So is it illegal to park across a driveway if there\u2019s a dropped kerb? Not necessarily. I know, probably
not the straightforward yes or no answer you were looking for right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But like most things, this comes down to the way in which the Highway Code is written, which is why
its really important to firstly understand this basic principle when interpreting the Highway Code
rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the rules in the \u2018Code\u2019 are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are
committing a criminal offence. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence, or even be
disqualified from driving. Such rules are identified by the use of the words \u2018MUST\/MUST NOT\u2019
Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be
prosecuted,\u2019 The Highway Code\u2019 may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic
Acts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Considering this, and whilst Highway Code Rule 243 clearly says; \u201cDO NOT stop or park \u2018in front of an
entrance to a property\u2019\u201d this is not subsequently backed up with any law, so no it may not be illegal
for someone to park across your driveaway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, all that changes if either of the following applies to a given situation of a vehicle parked
across a dropped kerb driveway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- On a street that has some form of parking restrictions in place, then the parked vehicle may
be in contravention of various traffic laws, either enforced by the local authority or in certain
cases, by the Police.
<\/li> - If the vehicle is parked in such a way as to be considered to breach Highway Code Rule 242
which states \u201cYou MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it
causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road. The specific laws this relates to are covered
by the Road Traffic Act 1988, section 22 &\/or Road Vehicles (Construction & Use)
Regulations 1986, regulation 103.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThere is a legal loophole we think everyone needs to be aware of, parking on someone else\u2019s
driveway isn\u2019t against the law!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is due to the driveway being private land and therefore is a civil issue that the police and council
do not deal with. The council, however, are required to remove abandoned vehicles from private
and public property. But unless the vehicle isn\u2019t taxed, insured or doesn\u2019t have a valid MOT, it\u2019s
unlikely that the council will touch it and will place the issue at the bottom of their priority list.
Luckily it\u2019s very unlikely that this sort of thing happens, so hopefully, it\u2019s not something you\u2019ll ever
have to deal with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.reddrivingschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/GettyImages-176459402-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/br>\n\n\n\nAreas where you must not park<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some areas that you must not park in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- On school entrance markings<\/li>
- On a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines<\/li>
- In marked taxi bays<\/li>
- In a tram or cycle lane during its period of operation<\/li>
- On red lines<\/li>
- In spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders, residents or motorbikes (unless entitled to do so)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In addition, you should not stop or park in any of the following places except when forced to do so by stationary traffic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Anywhere that would prevent access for Emergency Services<\/li>
- At or near a bus\/tram stop<\/li>
- Opposite or within 10 metres of a junction<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Generally speaking, if you can see zig-zag lines, red or double yellow lines, then you can\u2019t park there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hopefully, you\u2019re now aware of your parking rights on and around private properties and know what you can do if there\u2019s someone else’s car on your drive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.reddrivingschool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/GettyImages-1220432012-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Finding a parking space can sometimes feel like \u201csurvival of the fittest\u201d, leading to your regular parking spot being taken…<\/p>\n