A guide to parking fee exemptions in European countries (EEC) for disabled people who hold a Blue Badge. Rules when using your European Parking Card known in the UK as the Blue Badge Scheme.
See also:
Disabled Parking with a Blue Badge in Countries Outside Europe (EEC)
Toll concessions for disabled people at road tunnels and bridges in the UK
Brexit consequences for Blue Badge Holders and Disabled Travel | Brexit and Blue Badge:
There have been no official documents published to disclose the information surrounding Blue Badge Permit holders now that we have a Brexit Deal and the UK has left the EU.
We know the new design doesn’t show the EU stars anymore, but that seems to be all there is to know.
The current Blue Badge Parking Permit should be recognised as normal across other EU countries in the same way as those issued in Switzerland and Norway, although there is no guarantee of this reciprocal agreement in official Government sources.
Please see the official Blue Badge website for more details: https://www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk/pages/blue-badge-brexit
The information below may be out of date post Brexit, please see above for initial information on Brexit.
European Countries where there are reciprocal disabled parking arrangements using your Blue Badge:
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland (Replublic of), Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
Introduction
A standardised European Parking Card for people with disabilities has been adopted. If you have been issued a Blue Badge, you are entitled to the same parking concessions in other EU member states, and in some other European countries, that are given to disabled residents of those countries.
This page describes what the concessions are and where disabled people can park, where they can’t, and the different parking signs to look out for.
Always read the concession details for the country you are visiting, and make sure you apply the rules when you park. Some countries operate local concessions and you may need to enquire locally before you park.
The fold-out back cover says, in the language of each country, that you are entitled to park in areas where there are concessions for disabled people. You may find it helpful to leave it open on the dashboard, with your parking card, to explain this to the local enforcement agencies.
If you are in any doubt about your rights, DON’T PARK and save the hassle of a penalty ticket
Austria
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a name or vehicle registration number.
Parking on roads – Do not park on roads where waiting is prohibited.
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
In most areas you must pay to park on roads where payment is required. Check locally.
You may drive and park in pedestrian zones, but only during vehicle delivery access times. Check locally.
Parking in car parks – Public car parks offer no concessions to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card.
Belgium
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
Parking on roads – Do not park on roads where waiting is prohibited.
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
In most areas you may park free of charge on roads where payment is required, for example at parking meters. Check locally.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones.
Parking in car parks – Some car parks allow vehicles displaying the Parking Card to be parked free of charge but only in parking bays reserved for disabled people. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
Cyprus
Some car parks allow vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card to be parked free of charge but only in specific parking bays marked for disabled people. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
PARKING ON ROADS – Do not park on roads where parking is prohibited.
You may park free of charge and without time limit on roads where payment is required. Check locally.
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones unless there is a sign showing that vehicles displaying the Parking Card are exempt.
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – Some public car parks allow vehicles displaying the Parking Card to be parked free of charge. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
Czech Republic
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park if the space is marked with a person’s name or vehicle registration number.
PARKING ON ROADS – Do not park on roads where parking is prohibited.
In most areas you must pay to park where payment is required and keep within the time limit. Check locally.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones unless local concessions specifically allow it. Check locally.
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – Some car parks allow vehicles displaying the Parking Card to be parked free of charge. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
Denmark
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with the wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a name or vehicle registration number.
Parking discs are used in Denmark and can be bought wherever motor fuels are sold. Whenever drivers park in areas with time limits they are required to set the disc. However, vehicles may display discs issued outside Denmark.
Parking on roads
You may park for 15 minutes on roads where waiting is prohibited (see the European traffic signs details below).
The following time limits apply generally to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card:
where parking is limited to 15-30 minutes, you may park for up to an hour.
where parking is limited to 3 hours, you may park for an unlimited time.
On roads with parking meters or pay-and-display parking, you must pay according to how long you park, but if you make the maximum payment, you may park for an unlimited time.
You may be allowed to drive and park in pedestrian zones, but this will be only during specific vehicle access times, and for a maximum of 15 minutes. Check locally.
Parking in car parks – In car parks where payment is required, you must pay according to how long you park, but if you make the maximum payment, you may park for an unlimited time.
Estonia
On roads and in car parks, parking places for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
PARKING ON ROADS You may be permitted to park on roads where parking is prohibited but only if the car is wholly parked on the footpath and if you are not causing an obstruction. You are strongly advised to check locally .
You may park free of charge and without time limit on roads where payment is required.
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones.
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – Some car parks allow vehicles displaying the Parking Card to be parked free of charge. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
Finland
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a name or vehicle registration number.
Parking on roads – You may park on roads where waiting is prohibited (see the European traffic signs details).
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
You may park free of charge and without time limit on roads with parking meters or pay-and-display parking.
You may be allowed to drive and park in pedestrian zones – check locally.
Parking in car parks – Vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card may be parked free of charge and beyond time limits.
France
Although there is a national system of parking concessions, local variations can apply. Check locally. In Paris, vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card may be parked on roads free of charge.
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
Parking on roads – Do not park on roads where waiting is prohibited.
