Using someone else's Blue Badge
It is one of the easiest rules to get wrong, and one of the most common reasons people are investigated. Here is the clear position.
In short
You can only use someone else's Blue Badge when you are transporting them, or collecting or dropping them off. You cannot use a friend's or relative's badge to park for your own benefit when they are not in the car, even with their permission. The badge is for the benefit of the named holder only.
This is probably the most misunderstood rule in the whole scheme, and it catches out kind, well-meaning people every day. A son borrows his mother's badge to nip to the shops. A friend keeps a neighbour's badge to make parking easier. None of it feels like fraud, but under the rules it is misuse, even when the badge holder said it was fine.
When you can use another person's badge
- When you are driving the badge holder to or from somewhere and they are in the car.
- When you are dropping the badge holder off, or going to collect them.
- When you are a named carer transporting the badge holder as part of their journey.
When you cannot
- Parking on their badge to do your own shopping while they wait at home.
- Keeping their badge in your car 'just in case' and using it for your own trips.
- Using the badge of a relative who has moved into care, or passed away. See our guide on using a deceased relative's badge.
Permission does not make it allowed
A common belief is that if the badge holder gives permission, it is fine. It is not. The concession is tied to the badge holder actually being transported, not to who owns the badge or who said yes. This trips up a lot of decent people.
If it has already happened
If you have used someone else's badge in a way you now realise was not allowed, try not to panic. Many people are in exactly the same position. What matters most is what you do next, particularly if the council has contacted you. Our guides on what happens if you are caught and the letter from the council walk you through it calmly, and a specialist solicitor can advise you in confidence.
Frequently asked questions
My mum lets me use her badge. Is that really not allowed?
Only when you are driving her somewhere or collecting her. Using it for your own parking when she is not with you is misuse, even with her blessing.
What if I was collecting shopping for the badge holder?
This is a grey area. The badge holder is meant to benefit from the journey. Cases like this turn on the detail, so if you are worried it is worth getting advice rather than assuming the worst.
Can two people share one badge?
No. A badge is issued to one named person and only covers journeys where that person is being transported.
Last updated: 12 June 2026. We review our guides regularly, but rules change, so always confirm with the official source for your nation.