The Blue Badge scheme: Drivers responsibilities

Reference A: DoT/Highway Code (2022)

The information contained in this bulletin is intended for GUIDANCE ONLY. Drivers must consult appropriate HM Government or HCC website.  

The following information has been extracted/edited from the GOV.UK website (dated 09 July 2020).

THE HOLDER OF THE BLUE BADGE IS LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW THE BADGE IS USED.

If the holder is using the parking concessions as a passenger, it is the holder’s responsibility to make sure that you (‘the driver’) is aware of all the rules.

BUT, just in case they forget to tell you, this is what you need to know:

•   THE BLUE BADGE IS NOT A LICENCE TO PARK ANYWHERE!

•   Like other road users, you must obey the rules of the road as laid out in the Highway Code.

Places where YOU MUST NOT PARK:

X       Places where a ban on loading or unloading is in force, as indicated above by kerb Markings (Ref: A – Pages 93 and 135).

X       Parking places reserved for specific users such as resident’s bays or loading bays.

X       Pedestrian crossings (zebra, pelican, toucan and puffin crossings), including areas marked by zig-zag lines.

X       Clearways (no stopping) (Ref: A – Pages 93 and 127).

X       A bus stop clearway during its hours of operation.

X       An urban clearway within its hours of operation. You may pick up or drop off passengers.

All parking is forbidden. (Ref: A – Pages 93)

X       School ‘KEEP CLEAR’ markings during the hours shown on a yellow no-stopping plate.

X       Bus, tram or cycle lanes or cycle tracks. Badge holders are not entitled to drive in bus lanes during their hours of operation.

X       Where there are double white lines in the centre of the road, even if one of the lines is broken.

X       Suspended meter bays or when use of the meter is not allowed.

X       Where temporary parking restrictions are in force. For example, where no-waiting cones are deployed.

HOWEVER – if you have a Blue Badge displayed, you can park:

✓      Yellow Lines -Badge holders may park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours, but in general not where there are restrictions on loading or unloading – indicated by yellow kerb dashes and / or signs on plates.

✓      ‘On Street’ Parking meters - Badge holders may park for free and for as long as they need to. You must display the Blue Badge.

✓      ‘On Street’ Disabled Parking bays (Blue ‘wheelchair’ sign) - You may park for free. Unless signs say otherwise, you may park without time limit. You must display the Blue Badge (and the blue parking clock if the bay is time limited). Always try to use these bays instead of parking on yellow lines.

HOW TO DISPLAY THE BADGE

•       The badge must be display on the dashboard or facia panel and the ‘parking clock’, where it can be clearly read through the front windscreen. If there is no dashboard or facia panel in your vehicle, it must be displayed 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 (of the holder) should not be visible through the windscreen.

•       The badge must be displayed so that the details on the front of it remain legible. If they become unreadable through fading or wear and tear, you should advise the holder to return the badge to Hampshire County Council, so they can issue a new one. Displaying a badge that is illegible may result in a parking fine.

POWER TO INSPECT AND RETAIN THE BADGE

Police officers, traffic wardens, parking attendants and civil enforcement officers have the power to inspect the badge. These people should produce an identity card with their photograph on it, to prove they are who they say they are. However, Civil Enforcement Officers are allowed to operate in plain clothes.

If any of these people ask to see the badge, you must show it to them. If you do not, you will be breaking the law and you could be fined up to £1,000. Enforcement officers also have right to retain the badge, without police presence, if they have reasonable grounds to do so.

For further information on this scheme, please go to:     

www.hants.gov.uk/transport/parking/bluebadge

 

Reference: Info Sheet 2                                                        Author: D. Rusbridger

RCGN                                                                                       Date January 2026