You may park beyond the time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time. Check locally to establish what the concession is.
You must pay to park on roads where payment is required (except in Paris).
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones.
Parking in car parks – Car parks do not generally offer concessions to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card.
Germany
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a name or vehicle registration number.
Parking on roads
You may park for up to 3 hours on roads where waiting is prohibited and in residents’ parking areas (see the European traffic signs details).
You may park for up to 24 hours on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
You may park free of charge and for up to 24 hours on roads with parking meters or pay-and-display parking.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones unless local concessions specifically allow it. Check locally. Where this entitlement applies, you are allowed to enter or park only during specific vehicle access times.
These concessions generally apply only when no other parking is available within a reasonable distance.
Parking in car parks
Some car parks allow vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card to be parked free of charge, but only in parking bays marked for disabled people. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
Greece
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a person’s name or vehicle registration number.
There are no concessions for street parking or parking in car parks.
You may park only where parking is permitted, and you must pay parking charges and observe time limits.
Hungary
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
PARKING ON ROADS – In some areas you may park for 60 minutes where parking is prohibited but only if you are not causing an obstruction (unless there is a ban on loading or unloading). Check locally.
You may park free of charge for 60 minutes on roads where payment is required. Check locally.
You may park for 60 minutes on roads where parking is free but restricted by time. Check locally.
You may be allowed to drive and park in pedestrian zones. Check locally.
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – Some car parks allow vehicles displaying the Parking Card to park free of charge. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
Iceland
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a person’s name or vehicle registration number.
Parking on roads – Do not park on roads where waiting is prohibited.
Fees and time limit concessions for vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card vary. Check locally.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones.
Parking in car parks – Car parks do not generally give concessions to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card, although some local variations may apply. Check locally.
Republic Ireland
United Kingdom Blue Badges are recognised and you will be entitled to the same concessions as Irish Blue Badge holders.
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
Italy
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a name or vehicle registration number.
Parking on roads – Do not park on roads where waiting is prohibited unless signs clearly indicate otherwise.
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
You may park free of charge and without time limit on roads with parking meters or pay-and-display parking.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones unless there is a sign showing exemption. Check locally.
Parking in car parks – One in 50 spaces in public car parks is reserved for use by vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card. Vehicles displaying a parking card may be parked there free of charge. If these spaces are occupied, vehicles displaying a card may be parked in other spaces free of charge.
In some private car parks, vehicles displaying a parking card may be parked free of charge, and often for longer periods than other vehicles. Check locally.
Latvia
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
PARKING ON ROADS – No concessions are offered to vehicles displaying the Parking Card.
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – No concessions are offered to vehicles displaying the Parking Card.
Liechtenstein – Blue Badge and Disabled Parking
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
Apart from reserved spaces, there are no concessions for street parking or parking in car parks.
You may park only where parking is permitted, and you must pay parking charges and observe time limits.
Lithuania
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
PARKING ON ROADS – You may park on roads where parking is prohibited but only if you are not causing an obstruction.
You may park free of charge and without time limit on roads where payment is required but only in spaces marked with a wheelchair symbol.
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
You may be permitted to drive and park in pedestrian zones. Check locally.
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – Some car parks allow vehicles displaying the Parking Card to be parked free of charge but only in parking bays reserved for disabled people. Check with car park
Luxembourg
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
Parking on roads – Do not park on roads where waiting is prohibited.
You must pay to park where payment is required and you must keep within the time limit.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones.
Parking in car parks – Public car parks offer no concessions to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card.
Malta
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
Details of parking concessions available to disabled people can be obtained from the Maltese authorities at the following address
The Director
Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b’ Dizabilita’
Centru Hidma Socjali
Santa Venera
Malta
Email:
helpdesk@knpd.org
PARKING ON ROADS – check locally
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – check locally .
Netherlands
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a name or vehicle registration number.
Parking on roads – You may park for up to 3 hours on roads where waiting is prohibited (see the European traffic signs details).
You must pay to park where payment is required and you must keep within the time limit. Local variations may apply, however. Check locally.
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones.
Parking in car parks – Public car parks offer no concessions to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card.
Norway
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a name or vehicle registration number.
Parking on roads – Do not park on roads where waiting is prohibited.
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time, unless a time limit is specified for vehicles displaying the disabled person’s parking card.
You may park free of charge and without time limit on roads with parking meters or pay-and-display parking.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones.
Parking in car parks – In many car parks vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card are allowed to be parked free of charge and without time limit, but only in bays reserved for disabled people. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
Poland – Blue Badge and Disabled Parking
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
PARKING ON ROADS – Do not park on roads where parking is prohibited.
You may park free of charge and without time limit on roads where payment is required.
You may park on either side of the road where parking is restricted on odd and even days but only if you are not causing an obstruction. Check locally.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones unless local concessions specifically allow it. Check locally .
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – No concessions are offered to vehicles displaying the Parking Card.
Portugal
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park there if the space is marked with a name or vehicle registration number.
Parking on roads – Apart from reserved spaces there are no concessions for street parking.
Do not park on roads where parking is prohibited.
