Using a Blue Badge correctly

Your badge must be valid. If you park after it has expired, you may get a Parking Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). There is an exemption to this PCN in Newcastle City Council operated car parks, if your badge’s expiration date was under 2 weeks ago. Other councils may not have this exemption. 

A Blue Badge can be used in any car where the badge holder is present as the driver or passenger. It must not be used by another person for any reason, as it is attached to the person, and not a vehicle.

When can you park using your Blue Badge

With your Blue Badge, you can park:

• for free on on-street Blue Badge or regular parking bays with a ticket machine or meter
• in permit areas where permit restrictions apply
• on double yellow lines for up to 3 hours if there are no loading restrictions. Your badge clock must show your time of arrival.
• in car parks, charges also apply in Blue Badge bays. Make sure to check any charges where you park. 

Having a Blue Badge does not allow you to park anywhere for free. It is important that you always check road and parking restrictions where you park. If you do not follow these restrictions, you may get a Parking PCN.

How to display your Blue Badge

It is important to correctly display your Blue Badge so parking officers can see all the details they need. 

Please make the full badge is visible with the following details: 

• expiration date
• name of the council issuing the badge
• serial number 

If those details are not visible from the outside of the vehicle, then you maybe be issued a Parking PCN.

You can request a replacement badge if the details are no longer readable. 

Report misuse of a Blue Badge

There are some key Blue Badge rules that holders should be aware of:

• a Blue Badge should only be displayed if the badge holder is travelling in the vehicle, or being picked up or dropped off
• never allow others to use the badge to run an errand on your behalf
• do not wait in a vehicle whilst others are going shopping. This could stop another badge holder from using the parking space

Misusing your Blue Badge is a criminal offence. It could lead to up to a £1,000 fine for the person misusing the badge. You may also have to give up your badge.

Police officers, council officers and civil enforcement officers have the power to check your Blue Badge and take it if they believe it is being misused.  The badge will then be returned to the issuing council, who will speak to the badge holder before it is returned. You must allow an officer to inspect your badge if asked. 

Other councils can take legal action against you if they think you are misusing your Blue Badge in their local area. This can include fines or prosecution. 

We investigate any information received on Blue Badge misuse. You can report any suspected Blue Badge misuse to us at parking.cs@newcastle.gov.uk or on 0191 278 7799.