02/04/2026
Blue Badge holders have been reminded of three rules they must follow, or face having their badge removed.
According to GOV.UK, "the badge and its concessions are for your use only." In fact, it's a "criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse the badge."
If you break the rules, you could face a hefty £1,000 fine and may even be forced to return it. The Government adds: "The badge remains the property of the issuing local council. They can ask for the badge to be returned if it is being misused."
When can I use my 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?
As well as making sure you are using it right, you also need to make sure it's displayed correctly. This means you need to ensure your badge is the right way up and that it's clearly visible through the windscreen.
You should also make sure it hasn’t expired. If your badge is expired, damaged, lost, or stolen, you should contact your local council to report it and request a replacement.
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.
Parking clock
If you are parking in restricted areas, such as yellow lines, you must use a blue parking clock to show when you arrived. It should come with your Blue Badge, or you can get one from your council.
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.
Can I be fined with a Blue Badge?
Yes. If you break the rules, you can still get a parking fine 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:
1. Give it to someone else to use
2. Keep using your badge when you no longer need it
3. Use your badge to park if you’re just waiting, and don't plan to leave your car
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."
✍ Sophie Buchan
GOV.UK - The best place to find government services and information.
