Do you find a car parked in your driveway that stops you from accessing or leaving your home? This is a common problem that can cause complications and safety issues. Many people do not know what to do in such a situation.
Therefore, we have prepared this helpful guide for you. You will know the best way to solve this problem, your right & law requirements. We also wrote about how you can prevent unauthorized vehicles from using your driveway in the future.
What is Considered Blocking a Driveway?
A driveway is a private path that links your house to the street. You can use it to park your car or enter & exit your home. Sometimes, you may face a situation where another car may park in your driveway.
In this case, you can not move in or out of your own vehicle from the driveway. That means you will not be able to use your driveway if another car is parked in your space.
Is It Illegal To Park in Front of Someone’s Driveway?
Absolutely yes. It is illegal to park your car in front of someone’s driveway. Because laws in most places say you cannot block a driveway. The reason is that this action can cause trouble for the homeowner. Remember, if the car is there for a short time, it can still be against the law.
Partially Blocking Driveway
It means a car is parked in a way that only blocks a part of your driveway. You may still be able to move your car, but it is harder and less safe for you. It can lead to delays and make it hard for you to use your driveway.
Car Parked Blocking My Driveway
When a car is parked across your driveway, you cannot enter or leave your home. This is called full blocking. It leads to frustration and disrupts your daily plans. This action violates the blocking driveway law. In such a case, you have the right to take action.
How Close Can You Park To a Driveway?
You generally cannot park right next to a driveway. However, most places require you to stay at least 1 meter (around 3 feet) up to 3 meters (10 feet) away. This prevents access blockage and allows safe car movement.
But rules can be changed according to your location/country. So, you should always check local laws. Suppose you are in Toronto, then you need to park 0.6 meters away from the driveway, but in Kitchener, it is 1.5 meters.
What Can I Do If Someone Is Blocking My Driveway?
If you find someone else’s car in your driveway, you have several ways to handle the situation safely and legally.
Keep Calm & Don’t Get Aggressive
It’s very important to stay composed and do not damage the car. If you get angry, it will only make the situation harder to solve. You should assess the situation and don’t move the car yourself. Instead, you need to wait and observe before you take any further action.
Avoid To Call Police Right Away
You should not call the police immediately. First, try to locate the driver or wait a few minutes. In most cases, the driver comes back and moves the car on their own.
Knock Window or Door
You can also knock on a nearby door or window if you think the driver is close. But, you have to do this during safe hours and in a calm way. Always stay polite and ask the driver to move the car. This step works well in homes, shops or apartments.
Contact the Vehicle Owner/Leave a Note
If you notice any information on a parked vehicle, you can use that to find the owner. For this, you can try to contact them first. Many times, the driver is not aware that they are creating a problem. If you cannot reach the owner, you can leave a polite note on the windshield to explain the situation and ask them to move the car.
Call Local Authorities
If you are not able to find the driver or they do not move the car, then you can contact non-emergency police lines. Further, explain the situation clearly and also let them know your address and the car details. Only call them when other steps do not work.
Can I Move a Car Blocking My Driveway?
No, you should not try to move someone else’s car yourself. Because, it is illegal and may cause damage to a car or property. Furthermore, it can also create legal trouble for you. Hence, you should always wait for the proper authorities or the owner to handle the car safely.
Car Parked in My Driveway Can I Tow?
If a vehicle is parked in your driveway, you may be allowed to tow it. But, the exact answer depends on your local laws. For that purpose, you must contact the police first to make sure towing is legal.
In many areas, you have the right to tow the car that blocks your driveway. As a result, the vehicle owner is responsible for the towing fees.
Car Parked Outside My House For Months
A car parked outside your house for months on a public street is mostly allowed if it is taxed, insured plus does not lead to obstruction. You can also check local rules because many areas have limits (72 hours) for abandoned vehicles.
If the vehicle blocks your driveway, you can ask neighbors or contact the council or non-emergency police. However, police can only act if the car is truly abandoned or creates a driveway blockage.
