Drivers warned of new European parking laws this summer with Britons no longer exempt from fines

Before Brexit, drivers could travel into Europe and use their badges to gain access to disabled parking bays, but since January 2021, this exemption no longer applies in certain European countries, most notably in France.

Due to France not having any cross-border agreements in place, drivers could face hefty fines for incorrect parking.

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Parking in a disabled space without an official card is classed as a second-degree violation and could see drivers incur a fine of €116 (£99).

The Department for Transport told The Connexionthat it is up to local authorities to administer fines to drivers in Europe, stating “ultimately it is a matter for them”.

According to French rules, drivers may use a Parking Card in most EU and EEA member states, and in some other countries around the world, but not UK Blue Badges.

Drivers can however use a UK Blue Badge when travelling in some EU countries such as Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Other countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal also accept UK blue badges.

Blue Badges offer drivers discounted parking or free parking depending on the area they are in, although some experts have warned that drivers in the UK have been abusing the scheme for their own use.

If someone is found to be illegally using a Blue Badge, they can face a £1,000 fine as well as having their permit taken off them.

In 2021, the number of drivers who were prosecuted for misusing the Blue Badge system was 698, with London having the most cases, followed by the West Midlands and Yorkshire.

During National Blue Badge Day of Action 2024, 10,040 badges were inspected with 423 misuse offences detected.

According to Department for Transport data, there are currently 2.5 million Blue Badge holders in the UK, up from 2.4 million in 2022.

Between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023, 1.14 million Blue Badges were issued to drivers, roughly 101,000 badges more than the previous year.

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Drivers must renew a Blue Badge every three years, they are not automatically done and cost £10 in England and £20 in Scotland.

To renew, drivers need a recent digital photo showing both the head and shoulders of the person.