BLUE BADGE SCHEME

Blue badges are issued to people who are disabled or find extreme difficulty in walking long distances, to enable them to park their car more conveniently.

If you think that you need this facility you can call (01624) 686325, email carbadges.dhss@gov.im, or write to :-

The administrator will send you an application form and this is then referred to your G.P. The badge lasts for 3 years , after which time you will need to re-apply and be reassessed. The badge is for you, whatever vehicle you are travelling in. It may not be used by anyone else, even in your regular vehicle. There is no charge for this service.

How to use the Badge

• the badge is for use by the holder
• the badge must be displayed on the vehicle only while it is being used by the disabled person.
• you must display the new style badge on the dashboard or fascia panel of a vehicle with the front
• facing forward so that the relevant details are legible from outside the vehicle.
• in disk parking zones you must display a time clock
• in disk parking zones you are entitled to park double the length of the specified time.
• you may park free of charge in Chester Street car park and you may also park free of charge in Drumgold Street but for a maximum of 3 hours. (if disabled parking spaces are not available in the Chester Street or Drumgold Street car parks you may still park free of charge in any vacant space)

Where to Park

• the badge does not in itself, confer any right to park in places where parking is restricted.
• you may park in places reserved for the disabled which may be on a street or in a car park. These places are clearly marked.
• unlike the U.K, it is illegal in the Isle of Man for Blue Badge Holders to park on double yellow lines. However at their discretion, the police and traffic controllers may allow parking on double yellow lines, but for short periods only, when it is impractical for a disabled person to park in an official space.

BUT you may only do this if:

• the vehicle is not parked within 7 metres (23 feet) of a road junction.
• the vehicle is not causing a danger or obstruction to other road users
• there is not a loading or unloading ban in operation
• the vehicle is not on the zigzag markings at a pedestrian crossing
• there are no double white lines in the centre of the road

Remember this is only a concession, it should not be mis-used. If it is mis-used or you park where it is dangerous you could be liable to prosecution.

Your Duties as a Badge Holder

The purpose of the scheme is to allow you to visit shops and other places. You should use your badge with care and attention to the rules.

• It is your responsibility to ensure that the badge is used properly. It is in your own interest that the badge should retain the respect of other motorists. Please play your part.
• You must not allow other people to use the badge. To reduce the risk of this happening accidentally, you should remove the badge whenever you are not using the parking concessions.
• You must ensure that the details on the front of the badge (e.g. holder's name, date of expiry) remain legible. If they become unreadable, the badge must be returned to Social Services for re-issue.
• You should not take advantage of concessions if you do not intend to leave the ar; use a car park. Don't use the badge simply to allow able-bodied people to take advantage of the benefits whilst you sit in the car.

Misuse of a badge

Mis-use of a Blue Badge is a serious offence.

• Your badge can be withdrawn if you misuse it.
• It is a summary offence for able bodied people to use a badge.
• It is a summary offence to drive a vehicle displaying an Orange Badge unless the badge is properly used and displayed.

Maximum fine for mis-using a badge is £2000.

Travelling off Island

The new style badge is almost identical to the U.K. badge. If you take your badge to the U.K, you will be able to use it in the same way as on the Island, although there are some differences:-

• You may need to use a time clock where there is a time limit.
• You may be able to park on double yellow lines.

But do check on local rules and conditions first.

Renewal of a Badge

Badges may last up to 3 years. When you need a new one apply to Social Services for re-assessment some weeks before the badge expires.

If a badge is damaged, lost or stolen, you should apply for a replacement.

Mobilise

This association promotes the interests of disabled drivers. For further information contact:-

The badge is issued to the person needing this service and can be used in any car in which the holder is a passenger or driver. The badge must be removed from the vehicle at all other times.

Downloadable Documents
Blue Badge Scheme (50 kb) Format: Acrobat PDF File Information about blue badge scheme
Blue Badge Application Form (89 kb) Format: Acrobat PDF File Application form to apply for blue badge scheme

You will need Adobe Acrobat to download documents that are PDFs, this is available free by following this link:

DisabledGo Information

Terms & Conditions

©2008 Isle of Man Government