How To Report a Car Blocking My Driveway
If you cannot solve the problem on your own, you have the right to contact the proper authorities. First of all, you need to collect details such as the car model, color plus its license plate number.
Also, take clear photos that show the driveway blockage. Then, you can contact your local police or city parking enforcement. You have to provide all the information and follow their instructions for proper action.
Who To Call To Tow Illegally Parked Car?
| Country/City | Contact Number | Requirements/Notes |
| Los Angeles | (213) 485-4184 or 311 | Parking Enforcement can arrive in less than an hour. You must be present to get a car towed |
| San Francisco | 311 | Notify SFPD one hour before towing and the towing company must notify SFPD within 30 minutes. |
| New York | 311 | Police must ticket the vehicle first |
| Houston | 311 | Parking enforcement issues a ticket, then the vehicle can be privately towed |
| San Diego | (858) 495-7856 or online form | Report to San Diego Police Department’s Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Unit by phone or online. |
| Oakland | (510) 777-3333 | Call the non-emergency line for immediate removal. |
Can I Block My Own Driveway?
No, in most areas it is generally illegal to block your own driveway with a vehicle. The reason is that streets are public, and emergency access is important. That’s why police can still issue a ticket or tow your car if someone complains.
However, rules can vary by city. Most of the time, you cannot obstruct public access or block sidewalks, even if it only affects your own property.
Blocking Driveway Ticket
If a vehicle blocks your driveway, the owner can receive a blocking driveway ticket. This ticket is basically issued by your local police or parking enforcement. As a result, the car owner has to pay a fine. If someone repeats the violations, it can lead to higher fines or towing as well.
How much is a ticket for blocking a driveway? The exact amount you need to pay for driveway blockage varies by city and state. For example: the ticket for blocking a driveway mostly starts at $115 In New York City. But it can increase to $250 in some cases.
How To Stop Unauthorised Parking?
Below are some simple and effective solutions to stop unwanted and illegal parking in your driveway.
- Installation of Signs: You must place clear signs to show that the driveway is private. You can use simple words like no parking or private driveway.
- Placement of Traffic Cones: Installation of traffic cones at the entrance of your driveway. Cones are easy to move when you need access.
- Pavement Markings: You can also paint clear markings on the pavement of your driveway. Bright lines or text such as no parking, so the area can be easy to notice. These markings warn drivers before they stop.
- Use of Rope or Chain: Rope or chain creates a clear physical barrier. You should remove it only when you need to use the driveway.
- Security Cameras (ANPR): You can install security cameras with a number plate recognition system. With these cameras, you can record vehicles which enter your driveway.
- Safety Gate: The installation of a safety gate at your driveway entrance blocks unauthorized vehicles. You can open the gate only when you need access.
- Parking Barriers & Bollards: Further, you should install parking barriers or bollards at your driveway opening. These devices physically stop unwanted cars from entering your space.
Summary of Car Illegally Parked in My Driveway
The matter of driveway blockage requires a careful and calm approach, so you can prevent legal trouble. We also recommend you to document the situation with photos and must install visible signs or cameras. This will provide you strong evidence if you need authorities or towing services. For inquiries related to parking products, you can contact our team.
FAQs
If I hit a Car Blocking My Driveway?
If you hit a car which illegally blocks your driveway, you are mostly considered at fault. But, the parked car’s owner is also responsible. So, you should avoid hitting the car. Instead, you can take photos and call the non-emergency police.
Can Emergency Vehicles Block My Driveway?
Yes, emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks or police cars can legally block your driveway. Because, they may need to handle emergency situations. Hence, you should never try to move or interfere with them.
What Can I Do If My Neighbor Keeps Blocking My Driveway?
To deal with a neighbor when they block your driveway, you should start with a polite conversation. If the problem continues, you can send a formal written warning with photos. If they still do not comply, contact the non emergency police or a towing company.
