Motorists across the UK are being issued a stark warning that they could face a staggering £5,000 penalty for a common parking mistake involving private driveways.
The Driveway Trespassing Rule Explained
Car safety expert Ollie Green, from MOT service Collect Service Go, has highlighted a frequently overlooked regulation. He cautions that using someone else's driveway for any purpose – including briefly stopping to turn around – is technically considered trespassing.
This applies even if the vehicle is only on the property momentarily. With the proliferation of doorbell cameras, homeowners are now more empowered than ever to identify and report such incidents.
What Does the Highway Code Say?
The legal basis for this warning is clearly outlined in the official rules of the road. Rule 243 of the Highway Code explicitly instructs drivers not to stop or park in front of an entrance to a property. The rule is designed to ensure homeowners can always access their own driveways without any obstruction.
Ollie Green emphasised the potential severity of the consequences: "In some cases, this can result in fines of up to £5,000, community orders, or even prosecution if property damage occurs."
What to Do If Your Driveway Is Blocked
For homeowners who find themselves victim to this frustrating scenario, Ollie provides clear advice. The initial step should always be to attempt to contact the vehicle's owner directly.
If this fails and the vehicle is preventing you from entering or exiting your own property, it may be classed as antisocial behaviour. In such situations, you have the right to contact the police, who can intervene and arrange for the vehicle to be moved.
Despite this clear guidance, a curious legal loophole exists. The RAC notes that if a car is fully parked on your private driveway (as opposed to blocking the entrance), it can be a more complex issue for authorities to resolve swiftly, as it may be treated as a civil matter of trespass rather than a straightforward traffic offence.
This makes awareness of Highway Code Rule 243 crucial for both drivers, to avoid massive fines, and for residents, to understand their rights when dealing with unauthorized use of their property.
