Can Blue Badge holders park anywhere?

Short answer: No!

People can use a blue badge in any car, it doesn’t have to specifically be a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), but even when you are using a specially adapted car, it doesn’t mean you can simply park anywhere.

The blue badge parking scheme refers to designated parking spaces that are reserved for people with disabilities who hold a blue badge permit. The blue badge permit is issued to people with certain disabilities via their local council, such as those who have difficulty walking or who have visual impairments. It allows them to park in convenient designated parking spaces to help them with everyday activities.



It doesn’t mean you are entitled to free parking on council or private car parks, so always check. Very often disability vehicles will have separate and more accessible parking available, but don’t assume this is the case.

Yellow lines

One of the biggest problems is parking on double yellow lines, which although a blue badge does allow this, it should only be done if you’re not causing an obstruction or any danger to anyone. So the rules state that you should only park when and where safe to do so, and not within 15 metres of a junction. Nor should you park where there are restrictions on loading or unloading.

Where there are yellow lines in “off-street” car parks (often seen in private developments), you do not have the right to park there, again, unless stated clearly on signs nearby.

Pay and display

You can park in on-street pay and display zones without a time limit unless there are other traffic orders specifying a time limit. Again, check signs.

Disabled bays

On-street disabled bays are the preferred place to park if you can as these are usually specially designed to be out of the way of traffic, close to the pavement and generally safer for all road users.

Unless the sign says otherwise, you can park without a time limit.

Council owned car parks

Many council owned car parks have disabled parking bays, so you can use your blue badge and park there, however it does not automatically entitle you to free parking, so check local signs.

The rule of thumb is that you need to check the relevant signs associated with where you are wanting to park and use your blue badge, but also make sure you park within the bay, and display your blue badge clearly.