Overview

• Transport Scotland’s update clarifies that a Blue Badge does not permit parking in places such as loading bays without concessions, bus stops, red routes, school keep-clear zones or where temporary restrictions apply.
• Badges must be shown face up and fully visible, and only police officers or authorised council enforcement staff are entitled to check them.
• Misuse rules forbid letting others use a badge without the holder, waiting in a parked car using the badge, using expired or ineligible badges, or tampering with or copying one.
• Consequences include fines and possible prosecution, with local councils able to require the badge’s return and to set specific car‑park conditions on tickets, time limits and charges.
• Research cites 705,310 penalty notices for misuse across 2022–2024, and the Blue Badge Fraud Investigation agency reports seizing more counterfeit permits than ever.