How far do you have to be parked away from a driveway? (health, park)

[Texamichiforniasota]

Originally Posted by Cloudwalker

California Vehicle Code 22500(e) says you can't block a public or private driveway (this is the provision under which the city would ticket). Case law says the driveway starts at the curb cut, that point at which the parkway starts to curve down to the driveway flat. If they are in that area (sloping curb cut) at all, you can call LADOT to ticket and/or tow. My understanding is they will happily ticket, but generally won't tow unless access is actually blocked.

Correct, if they are in the apron of the driveway, they can be ticketed. In reality, parking enforcement doesn't go out looking for that like they do for expired meters or street sweeping restrictions, so tickets are complaint based. You have to call parking enforcement.

[Exitus Acta Probat]

Originally Posted by Texamichiforniasota

Correct, if they are in the apron of the driveway, they can be ticketed. In reality, parking enforcement doesn't go out looking for that like they do for expired meters or street sweeping restrictions, so tickets are complaint based. You have to call parking enforcement.

And I hope more people call, because I find it extremely discourteous to make it difficult for people to get in or out of their driveway. People didn't pull this garbage once upon a time ago, but these days I see this nonsense all the time.

[DabOnEm]

That's because the three bedroom house that use to be a family of four now has 3-4+ adults with cars all living there.

[TacoSoup]

Originally Posted by Cloudwalker

California Vehicle Code 22500(e) says you can't block a public or private driveway (this is the provision under which the city would ticket). Case law says the driveway starts at the curb cut, that point at which the parkway starts to curve down to the driveway flat. If they are in that area (sloping curb cut) at all, you can call LADOT to ticket and/or tow. My understanding is they will happily ticket, but generally won't tow unless access is actually blocked.

This is the case in San Diego. There’s metermaids at the beach that are sticklers for this, and rightfully so. Although I always thought it it’s your driveway you should be allowed to parallel in front of it witouut fear of getting a ticket, but I guess that would be too much work for them to run the registration to see if you live there.

[CALGUY]

A few years ago my next door neighbor got a ticket for parking in front of what use to be his driveway, but many years ago, he took out the driveway and put in lawn, right to the street.

What he forgot to do was remove the pieces of curb that angle down to the street level .
The grass had actually grown over those sections of the curb, and hardly noticeable.
He received a ticket for parking in front of a driveway, even though there was no longer a drive way there, it was lawn.

Bob.

[Cloudwalker]

I believe the rationale for not permitting people to park in front of their own driveway is that it then prevents other drivers from using that public space (the start of the driveway to the edge of your property boundary) to turn around. There might also be some element of keeping access open for emergency responders.

[TacoSoup]

Originally Posted by Cloudwalker

I believe the rationale for not permitting people to park in front of their own driveway is that it then prevents other drivers from using that public space (the start of the driveway to the edge of your property boundary) to turn around. There might also be some element of keeping access open for emergency responders.

That actually makes a lot of sense, never thought of that. Selfish me just wanted an extra parking space.

[CatBass]

In Santa Monica, there is a line before the curb cut starts. That is where the parked car must end. If any part of it is over that line, and someone calls, they can and will tow the car. I have seen them in my neighborhood on their hands and knees with a measuring tape, and towing the car if it is over that line.

[Exitus Acta Probat]

Originally Posted by CatBass

In Santa Monica, there is a line before the curb cut starts. That is where the parked car must end. If any part of it is over that line, and someone calls, they can and will tow the car. I have seen them in my neighborhood on their hands and knees with a measuring tape, and towing the car if it is over that line.

As it should be. LA is far too capricious with the towing.

[TurcoLoco]

Unless I am mistaken, the bumper has to be farther than 18" from where the angled part ends (and becomes parallel to the ground).
Exact opposite for how far your car wheels can be from the curb when parked (less than 18").
they should just paint that part RED like they do with water hydrant because too many people in my neighborhood is parking so darn close it makes it a nightmare to merge onto a street from an alley, especially when you are on a motorcycle and some parked their full size truck, blocking your view of the street.

For example, this basketcase did leave enough space from the driveway yet still failed to park properly (see attached).