Blue Badge mistakes that could get a hefty £1k fine

Confirming that it is a “criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse the badge“, it adds that the council “can ask for the badge to be returned if it is being misused.”

Where can I use a Blue Badge?

According to Citizens Advice, you can only use your badge when:

1. You’re driving
2. You’re travelling in a car as a passenger
3. Someone is picking you up or dropping you off, and they need to park close to where you need to go

It warns: “If someone else is driving you, you must let them know the rules – otherwise the council can ask for your badge back.”

How do I display a Blue Badge?

Blue Badge holders are also being urged to ensure their permit is displayed correctly to avoid penalties. The badge must be positioned the right way up and be clearly visible through the windscreen when in use.

Failing to display it properly could lead to enforcement action. Drivers are also reminded to check the expiry date, and if a badge has run out, or is lost, stolen, or damaged, it should be reported to the local council as soon as possible so a replacement can be issued.

Touching on the question, GOV.UK confirm: “You must display the badge on the dashboard or facia panel, where it can be clearly read through the front windscreen. If there is no dashboard or facia panel in your vehicle, you must display the badge in a place where it can be clearly read from outside the vehicle.

“The front of the badge should face upwards, showing the hologram. The side showing the photograph should not be visible through the windscreen.

“You must also ensure that the details on the front of the badge remain legible. If they become unreadable through fading or wear and tear, you must return the badge to your local council so they can issue you with a new one. Displaying a badge that is illegible may result in a parking fine.”

It adds that blind people should make sure anyone using the badge or clock for them knows how to display it properly, or they could get a fine.

Display a parking clock

Blue Badge holders are also reminded that extra steps are required when parking in restricted areas. For example, if you park on yellow lines you must display a blue parking clock to show your time of arrival. The clock is usually issued alongside the Blue Badge, but can also be obtained from your local council if needed.

The clock should be set to show the quarter-hour period during which you arrived. Place it on the dashboard so it’s clearly visible through the windscreen, and if you don’t have a dashboard, put it somewhere it can be easily seen from outside.

Blue Badge fine

You can get a fine if you break the rules – even with a badge on display. If you misuse your badge on purpose, Citizens Advice notes that you could be fined up to £1000, if, for example, you:

It adds: “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.”