EU & UK BLUE BADGES ARE BOTH RECOGNISED IN CYPRUS
PARKING ENTITLEMENTS FOR BLUE BADGE HOLDERS
A disabled parking permit, also known as a blue badge, allows the holder to park free of charge for unlimited periods of time, in designated blue bay parking spaces across the Republic of Cyprus. Blue bays can be found on roads and in most car parks.
BLUE BADGE APPROVAL
In 2007, the Cyprus Parliament brought the island in line with the rest of the European Union. It did this by approving the use of blue badges across the island. With this in mind, all European blue badges, as well as those issued in the United Kingdom, can now be used across the island. Cypriot authorities introduced their own blue badge scheme shortly after this and facilitated the installation of several designated disabled parking spaces for blue badge holders across the island.
ALL BADGES ACCEPTED
The Cypriot blue badge scheme is available for all residents of Cyprus who have a disability that affects their mobility. Visitors from the European Union and the United Kingdom can also freely use their respective blue badge permits across Cyprus.
Vehicles displaying this permit in Cyprus can park freely in:
- Parking spaces that are marked with a blue and white wheelchair symbol.
- On a section of road where payment is required or where parking is free but restricted by time.
- In most municipal car parks
CYPRUS BLUE BADGES
All Cyprus residents with mobility issues are able to apply for a blue badge in Cyprus. User guidelines are available from the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. The authority responsible for issuing blue badges is the ‘Service for the Care and Rehabilitation of the Disabled’, which is part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance.
APPLYING FOR A CYPRUS BLUE BADGE
CYPRUS BLUE BADGE RULES EXPLAINED
Blue badges are typically issued to drivers or passengers with severe mobility problems. These include not only people who cannot walk, but also people who have substantial difficulty walking. People who use wheelchairs or crutches, or have severe cardiovascular or respiratory limitations, are also eligible for a blue badge as long as they have a medical certificate confirming their disability.
PARKING RULES & CONCESSIONS
Eligibility: Blue Badges from both the United Kingdom and the European Union are fully recognised in the Republic of Cyprus. Specific rules, however, tend to govern these badges, along with Cyprus-issued ones, and blue badges do not grant exemption from all parking fees or all time restrictions everywhere.
Blue Parking Bays: A blue badge allows for free, unlimited parking access in spaces designated for disabled parking. These parking spaces, which can be found on public roads and in all municipal car parks, are usually painted blue and are marked with a white wheelchair symbol.
Municipal Car Parks: Although the majority of these car parks allow free parking for valid badge holders, some rules may vary by municipality. In light of this, all signage should be checked before parking.
Private Car Parks: Disabled parking permits may grant reduced or waived parking fees when using privately owned national parking lots. This, however, is not universal and local charging rules should be verified before parking.
Time-Limited Parking: Blue badge holders may also park free and without time limits in time-limited zones and in municipal metered street spaces. Some local rules regarding time limits may apply, so drivers should always check local municipal signage.
Badge display: All blue badges must be clearly displayed face up on the dashboard or windscreen of the vehicle when parked. Some jurisdictions require the badge to be visible from the outside or to be accompanied by a plate or time card.
Cyprus Vehicle Badge: Whilst European Union and United Kingdom issued badges are usually issued to a specific person, some Cyprus-issued Blue badges are sometimes issued for a specific vehicle. If somebody else uses these specific vehicle-based badges, penalties may apply, even if the person with the disability is in the car.
Yellow Line Parking: Whilst some blue badge exemptions exist, using a blue badge to park on yellow lines or in pedestrian zones is prohibited. Doing so can result in a fine or the vehicle in question being towed.
Pre-registration: Some municipal areas or apps, such as EASYPARK, require a blue badge registration. This will allow blue badge holders to largely avoid any automated fines issued by a local municipality. Any expired blue badges are invalid and cannot be used.
