For disabled drivers, owning a Blue Badge provides some much-needed support, however, there are many drivers taking advantage of the benefits that a Blue Badge can provide – putting themselves at risk of a £1,000 fine.

A recent study by the car insurance team at Comparethemarket has revealed that between 2019 and 2021 there were 3,496 prosecutions for non-badge holders illegally using another’s Blue Badge and 171 Blue Badge offences from the holder themselves.

Anna McEntee, director at Comparethemarket, says: “Drivers need to be aware of the rules around Blue Badges and think twice when it comes to illegally misusing one. Figures show that from 2019 to 2021 there were 3,496 prosecutions of non-badge holders illegally using another person’s Blue Badge. Displaying a Blue Badge illegally is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of £1,000 and even risk confiscation of the badge entirely, in turn detrimentally impacting the person it is intended for.”

6 tips to ensure you’ll avoid a £1,000 fine for Blue Badge misuse:

Your Blue Badge should only be used when the holder is in the vehicle as either a driver or passenger.
The badge should be displayed clearly from the outside of the car. The dashboard is often the best place for this with the holographic side up.
When your badge becomes worn and unable to read you should replace it.
When parking on yellow lines or restricted parking, your blue badge clock should be visible from the outside of your car, along with your badge.
An officer can request to see the badge at any time, so ensure it is always with you when driving and parking.
The badge should not be used so that non-badge holders can benefit while the holder sits in the car.