Blue Badge holders in Scotland receive an accompanying booklet from Transport Scotland when they receive their permit for the first time or a renewal. The ‘rights and responsibilities of a Blue Badge holder in Scotland’ guide contains essential tips on usage and parking to ensure people use the permit within the parameters of the scheme – and don’t end up with a £1,000 fine.
However, many of the 235,700 Blue Badge holders in Scotland may not have kept this booklet which includes 16 need-to-knows they may not be aware of, whether they are new to the scheme or been a permit holder for a number of years.
Tips include using the permit as a driver or passenger, parking restriction s, rules around staying in the car in a disabled parking space and whether other people can use the badge. There are separate rules for off-street car parks including hospitals and supermarkets – look out for the signage in those areas.
The Blue Badge enables a vehicle to park in many places where other motorists cannot, such as on-street parking meter spaces, on-street pay-and-display spaces, disabled person’s parking spaces and over single or double yellow lines.
Below are 10 essential tips for using a Blue Badge correctly and six parking rules to follow, as a driver or passenger.
Top 10 tips for using your Blue Badge
- You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don’t you are committing a crime.
- You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger.
- No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them.
- If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space.
- You must not let other people use your badge.
- You must display your Blue Badge 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.
- Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council.
- Check signs to make sure that Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there.
Top 6 tips for parking with your Blue Badge
- If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space.
- If you are a passenger, someone else can use your Blue Badge to drop you off or pick you up.
- If you are a passenger and the driver is remaining in the car, the badge must be removed from the vehicle and the driver should park in a non-disbaled parking space.
- You should check for time restrictions on nearby signs or with the Local Authorities and use a parking clock.
- You can park on single or double yellow lines, unless there are loading restrictions in place.
- Never park where it would endanger, inconvenience or obstruct pedestrians or other road users.
Full details about using a Blue Badge correctly can be found on the Transport Scotland website here.
Who might be eligible for a Blue Badge?
If you have a physical disability or health condition that affects your ability to walk safely, or have a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson’s, you may be able to get a Blue Badge to help you park closer to the places you want to go. A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland and is valid for three years.
Below is a brief overview of the Blue Badge application process. Full details can be found on MYGOV.SCOT here.
Blue Badge automatic qualification
You will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge in Scotland if you:
- are under 16 and have a letter confirming your eligibility from your visual impairment care team
- are 16 or over and registered or certified as severely sight impaired
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
- get PIP and scored 8 points or more in the ‘moving around’ area of your assessment
- get PIP and scored 12 points in the ‘planning and following a journey’ area of your assessment
- get PIP and used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA on an indefinite or lifetime basis
- get PIP, used to get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA, and your PIP decision is being appealed
- get ADP and have been awarded either 8 points or more in the moving around activity or 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity or enhanced rate mobility without reference to points
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- get War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- got a lump sum payment from tariffs 1 to 8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and have been certified as having a permanent and substantial disability
Other people who may qualify for a Blue Badge
If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances, if you:
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have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all
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have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you’re virtually unable to walk
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regularly drive and cannot use parking meters because of a severe disability in both arms
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are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment
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are responsible for a child under 3-years-old who uses bulky medical equipment that cannot be carried around
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have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys
What do I need to apply?
Applications are made online to your local council and you’ll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders – you can take this picture yourself.
You will also need a photo or scan of your:
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proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
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proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter – you can also choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead
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proof of benefits – if you get any
You will also need to know:
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your National Insurance number
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the details of your current Blue Badge – if you’re reapplying
Once you apply, your local council will process your application and give you a decision.