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Is it legal to park in front of someone else's house in Georgia? What to know to prevent a tow
In neighborhoods across Georgia, it's a common frustration to return home to find an unfamiliar car parked right in front of your house.
It's frustrating, especially if it happens often or blocks your view, but is it actually illegal?
Usually, no. In most cases, it is not illegal to park on a public street in front of someone else's house in Georgia.
According to Georgia law, streets are considered public rights of way, meaning any licensed driver can legally park there, unless specific laws or signs prohibit it.
However, according to state Code 40-6-202, it's unlawful for drivers to stop, stand or park a car — attended or otherwise — on a street in a residential area if there's a more practical place to park off the road.
Georgia Code 40-6-202 outlines where parking is explicitly prohibited. Drivers are not allowed to stop, stand, or park:
On the roadway side of a vehicle that's already parked on the street
On sidewalks, crosswalks, or within intersections
Between a safety zone and a curb, or within 30 feet of a curb opposite a safety zone
Alongside any street excavation that obstructs traffic
On bridges, railroad tracks, or controlled-access highways
In the area between roads on a divided highway
Where signs prohibit parking or stopping
In front of a public or private driveway
Some neighborhoods governed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs) may have rules that restrict street parking altogether, and violations can lead to fines or other consequences, even if the street is technically public.
If your neighbor is hosting a party and their guests are parked in front of your house, there's likely not much you can do, as long as no one is blocking your driveway or violating posted signs or traffic laws.
It's legal and permitted on most public streets.
If parking on the street is prohibited in a neighborhood or area, the penalty is usually a fine. However, some cities may also enforce towing or booting, according to the Macon Telegraph.
Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Parking laws in GA: Is it legal to park in front of someone else's house?
