Millions of Blue Badge holders in UK risk £1,000 fines for not renewing on time.

Department of Transport and Transport Scotland data showed more than 2.8million people across England (2.57m) and Scotland (235,779) have a Blue Badge permit.

In 2019, the eligibility for Blue Badge was broadened to include individuals suffering from hidden conditions including Parkinson's, dementia, and epilepsy. This badge gives drivers the privilege of parking closer to their destination, irrespective of whether they are driving or travelling as a passenger.

Holders of the Blue Badge will know it only has a three-year validity from the date of issue, but they are often unaware renewal is not automatic. This means an application for a replacement document should be submitted 12 weeks - or three months - before it expires to avoid any period of invalidity.

A £1,000 penalty could be given to anyone continuing to display the expired badge. This is considered as 'misuse', which is why Transport Scotland's guidelines state: "Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge."

Additionally, each time a bid for Blue Badge renewal is made, eligibility is also reviewed. As per guidance provided on MyGov.Scot says: "Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically. You need to reapply for it every 3 years."

"Your eligibility will be checked every time you reapply. This is to make sure you can still get a Blue Badge. Your local council processes your application and decides if you can get a Blue Badge. You should reapply 12 weeks before your badge expires."

There are also, some simple examples of misuse can lead to prosecution from authorities as they are classed as a crime, reports the Daily Record. These include displaying the piece of plastic in such a way that the details on the front aren’t readable, and entering the wrong time on its clock when parking in a time-sensitive bay.

A Blue Badge costs £20 in Scotland, up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. You can reapply for your Blue Badge on the GOV.UK site. To renew a Blue Badge online, you will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders.

You can start the application online and save the information you enter if you need to look for the required documents. You can easily return to it later and complete the process.

You should contact your local council if there's a change to your name, address or contact details

You will need:

  • proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
  • proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
  • proof of benefits (if you get any)

You will also need to know:

  • your National Insurance number (if you have one)
  • the details of your current Blue Badge