Overview
The Blue Badge scheme is for drivers or passengers with severe mobility problems. The scheme provides a range of on-street parking concessions enabling Blue Badge holders to park closer to where they need to go. The scheme does not apply to off-street car parking, for example in privately operated car parks at supermarkets.
The scheme operates throughout the UK and is managed by councils who deal with applications and issue badges. You are expected to apply online here Apply for or renew a Blue Badge – mygov.scot but you should ask your council for help or call us on 0300 323 9961
The council can charge you up to £20 for a blue badge.
Eligibility
Automatic eligibility
You are automatically eligible for a blue badge if you are over two years old and meet one of the following criteria:
you are blind or registered blind
you receive the war pensioners’ mobility supplement
you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
you receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and received at least 8 points in the ‘moving around’ activity in the PIP assessment
you receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment and received at least 12 points in the ‘planning and following journeys’ in the PIP assessment and 8 points or more in the mobility assessment
If you get Adult Disability Payment, you must have either:
- 8 points or more in the moving around activity
- 12 points in the planning and following a journey activity
- enhanced rate mobility awarded under special rules for terminal illness
you have been awarded a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces Compensation scheme. You have also been certified as having a permanent or substantial disability which means you can’t walk or find walking difficult.
If you are applying under any of the disability benefit criteria you will automatically qualify for a Blue Badge, if you provide evidence of your current benefit award, proof of your identity and evidence of where you live.
Other Eligibility Criteria
If none of the automatic eligible criteria apply to you, you may still qualify if you are more than two years old and you meet one of the following:
- you have a permanent or substantial disability which means you can’t walk or are virtually unable to walk
- you are unable to walk or virtually unable to walk because of a temporary but substantial disability which is likely to last for a period of at least 12 months but less than 3 years
- you have severe upper limb disabilities
- you are applying on behalf of a child under three with a medical condition that requires them to be close to a vehicle for emergency medical treatment or transporting bulky medical equipment.
If you may qualify under these criteria, your council will look at the evidence you have and assess whether you qualify. You may have a mobility assessment, usually carried out by an occupational therapist or a physiotherapist.
Mental Health Conditions
People who pose a risk to themselves or others in traffic because of a mental condition may be eligible for a Blue Badge.
If you want to apply for a Blue Badge on behalf of someone with a mental health condition they must:
- have a diagnosed mental disorder (a legal term we have to use that means a mental illness, a personality disorder or a learning disability)
- lack awareness of danger from traffic, meaning something is likely to risk the applicant’s safety or the safety of other people during journeys
You will need to show that other strategies to control the risk do not work.
If you want to apply for a Blue Badge under the mental health criteria there is a different application process. Contact your local council about this.
Applying for or renewing a Blue Badge
Applying for a Blue Badge
You can apply for a Blue Badge here Apply for or renew a Blue Badge – mygov.scot. If you are not able to use the online form contact your local council or call us on 0300 323 9961 for advice.
You will need evidence of your identity which may include:
- National Insurance number
- Driving License number
- a passport photo
- details of your current badge, if you have one.
Your council will get in touch if they need any more information, if they decide that you need a mobility assessment and to let you know whether your application has been successful.
Renewing your Blue Badge
The badge lasts for between 12 months and three years. You should re-apply a few weeks before it runs out. You will be sent a letter, text or email to remind you to reapply. If you use the badge after it has expired you may be fined.
If your application is unsuccessful
If your council decides you are not eligible, they should tell you why. You can ask them to reconsider your case if you don’t think the information you provided was taken into account. You can re-apply if your mobility problems become more serious.
Parking concessions
When you park using the concessions your badge gives you, you must display the badge at the front of the car where it can be clearly read through the windscreen. If you do not display the badge correctly you may be fined.
The badge and its concessions are for the badge holder’s use only. It is a criminal offence to misuse the badge.
Blue badge holders can park on single or double yellow lines for as long as they need to, unless there is a ban on loading and unloading. Badge holders can also park at parking meters on the street and, at council pay and display machines and disabled parking bays for free as long as they want to.
You can still get a parking ticket if you park where there is a ban on loading and unloading during the prohibited times, or in other restricted areas such as a local permit holder bay and you don’t have a permit, Always check signs to see what the rules are when parking.
If you do receive a parking ticket you can appeal.
Regional parking variations
Scotland has a national scheme, but there are variations in the rules elsewhere. In Scotland, there is no time restriction on parking for Blue Badge holders, unless local restrictions apply. In England and Wales you will need a parking clock which must be displayed when you are parking on yellow lines or in a Blue Badge parking bay that has a time limit.
Badge holders living in Scotland should now be given a parking clock when they receive their Blue Badge. If not, contact your council. The Blue Badge scheme does not apply in four central London boroughs, who offer their own parking concessions.
Parking abroad
Acceptance of the Blue Badge varies, so check national and local rules before your travel.
There is information about using your badge in the European Union and European Economic Area here Using a Blue Badge in the European Union and European Economic Area – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Further information and resources
Blue Badge Initial Enquiry Support Service
Telephone (Scotland): 0344 100 1001
Transport Scotland / Blue Badge Improvement Service
Information last updated on 8 February 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Mobility, Travel and Transport:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?
If you are disabled you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption of vehicle tax. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a specific driver’s name and must only be used for your personal needs.
You can apply for exemption if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
You can find out more here Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
How can I get a disabled parking space outside my house?
If you need a disabled parking space outside your house, contact your council. They will assess your circumstances and may charge for this.
To qualify, you must
- have a current blue badge
- either be the driver of the vehicle or be assisted by a carer who is the driver if they live where the space is needed
- keep the vehicle at the address you give on the application form
- normally have difficulty getting a perking space on the public road.
A disabled parking space can be used by anyone with a blue badge, not just the person who applied for it.
For further information or help searching for your local council’s contact number then please contact our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
For more information on getting a blue badge, check out our Blue Badges Information Guide.
Mobility, Travel and Transport:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
Organisation | Description |
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Dan Medica South Ltd | Description of service: Pressure care specialists supply the community with innovative unique products such as the Treat-Eezi bed overlay, a deceptively simple yet highly effective pressure-preventative product that requires no electricity, pumps or ma… |
Dial a Ride (Fife) | Provide a bus service for people who have difficulty accessing mainstream public transport |
Dial-a-Bus Cowal | A door to door service for the elderly and people with mobility problems |
Disability Beyond Borders | Services provided: We are a Scottish charitable incorporated organisation, charity number: SC044849 At Disability Beyond Borders we advise Governments at National and Local levels, Disabled Peoples Organisations and Disabled People on Accessible Enviro… |
Disabled Kitchens | Description of service and products sold: Disabled kitchens and kitchen alterations Lower and raised worktops Extended lever tap – easy use Side opening oven doors Pull out fridges Pull out ovens. opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm. Additi… |
Disabled Motoring UK | Aims: To protect the interests and welfare of disabled drivers, to take a stand on legislation and to provide information and safety related advice to disabled drivers. Services provided: Information: Maintains a telephone / mail answering service Can… |
Disabled Motorists Federation | Federation of self governing disabled motor clubs |
Disabled Travel Advice | Website containing information on travelling aimed at the disabled traveller |
DVLA contact details | DVLA customer service details |
Edinburgh Airport Disabled Access Guide | A guide to Edinburgh Airport providing information about disabled access and special / medical needs at the airport |