Navigating Legal Action Against Neighboring Car Parking

Ever found yourself arguing with a neighbor because they're parking their car in front of your house? Before you decide to take legal action, it's essential to understand the legal and practical implications. This guide will help you comprehend the rules and regulations surrounding street parking and provide guidance on what actions you might take.

Understanding Street Parking Regulations

Anyone can park on a public street, but there are specific regulations in place to ensure safe and orderly use of the roads. For instance, in many areas, streets might have parking restrictions based on time of day or the month. In my area, we switch sides of the street on the 1st and 16th of each month. Some cities do not allow overnight parking.

Additional Restrictions on Street Parking

There are several additional regulations to consider:

Direction of Traffic: In some areas, you may need to park your vehicle in the direction of traffic flow. Vehicle Size: Certain locations may prohibit larger vehicles like RVs or trailers unless towed by a suitable vehicle. Driveway Access: Blocking driveways, including your own, is strictly prohibited as is parking to obstruct sidewalks or fire hydrants. Vehicle Identification Insurance: All vehicles parked on the street must be registered and insured.

Bylaws and enforcement are in place to address violations, such as vehicles parked without proper plates or registration, or any parking that obstructs traffic or access.

Resolving Neighbor Disputes

If parking on the street is legal, the neighbor parking in front of your house may be doing so legally. They might be parking there to provoke you or because they believe it’s a good spot for their car. While it's concerning if their parked car obstructs your safe vision when exiting your property, legal recourse may not be the best course of action.

Recommendations

Instead of taking legal action, consider these alternative measures:

Communicate with your neighbor and politely request that they park more than 50 feet away from your driveway to ensure safety. Consider moving to a property with a driveway and ample off-street parking options. If the situation escalates, consider consulting local bylaws or your homeowner association (HOA) if applicable.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, you do not own the street or have any control over street parking unless the area is part of a permit-only or metered parking situation, which is typically regulated by the city and not private individuals. If you find the current situation inconvenient, it might be worth considering a change in your living situation.