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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThere are few things more frustrating than coming home from a long day at work, only to find that someone has blocked your driveway. Surveying the situation, you may be wondering whether or not it’s illegal to block someone’s driveway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In short, the answer is\u2026maybe. It depends on the state in which you live. Some states have laws that specifically prohibit parking in front of someone’s house or blocking their driveway, while other states don’t have any laws on the books either way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, in California, it is considered an infraction to park “in front of or within 30 feet of a fire hydrant,” “within 15 feet of a fire station driveway,” or “block[ing] a driveway.” Similarly, in New York City, it is illegal to park “in front of a fire hydrant,” “within 15 feet of a fire station,” or “on a sidewalk.” Violators can be fined up to $115 for each offense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, in Texas, there is no state law that explicitly prohibits parking in front of someone’s house or blocking their driveway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, some cities within Texas (such as Austin and San Antonio) do have ordinances that make it illegal to do so. So if you live in Texas and you’re wondering whether or not it’s legal to block someone’s driveway, you’ll need to check your city’s ordinances to be sure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All in all, whether or not it’s legal to block someone’s driveway depends on the state (and sometimes city) in which you live. In some states, there are specific laws against it, while in others there are no laws<\/a> one way or the other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being blocked in can be a frustrating experience. You may be late for an appointment or unable to park in your own driveway. While it’s tempting to get angry, there are a few things you can do to resolve the situation without losing your cool. Here are some tips for dealing with a blocked driveway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This may seem obvious, but it’s always worth checking to see if the offender is unaware that they’re blocking your driveway. Politely explain the situation and ask them to move their car. In most cases, they’ll be happy to comply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can’t find the offender or they’re unwilling to move their car, your next best bet is to leave a note. Be polite but firm in your request, and include your contact information in case they have any questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners’ association, contact them and explain the situation. The HOA will likely have procedures in place for dealing with this type of situation, so they’ll be able to offer guidance on how best to proceed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’ve tried talking to the offender and leaving a note but still can’t get them to move their car, your next course of action is to call the police. The police will usually only get involved if there’s an obstruction of traffic, so make sure to explain the situation clearly when you call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to have the offending car towed if it’s blocking your driveway. This should only be done as a last resort, as it can be expensive and may damage the other vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In extreme cases, you may need to take legal action against the offender. For example, if they’ve been repeatedly blocking your driveway or if they’ve caused damage to your property, you may want to consider filing a restraining order or taking them to small claims court. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If all else fails, you’ll just have to get creative in how you park around the offending vehicle. Can you fit into another spot in your driveway? Is there street parking nearby that you can use? Sometimes the only solution is to be patient and wait for the other car to move on its own accord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you call the police or take matters into your own hands, it’s important to know your local parking regulations and laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step is to check your homeowner’s association agreement, if you have one. Many HOAs have specific rules and regulations regarding parking in shared driveways or on residential streets. Often, homeowners who violate these rules can be fined by the HOA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don’t have an HOA or if your HOA doesn’t have any specific rules about parking, your next step is to check your city’s ordinances. Call your city hall or visit their website to see if there are any laws that pertain to parking in residential areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In many cities, it is illegal to park in front of someone’s garage or in a way that blocks their driveway. If this is the case where you live, you can call the police and they will issue a ticket to the offending driver. However, they will only do this if the driver is actually blocking your driveway; if they’re just parked on the street in front of your house, there’s not much the police can do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’ve ever come home to find an abandoned car <\/a>blocking your driveway, you know how frustrating it can be. So what do you do? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Following these steps will help ensure that the car is removed in a timely manner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step is to put up a sign that clearly states that parking in your driveway is not allowed. If you have a nice, visible sign with your rules prominently displayed, people will be less likely to park in your driveway without permission. This is especially true if you live in a busy area where there are other parking options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to make sure that people definitely don’t park in your driveway, you can use cones or other barriers to physically block off the entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This will send a clear message that parking in your driveway is not an option. Just be sure to remove the cones or barriers when you’re home so that you can park in your own driveway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another option is to put up a fence or some sort of barrier between your property and your neighbor’s. This will make it more difficult for them to block your driveway without making it obvious that they’re doing so on purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, this option may not be feasible for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you’re struggling with persistent problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, what if it\u2019s not cars, but instead snow, that’s blocking your driveway? Check out this tip:<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat to Do if Someone is Blocking Your Driveway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Talk to the Offender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Leave a Note<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Contact the Homeowners\u2019 Association<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Call the Police<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Call a Tow Truck<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take Legal Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get Creative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Understand Local Parking Regulations and Laws Before You Do Anything at All<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Do if the Car is Abandoned<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Prevent Your Driveway from Being Blocked in the Future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n