Is it illegal to park in front of someone else's house in Texas? Here's what the law says
A stranger parking in front of your house or driveway can be a nuisance, but is it illegal?
If your neighbor is hosting a party on your block with visitors parked in front of your house, are they allowed to do so?
You might have the urge to get them towed or feel angry and confrontational (don't do that), but first, it's important to understand what Texas transportation laws say.
In Texas, parking in front of someone's house is generally legal, as public streets are open for use by anyone unless local ordinances state otherwise. However, there are restrictions.
Here's what the Texas Transportation Code (§545.302) says about parking in public places:
An operator may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle:
On a sidewalk.
At an intersection.
On a crosswalk.
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or 20 feet of a crosswalk is prohibited.
By blocking someone's driveway is prohibited.
Or "double parking," a vehicle may not park in a way that blocks or obstructs the path of another vehicle.
If a vehicle is left unattended for over 24 hours, the city or a neighbor may have it towed. To avoid issues, it's best to review local city ordinances or talk with the neighbor before leaving the vehicle for an extended period.
According to the Texas Transportation Code (§545.305), here's what you need to know about towing unwanted vehicles.
A vehicle could be moved by force or be required by the owner to move for the following:
Is unattended on a bridge, viaduct, or causeway, or in a tube or tunnel and the vehicle is obstructing traffic.
It is unlawfully parked and blocking the entrance to a private driveway.
Has been reported as stolen.
It is unattended, and an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned for longer than 48 hours.
If you need to park in front of someone's house, it's best to inform the homeowner that it's only temporary. If you're the homeowner, consider speaking with the vehicle owner before resorting to a tow truck.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is it illegal to park in front of someone else's house in Texas?
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Is it illegal to park in front of someone else's house in Texas? Here's what the law says
A stranger parking in front of your house or driveway can be a nuisance, but is it illegal? If your neighbor is hosting a party on your block with visitors parked in front of your house, are they allowed to do so? You might have the urge to get them towed or feel angry and confrontational (don't do that), but first, it's important to understand what Texas transportation laws say. In Texas, parking in front of someone's house is generally legal, as public streets are open for use by anyone unless local ordinances state otherwise. However, there are restrictions. Here's what the Texas Transportation Code (§545.302) says about parking in public places: An operator may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle: On a sidewalk. At an intersection. On a crosswalk. Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or 20 feet of a crosswalk is prohibited. By blocking someone's driveway is prohibited. Or "double parking," a vehicle may not park in a way that blocks or obstructs the path of another vehicle. If a vehicle is left unattended for over 24 hours, the city or a neighbor may have it towed. To avoid issues, it's best to review local city ordinances or talk with the neighbor before leaving the vehicle for an extended period. According to the Texas Transportation Code (§545.305), here's what you need to know about towing unwanted vehicles. A vehicle could be moved by force or be required by the owner to move for the following: Is unattended on a bridge, viaduct, or causeway, or in a tube or tunnel and the vehicle is obstructing traffic. It is unlawfully parked and blocking the entrance to a private driveway. Has been reported as stolen. It is unattended, and an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned for longer than 48 hours. If you need to park in front of someone's house, it's best to inform the homeowner that it's only temporary. If you're the homeowner, consider speaking with the vehicle owner before resorting to a tow truck. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Is it illegal to park in front of someone else's house in Texas?
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