Blue Badge users in the UK have been issued an urgent three-month warning. You could face a fine of up to £1,000 if you do not apply for a new disabled parking permit 12 weeks before it expires. The most recent figures from the Department for Transport and Transport Scotland reveal there are currently more than 3.2 million Blue Badge holders throughout England and Scotland.
As reported by the Daily Record, the eligibility requirements for a Blue Badge were broadened in 2019 to cover people with hidden disabilities including Parkinson’s, dementia and epilepsy, helping more people park nearer to their destinations when travelling as either a driver or passenger. Most holders will know their Blue Badge expires three years after it was issued, but many might not realise that renewal isn’t automatic and applications must be submitted 12 weeks, or three months, before expiry to guarantee the new permit arrives before the existing one becomes invalid.
Blue Badge users risk a substantial £1,000 penalty if they keep displaying an expired badge. This is because showing an out-of-date Blue Badge counts as “misuse”.
Transport Scotland guidance warns: “Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge.”
If your Blue Badge is set to expire before the year ends, you should submit a renewal application by the end of this month to ensure it arrives before the expiry date. The new badge won’t be valid until the old one has expired (it has a start date), so you can store it safely knowing it will be a seamless transition.
Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also assessed every time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on GOV.UK explains: “You must reapply for a Blue Badge before your current one expires.”
It continues: “How you pay depends on your local council. They’ll usually make a decision within 12 weeks.”
A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and Northern Ireland, £20 in Scotland, and is free in Wales. You can reapply for your Blue Badge on the GOV.UK site here.
How to renew a Blue Badge online
You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You’ll also need a photo or scan of your:
- Proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport, or driving licence)
- Proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
- Proof of benefits (if you get any)
You will also need to know:
- Your National Insurance number (if you have one)
- The details of your current Blue Badge
Top things to remember when using your Blue Badge
You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don’t you are committing a crime:
- Your Blue Badge should only be used when you are the driver or a passenger
- No one else is permitted to use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them
- If you are not exiting the vehicle, you should not utilise your Blue Badge to secure a parking space
- You must not allow others to use your badge
- Your Blue Badge must be displayed correctly, with the number clearly visible and your photo facing downwards
- You must apply for a new badge before your current one expires
- If your badge becomes damaged, you will need to apply for a replacement
- Keep your badge secure – if it goes missing or is stolen, you must report this to the police and your Local Council
- Always check signage to ensure that parking is permitted for Blue Badge holders
