Blue Badge Scheme

Disabled parking permits are also known as Blue Badges. You can apply for a blue badge if you have severe mobility problems as detailed below. With a blue badge, you can park in certain restricted areas – whether you are a driver or passenger.

People who have been diagnosed with a mental, cognitive or behavioural condition which means they lack awareness of danger from traffic which is likely to compromise their safety or the safety of others, should apply under the ‘Risk in Traffic’ criteria.  A car driver would not qualify for a Blue Badge under the ‘Risk in Traffic’ criteria.

Transport Scotland is responsible for the legislation which sets out the framework and criteria for the scheme.  Local authorities administer the scheme.

Scottish Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are being introduced to major Scottish cities. To improve air quality LEZs set an environmental limit on certain city roads, restricting access for the most polluting vehicles.

• The Scottish LEZ Exemption System is now live for personal Blue Badge holders to register their vehicles for a LEZ exemption.
• The Vehicle Checker is now live on the official LEZ website which allows members of the public to enter their vehicle registration number to check if their vehicle will comply with LEZ standards.
• More information on the Blue Badge exemption can be found on the Blue Badge Exemption page of the official LEZ website.

Eligibility.

Assessment for the Blue Badge is based on the eligibility criteria.  

Automatic

A badge may be awarded without an applicant having to go through the assessment process provided they meet one of the following descriptions:

This form is intended for applicants who:

• are blind (severely sight impaired);
• receive the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA);
• receive the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awarded at;
  • 12 points for Planning and Following journeys activity or
  • 8 points or more for Moving Around activity;
• in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment;
• in receipt of the mobility component of Adult Disability Payment and have been awarded either:
  • 8 points or more in the Moving Around activity
  • 12 points in the Planning and Following a Journey activity
  • enhanced rate mobility under special rules for terminal illness;
• receive the War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement; or
• receive a qualifying award under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation) Scheme.

Applicants applying under the ‘Automatic’ criteria must provide the correct proof of entitlement as stated on the application form.

Unable to walk or virtually unable to walk

This form is intended for applicants over two years of age who have a permanent and substantial disability which means they are unable to walk or virtually unable to walk, or have a temporary, but substantial disability, which means they are unable to walk or virtually unable to walk which is likely to last for a period of at least 12 months, but less than 3 years.  Requiring to fully open the car door is not taken into account under the criteria.

Child under three years old

This form is intended for children under the age of three who may be eligible for a Blue Badge because they have a medical condition requiring the transportation of large and/ or heavy medical equipment and/or must be kept near a motor vehicle on account of their condition so that they can, if necessary, be treated for that condition in the vehicle or taken quickly in the vehicle to a place where they can be treated.

Driver with severe disability in both arms

This form is intended for applicants who regularly drive a vehicle, have severe disability in both arms and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty in operating parking meters.

Risk in traffic

This form is intended for applicants who have a mental or cognitive condition that means they lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys. Please note: A car driver would not qualify for a Blue Badge under the ‘Risk in Traffic’ criteria.

Organisational badge

This form is intended for organisations involved in the care of disabled people who are seeking a Blue Badge for vehicle(s) which are to be used to carry disabled people who would themselves qualify for an individual Blue Badge.

We will not be able to process your application if you do not provide the supporting evidence and documents requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant, or their representative, to provide all relevant information and supporting evidence to demonstrate your eligibility.