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Blue badge holders have been warned they could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000 as families head out during October half term.
Motorists who park in disabled bays without displaying a valid Blue Badge can also face a £70 penalty charge in England, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.
With shopping centres, family attractions and other popular destinations expected to be busier during the school holidays, mobility specialists Muick Sandy are urging drivers to think twice before using accessible parking spaces they are not entitled to occupy.
The company warns that taking a space intended for someone with limited mobility could prevent them from visiting shops, attractions and other destinations safely and independently.
Under the Blue Badge scheme, badges are issued for the benefit of the individual holder. They should only be used when that person is travelling in the vehicle, either as the driver or a passenger, or when they are being collected or dropped off and the vehicle needs to park nearby.
Using somebody else's Blue Badge to obtain parking concessions when the holder is not travelling with you is a criminal offence and can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
Ben Kenny, Director at Muick Sandy, said: “Half term inevitably means busier car parks, particularly around shopping centres, attractions and family destinations, but struggling to find a space is never an excuse to misuse a Blue Badge or excuse to park in a disabled bay you’re not entitled to use or misuse a Blue Badge.
“For many people, accessible parking isn't simply about convenience. Being able to park closer to an entrance can be essential to whether they're able to visit somewhere safely and independently in the first place.
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“A person without mobility difficulties may see an empty accessible space and think they'll only be using it for five or ten minutes, but during that time somebody who genuinely needs the space could arrive and be unable to access their destination."
He added: “Drivers should also remember that Blue Badges belong to the individual they're issued to. You cannot borrow a friend or relative's badge to access parking concessions when they aren't travelling with you.
“Not only can misuse make everyday journeys significantly harder for people with disabilities, but it can also result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”
Six Blue Badge and disabled parking rules drivers should know
1. Disabled bays are not for quick stops
Accessible parking spaces are reserved for eligible motorists displaying a valid Blue Badge in accordance with the relevant parking rules. Parking in a designated disabled bay without a valid badge can result in a penalty charge.
2. Blue Badges are for the holder's benefit
A badge can only be used for the benefit of the person it was issued to. The holder must be travelling in the vehicle, either as the driver or passenger, or being collected or dropped off.
3. Friends and relatives cannot borrow a badge
Using a friend or family member's Blue Badge to access parking concessions when the badge holder is not travelling with you is misuse of the scheme.
4. The badge must not be used simply to benefit another driver
Blue Badge concessions are intended to help the eligible holder. Drivers should not use the badge to secure more convenient parking for themselves when the holder is not benefiting from the journey - for example if they are staying in the car.
5. Always check local parking restrictions
A Blue Badge does not automatically allow motorists to park anywhere. Restrictions vary by location, so drivers should check signs and the applicable parking rules before leaving their vehicle.
6. Misuse can lead to a £1,000 fine
Improper use of a Blue Badge is a criminal offence. Those found guilty can face a fine of up to £1,000, and the badge itself may also be confiscated.
Muick Sandy is encouraging motorists heading out during half term to allow extra time to find suitable parking and leave accessible spaces available for people who need them.