A DISABLED or “Blue” badge helps disabled drivers park closer to where they’re going.
But does having one allow you to park on single yellow lines? Here’s what we know.
Can you park on single yellow lines with a disabled badge?
Keeping track of all the parking rules and fines isn’t easy.
But it’s vital if you want to avoid financial penalties.
If you’ve got a Blue Badge, your parking rules are slightly different, allowing you to park in more places.
This even applies to single and double yellow lines.
Badge holders are permitted to park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours.
However, you generally won’t be able to if there are restrictions on loading or unloading.
This will be indicated by yellow kerb dashes and/or signs.
Rules on this may vary, so it’s worth checking with your local council to see whether it has chosen to remove this restriction for badge holders.
What are disabled badge holders entitled to?
A Blue Badge allows you to park in locations other drivers aren’t allowed to.
It doesn’t have to be used on a specific vehicle, so you can take it with you and use it with multiple cars, including hire cars, and taxis you’re driving or are a passenger in.
Schemes will differ for different areas, for example there are different parking schemes in the following areas of London for disabled people:
- City of London
- City of Westminster
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Gatwick Airport
- Heathrow Airport
- Camden – the Blue Badge can still be used in some areas
Usually, the badge will allow you to park without charge:
- On streets that have parking meters or pay-and-display machines for as much time as you need
- In disabled parking bays for as long as necessary, unless a sign says there’s a set time limit
- On single or double yellows for up to three hours, provided there’s not a ‘no loading’ sign
You can visit GOV.UK to get the full run down of the rules specific to your area.
Can someone else borrow my disabled badge?
The badge must only by the person who has been issued it.
It remains the property of the local council that provided it and they can ask that it be returned should you misuse it.
You mustn’t allow anyone else to use it, even if they’re carrying out tasks on your behalf, like doing the shopping for you, or dropping off a package.
Bear in mind that:
- You mustn’t give the badge to family or friends so they can park for free, even if they’re coming to visit you
- The badge shouldn’t be used to allow non-disabled people to use the benefits it provides while you sit in the vehicle
- Misusing a badge is a criminal offence and this includes non-badge holders taking advantage of parking concessions available through the scheme
Most Common Illegal Driving Activities
Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.
- Using phone while driving
Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it - Speeding
Lovers of fast and furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine - Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine - Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you out a £100 fine with three penalty points - Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your license and a £100 fine
