get a parking fine when you’re using your badge.
For example, if you:
- give it to someone else to use if they’re not your driver
- keep using your badge when you no longer need it
- use your badge to park if you’re just waiting, and don’t plan to leave your car
If someone else is driving you, you must let them know the rules - if they don’t follow them the council can take your badge away.
You can appeal if your badge is taken away.
For full details about the rules and responsibilities of Blue Badge holders please read the rights and responsibilities leaflet on the GOV.UK website.