You must pay to park on roads where payment is required and must not exceed the paid-for time.
You must not exceed time limits on roads where time restrictions apply.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones.
Parking in car parks – Car parks do not generally offer concessions to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card.
Slovakia
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol. Do not park in a space that is marked with a vehicle registration number.
PARKING ON ROADS – Do not park on roads where parking is prohibited. You may park free of charge on roads where payment is required but only in parking places reserved for vehicles displaying the Parking Card. Do not park or drive in pedestrian zones. PARKING IN CAR PARKS – Some car parks allow vehicles displaying the Parking Card to be parked free of charge or with a charge reduction (e.g. first hour free of charge). Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
Slovenia
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
PARKING ON ROADS – You may park for up to 2 hours on roads where parking is prohibited but only if you are not causing an obstruction.
You must pay to park on roads where payment is required and keep within the time limit.
Where you are permitted to park on pavements, you must ensure that at least 1.6m is available for pedestrians. Check locally.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones.
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – Some car parks allow vehicles displaying the Parking Card to be parked free of charge. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
Spain
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
Parking on roads – Do not park on roads where waiting is prohibited unless local concessions specifically allow it. Check locally.
Fees and time limit concessions for vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card vary. Check locally.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones unless local concessions specifically allow it. Check locally.
Parking in car parks – In most places car parks offer concessions to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card. Check locally.
Sweden
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
Parking on roads – You may park for up to 3 hours on roads where waiting is prohibited (see the European traffic signs details).
On roads where parking is free but restricted by time the following time limits apply to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card:
where parking is limited to less than 3 hours, you may park for up to 3 hours.
where parking is limited to more than 3 hours, you may park for up to 24 hours.
You may be allowed to park free of charge on roads where payment is normally required for parking. Check locally.
You may drive and park for up to 3 hours in pedestrian zones.
Parking in car parks – Car parks often make concessions to vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card. Check locally.
Switzerland
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a yellow line and a wheelchair symbol. Do not park if the space is marked with a person’s name or vehicle registration number
PARKING ON ROADS – Do not park on roads where parking is prohibited.
You must pay to park where payment is required.
You may park for up to 2 hours on roads in areas where traffic is restricted (ZTL areas).Check locally.
You may park for up to 6 hours where parking is restricted by time.
You may be permitted to drive and park in pedestrian zones. Check locally
PARKING IN CAR PARKS – New regulations for disabled drivers in car parks now apply.Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
United Kingdom
On roads and in car parks, parking places reserved for disabled people are marked with a wheelchair symbol.
In the United Kingdom the parking card is used in conjunction with a parking disc. However, people from other countries who display the disabled person’s card without a parking disc will be given the same concessions.
Parking on roads – You may park for up to 3 hours on roads where waiting is prohibited unless the signs say No Loading or Unloading’ (see the European traffic signs details).
You may park free of charge and without time limit on roads with parking meters or pay-and-display parking.
You may park without time limit on roads where parking is free but restricted by time.
Do not drive or park in pedestrian zones unless there is a sign showing that vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card are exempt.
The Scheme does not operate fully in Central London. Check locally in Central London about concessions.
Parking in car parks – Some car parks allow vehicles displaying a disabled person’s parking card to be parked free of charge. Check with car park notices or ask an attendant.
European Traffic Signs: Parking, Waiting and Stopping
Parking.
Waiting prohibited in some countries you may be allowed to park for a
limited amount of time, providing you don’t cause an obstruction.
Waiting prohibited on odd numbered days.
Waiting prohibited on even numbered days.
No stopping. You must never park on roads where stopping is prohibited.
The basic signs are the red and blue roundels which are common to all countries.
In some places waiting is permitted on alternate sides of the road. The signs above show if the change is made daily.
If a different form of alternation applies, the numerals I and II are replaced by the appropriate dates; eg, 1-15 and 16-31 if the change is made on the 1st and 16th day of the month.
Plates may be mounted beneath any of the above signs to give details of the times when restrictions are in force, any exemptions for certain classes of traffic, and the length of road over which the restriction extends.
When the length of time vehicles may wait is limited, this may be stated on an additional plate or on the lower part of the red circle on a prohibitory sign.
General Advice
When you use the disabled person’s parking card in any country you should exercise caution and park safely.
You should not park:
where you might cause a danger to others, such as at school entrances or pedestrian crossings
where road space is especially limited, such as at road works, or on narrow country lanes
where you may make it difficult for others to see clearly, such as near junctions
where you might cause an obstruction, such as at vehicle entrances
where space is needed for emergency vehicles
Anyone who misuses the disabled person’s parking card will be liable to whatever penalties for unlawful parking apply in the country in question
Further Information – Government Transport Departments:
Department For Transport
33 Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 4DR
Helpline: 0300 330 3000
Web: https://www.dft.gov.uk
For enquiries in respect of Scotland and Wales, please contact:
Welsh Government
Transport
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
Web: https://gov.wales/transport
The Scottish Government
Transport Scotland
Scottish Government
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Web: https://www.transport.gov.scot/