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What if my neighbor parks too close to my driveway?

You might also call the police if your neighbor has repeatedly blocked your driveway, Parking illegally on your private property. If a neighbor parks their car on your property without your permission, they are trespassing.



In 2026, the legality of a neighbor parking "too close" to your driveway depends on your local municipal bylaws, but the general rule in most of the US and UK is that no part of a vehicle may overhang or block the "curb cut" (the sloped part of the sidewalk). If a car is even partially blocking your access, it is usually a towable offense. However, if they are simply parking on the street right up to the edge of your driveway, it is generally legal unless there is a specific ordinance requiring a 3-foot or 5-foot clearance (which exists in some California and New York jurisdictions). Your first step in 2026 should be a polite conversation, as many neighbors aren't aware of the difficulty it causes for backing out. If the behavior persists and is truly unsafe, you can document the dates and take photos to report the "obstructing vehicle" to your local parking enforcement or non-emergency police line. You are generally not allowed to "claim" the public street space in front of your house for yourself.

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Most parallel parking spaces will have a standard length of 22 feet to 26 feet and a width of 8 feet. Spaces designated for compact cars will have smaller dimensions, such as 20 feet long and 7 feet wide.

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State law makes it illegal to park in front of a public or private driveway in the State of New Jersey unless a municipality has passed an ordinance making it legal to block one's own driveway within that specific town (See N.J.S.A. 39:4-138d & 39:4-138.3.).

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