Overview
Visitors to Scotland can use their international disability parking permits whilst
travelling with some exceptions and checks.
- There are no formal reciprocal agreements for travellers from EEA, US, Canada and others. Local authorities (councils) in Scotland will accept permits but travellers should check with the local authority where they are travelling for any local exceptions.
- To find the local authority where your accommodation or visitor attraction is located, enter their Postcode into the search engine on the linked page: Find A Local Authority
Local scheme
In Scotland the disabled parking permit scheme is known as the Blue Badge Scheme and registered to a person not a vehicle. So long as the person is travelling as either a driver or passenger the Blue Badge can be used. This means that if you are a visitor hiring a car you can still use your permit.
It is important that you display your permit clearly on the dashboard so that it is visible and readable from outside the car. The pass must also show an expiry date.
There may be some regional variations such as parking times or restrictions. You can contact the local authority you are travelling to for more information.
Where can you park?
The Blue badge scheme leaflet Rights+and+Responsibilities+of+a+Blue+Badge+holder.pdf (mygov.scot) has more information on rights and responsibilities utilising the scheme. The Blue Badge scheme in Scotland allows holders to park:
- on single or double yellow lines for as long as is required, unless there are restrictions onloading or unloading as indicated by yellow kerb dashes and/or signs on plates(individual local authorities can choose to exempt Blue Badge holders from this restriction)
- for free, and for as long as required, in on-street parking bays managed by parking meters and pay-and-display machines
- for free, and without a time limit (unless signs state otherwise) in ‘on-street’ disabled parking bays, which are indicated by signs with a blue wheelchair symbol. Drivers are encouraged to try to use these bays instead of parking on yellow lines.
If a badge holder parks where their vehicle would cause an obstruction or danger to other road users, they can be fined, receive a parking ticket, or have their vehicle removed eg. parking over pedestrian crossing or in bus stops.
- The Scheme does not apply on private roads.
- The Scheme does not apply in off-street car parks although some may allocate spaces. You should check the signs to see what concessions are available, and whether Blue Badge holders have to pay. Always display your Blue Badge when occupying one of these spaces. If you are unsure whether you can park, you should check with a traffic warden, police officer or the relevant parking attendant.
- The Scheme does not apply on the road systems at some airports (e.g. Edinburgh, Glasgow and Prestwick). You should therefore contact the airport concerned in advance to check the car parking arrangements.
Travelling outside Scotland but within the UK
If you are travelling outside Scotland but within the UK,
England, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules for Blue Badge parking. Details can be found using the following links.
Using your badge outside the UK
The Blue Badge is recognised in many other countries. Check the rules for the country you’re visiting. The link below is to a guide to international disabled parking. Be especially aware that rules in Europe may have changed since the UK’s exit from the European Union so do check details before you visit.
Information last updated on 13 March 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 |
---|---|
Aberdeen Airport Disabled Access Guide | Access guide detailing facilities for disabled people at Aberdeen Airport |
About purchasing zero-rated adapted vehicles | Guidance on what you need to know about purchasing adapted vehicles free of VAT if you are disabled |
Accessible Epic Enabled Safaris | We are a tour operator specialising in accessible safaris and tours for everyone and would be delighted to welcome you on one of our safaris in South Africa. We offer monthly scheduled departure dates, but also offer private tours on request. Here are… |
AccessiblEurope | Aims: Provide accessible tourist services to disabled travellers in Italy, Europe and Asia. Services provided: Website providing all kinds of tourist services for people with mobility difficulties. accessible hotels, farms, apartments, resorts, hotels,… |
Adapt-IT | Description of service: Adapt-IT are suppliers of assistive technology, including, specialist computer equipment, software, and services. Do you have difficulties using your computer because of a physical or neurological condition? We can help you find… |
Adaptmobility | Vehicle adaptions specialist |
Affordable Mobility | Affordable Mobility is dedicated to empowering individuals with limited mobility by providing high-quality and affordable solutions throughout the whole of the United Kingdom. Our mission is to make mobility aids accessible to everyone, regardless of t… |
Age Peterhead | Local disability information and advice service |
Alfred Bekker API Ltd | Description of service: Provides a service as manufacturers of disability equipment in the field of mobility. Aids manufactured and services provided include: Nationwide fitting of hand controls available through approved installer network. Wide range… |
ALISS | ALISS is a national digital programme enabling people and professionals to find and share information on resources, services, groups, and support in their local communities and online. ALISS can help you find information about resources like: services… |
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