Overview
- Government guidance lists permanently banned locations such as pedestrian crossings and zig‑zag areas, double white lines, bus, tram and cycle lanes, clearways and school keep‑clear zones, resident or loading bays, red routes during operating hours, suspended bays, and areas with loading bans or temporary restrictions.
- Concessions still allow parking in disabled bays, on‑street meters and pay‑and‑display spaces, and on some yellow lines where safe, but drivers must follow signs and check with local councils for any exceptions, including places with loading restrictions.
- Police, traffic wardens and civil enforcement officers can require badge inspection and may retain a badge on reasonable grounds, and misuse is a criminal offence carrying fines up to £1,000.
- The permit must be displayed face‑up on the dashboard with details clearly readable, it is tied to the named holder rather than the vehicle, and it should not be used if the holder is not getting out.
- Badges usually last up to three years and renewal can take up to 12 weeks, with fees up to £10 in England, £20 in Scotland and free in Wales, so holders are advised to apply before expiry.