Contravention Code 06 — Parked Without Clearly Displaying a Valid Permit or Voucher

Last updated: March 2026

Code 06 is issued when a vehicle is parked in a permit-controlled bay without a valid permit clearly visible. But “not displayed” and “not valid” are two very different things — and that distinction is often the key to a successful appeal.

What Does Code 06 Mean?

Contravention code 06 is a lower-level contravention that applies when a vehicle is found parked in a bay that requires a permit, voucher, or pay-and-display ticket, but none is clearly displayed on the vehicle. The penalty is typically £50 outside London or £80 in London boroughs, reduced by 50% for early payment. This code covers a wide range of permit types including resident permits, visitor vouchers, and business permits.

When Is This Code Issued?

A Civil Enforcement Officer will issue a code 06 PCN when they inspect a vehicle in a permit bay and cannot see a valid permit or voucher displayed. This may happen because the permit genuinely was not displayed, because it slipped from the dashboard, because it was face-down, or because the CEO did not look carefully enough. The CEO will photograph the windscreen to record what was — or was not — visible at the time.

Common Defences

Permit Was Displayed but Fell Off the Dashboard

This is one of the most common scenarios. Heat, vibration, or a poorly adhesive holder can cause a permit to slip from the dashboard or fall into the footwell. If you held a valid permit at the time and can prove it (for example, a copy of the permit with its validity dates, or confirmation from the council's permit database), you have a strong defence. Adjudicators understand that permits can move, and many tribunals will cancel the PCN if you can show a valid permit existed.

New Vehicle — Permit Transfer in Progress

If you recently changed vehicles and your new registration had not yet been updated on the permit, you may have a defence — particularly if you can show that you notified the council of the change promptly. Include evidence of your application to transfer the permit, the date of the vehicle change, and confirmation that the permit was otherwise valid.

Blue Badge Display

Blue badges must be displayed on the dashboard with the front showing the expiry date and hologram. If the badge was present but the CEO could not see it (for example, it was obscured by reflections or placed face-down), you can appeal by providing a copy of the badge and evidence that it was valid on the date in question.

Virtual or Digital Permits

Many councils now issue virtual permits linked to a vehicle registration rather than requiring a physical display. If your council operates a virtual permit system and your permit was valid but not physically displayed because no physical display was required, the PCN should not have been issued. Check your council's permit terms carefully.

Visitor Voucher Errors

Visitor vouchers must typically be scratched or filled in with the correct date. If you made a minor error — such as scratching the wrong date panel — but the voucher was otherwise valid and genuine, you may persuade the council or tribunal that the contravention was technical rather than substantive.

What Are Your Chances of Success?

Code 06 appeals have a good success rate because the core question is whether you held a valid permit, not just whether it was visible. If you can prove a valid permit existed at the time of the alleged contravention, most councils will cancel the PCN at the informal challenge stage. At tribunal, adjudicators are sympathetic to genuine permit holders who had a display issue. The key is evidence — provide copies of your permit, council correspondence, and any relevant photographs.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Council Parking Ticket (PCN)
• Traffic Penalty Tribunal — How It Works
• Contravention Code 12 — Residents' Parking Place
• Blue Badge Parking Fine — How to Appeal