Council and democracy

Are there rules about using the badge?

Yes. A Department of Transport leaflet explains how to use the badge. We send a copy with each badge we issue.

The blue badge can only be displayed in a car in which the holder is a driver or passenger.

The blue badge must not be displayed in a car when the holder is not using the car either as the driver or as a passenger. It is against the law for able-bodied people to use the disabled person’s parking badge and for people to drive a vehicle displaying the badge unless it is properly issued and displayed. The fine in either case may be up to £1,000.

The badge can be withdrawn if you misuse it or allow other people to use it.

All badges must be renewed every three years. A new application must be made each time. You need to check when your badge needs renewal as reminders are not sent out.

There will be no charge for a replacement badge if it has been stolen and you have a police crime number.

For information about using the Badge in the UK and in Europe go to the external link on the right called 'Department for Transport Blue Badge Scheme'.

Abuse of a blue badge

On 29 September 2006 new measures to tackle abuse of the Blue Badge Scheme for disabled people came into force.

Police, traffic wardens, local authority parking attendants and civil enforcement officers are able to inspect blue badges as part of their other parking enforcement functions. It is an offence if a person refuses, without reasonable excuse, to produce a badge for inspection - punishable on conviction by a fine of up to £1,000.

And, from 15 October 2007, the design has changed to include an anti-fraud hologram, and also states whether the holder is male or female.