It is very frustrating to keep seeing unknown vehicles parked in front of your house daily without permission from you. It is more frustrating when the parked vehicle blocks your driveway and prevents you from either driving into your garage or driving out. In this situation, what can you do? Can you have a car towed for parking in front of your house?
Can You Have a Car Towed For Parking in Front of Your House?
Yes, you can have a car towed for parking in front of your house if the car is parked on your private property, has a no-parking zone, is blocking your driveway, or has exceeded time limits, you may have it towed.
However, whether you can have a car towed for parking in front of your house depends on the laws and regulations of your area.
In many places, on-street parking is considered public property, and anyone with a legal right to park there can do so unless there are restrictions in place.
If a car is parked illegally, such as in a no-parking zone, blocking a driveway, or violating any parking regulations, you may be able to report it to the authorities, and they may issue a ticket or have it towed.
However, if the car is legally parked and not in violation of any parking rules, you generally do not have the authority to have it towed just because it’s in front of your house.
Also, keep in mind that private property rules might be different, and if the car is parked on your private property without permission, you may have more options in that case, especially when the parked car is blocking your driveway and preventing you from driving out or into your driveway.
In many municipalities, the area between the curb and the road, commonly known as the street parking space, is considered public property.
This means that barring restrictions, anyone with legal permission to park can do so, and you can’t have the car towed because it’s parked there.
However, while the curb in front of your house may be considered public property, your private property rights extend to your driveway and yard.
If a vehicle is parked on your private property without permission, you have more authority to address the situation by contacting law enforcement or a towing company to remove the vehicle.
Nevertheless, before resorting to towing a car parked in front of your house, consider engaging in open communication with your neighbors.
Sometimes, unfamiliar cars parked in front of your house may belong to guests or service providers of nearby residents.
A friendly conversation can help clarify the situation and prevent unnecessary conflicts. In many cases, neighbors can find amicable solutions that accommodate everyone’s needs.
When to Tow a Car Parking in Front of Your House
Here are when you might have the right to tow a car parking in front of your house:
1. When the Car is Blocking Your Driveway
If a vehicle is blocking your driveway, preventing you from accessing or leaving your property, you can have the car towed.
In this case, it doesn’t matter if it is parked on public property or not. No one should block you from accessing or leaving your property in the name of public property.
You should report the car to the police and have it towed immediately.
2. When the Car is Trespassing on Your Private Property
If the car parked in front of your house is on your private property and is parked without your permission, you have the right to have it towed especially if the vehicle is blocking your access to your driveway or occupying designated parking spaces.
If a vehicle is parked on your property without permission and you’ve posted signage indicating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense, you can contact a towing company to have the vehicle removed.
Make sure to choose a reputable towing company that operates within the legality of your area.
Sometimes, you may need to notify law enforcement or parking enforcement agencies before towing the vehicle. They may require you to file a report or provide documentation of the unauthorized parking.
However, after the vehicle has been towed, make sure to obtain a release of liability from the towing company that confirms that the towing was conducted legally and transfers responsibility for the vehicle to the towing company.
3. When the Car is Abandoned
If the car appears to be abandoned, such as lacking license plates, having expired registration, or showing signs of neglect, local authorities may authorize towing to remove the vehicle from public space to fix any legal or safety concerns.
However, while it can be frustrating to have an abandoned vehicle parked in front of your house, it’s important to let the authorities handle the situation.
Taking matters into your own hands by attempting to tow or dispose of the vehicle yourself, may lead to legal complications.
You need to reach out to your local law enforcement agency or department of transportation to report the abandoned vehicle. They have procedures in place for handling such situations.
All you have to do is to provide them with the information you’ve gathered about the vehicle and its location.
Once you make the report, authorities will investigate the situation and take appropriate action to remove the vehicle from the front of your house.
4. When the Car is Violating Permit Parking
In areas with permit parking systems, towing may be authorized for vehicles without the required permit. This is often applicable in residential zones where permits are issued to residents for on-street parking.
You need to first verify that the vehicle is indeed violating a permit parking regulation and report the permit violation to the appropriate authorities so they can take appropriate actions.
5. The Vehicle is Causing Safety Threats
If a vehicle parked in front of your house is creating safety threats such as obstructing visibility at intersections, blocking access to a driveway or fire hydrant, or creating a threat for pedestrians or other motorists, you can have it towed.
- Take photos of the parked vehicle and the safety threats it’s creating.
- Call your area non-emergency police number or relevant authorities, such as the Department of Transportation or parking enforcement agency, to report the safety threats the car is causing.
- Emphasize the urgency of the situation and request that authorities respond immediately to address the safety threats.
- If the safety threats persist or if you don’t see any action being taken, consider following up with the authorities to ensure that the issue is addressed.
Finally, if the car owner has repeatedly disregarded parking rules or warnings, and his/her actions continue to disregard residents or pose safety risks, towing may be necessary as a last resort to ensure compliance and maintain order in the neighborhood.
Conclusion
Having a car towed for parking in front of your house depends on factors primarily determined by regulations and the nature of the parking violation.
Therefore, if the car parking in front of your house blocks your driveway and prevents you from accessing or leaving your compound, you can call the authorities and have it towed. The same goes for when the car is parked on your private property.
It is important to note that taking matters into your own hands without proper authorization can lead to legal consequences, therefore, before towing a car for parking in front of your house, contact law enforcement agencies or at least report the said car to them, explaining how you want it towed out of your property. They may issue a ticket to the car and authorize towing.
