Motorist fined for using Donegal disabled parking bay without permit

An Garda Siochána were in Ardara when they discovered a vehicle taking up a space and the driver was using a disabled parking permit belonging to someone else

Published 26th May 2026, 08:55 BST Updated 26th May 2026, 08:56 BST An Garda Siochana An Garda Siochána were in Ardara when they discovered a vehicle taking up a space and the driver was using a disabled parking permit belonging to someone else Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.

An Garda Síochána has warned motorists of the consequences of illegally using a disabled parking bay.

Gardaí in Ardara came across a vehicle parked in a disabled parking bay, and the driver was using a disabled parking permit that did not belong to them.

“If you illegally park in a disabled parking bay, you will get a fine of €150. This increases to €225 if not paid within 28 days,” a Garda spokesperson said.

“Using a valid permit without the actual permit holder present (or when they are not boarding/alighting) is an offence carrying a €200 fixed charge, increasing to €300 if not paid within 28 days. Traffic wardens and members of An Garda Síochána have the power to request and inspect an EU Parking Permit to ensure that it is not being misused.

READ NEXT: Have you registered for the Bluestack Challenge yet? Don't miss the chance to be part of something special

“Fixed Charge Penalty Notices will be issued. Do not park in a disabled bay if you do not have a valid permit to do so.”

Glenties MD councillor Brian Carr of Sinn Féin commended An Garda Siochána for cracking down.

“Well done to Gardaí in Ardara for acting on the misuse of a disabled parking permit,” he said. “I sent an email raising concerns about parking issues in Ardara, including blocked entrances and the ongoing lack of disabled parking spaces on Main Street despite a study previously being carried out.”

Related topics: Ardara Brian Carr An Garda Siochána Sign up to our Donegal Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Donegal Live within your account.