Is it illegal to block your own driveway in the UK?

In the UK, it is generally considered an offence to park across a dropped kerb, including blocking your own driveway, as it restricts access and breaks local council regulations. While enforcement can be difficult, councils can issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for obstructing access, even if the vehicle is yours.

Can I block my own driveway in the UK?

Legal Considerations

You can't block your own driveway in the UK, as it is against the law. Local council regulations require that driveways remain clear and accessible at all times. This rule is in place to ensure safety and prevent any hindrance to emergency vehicle access.

What is the new driveway rule in the UK?

What the new driveway rule is. The core change is to planning rules for EV charge-points at homes in England. Homeowners are now allowed to install a single wall‑mounted or free‑standing EV charger on their driveway without applying for householder planning permission.

What are the UK laws on obstructing a driveway?

The Highway Code Rule 243 reads, 'do not stop or park in front of an entrance to a property,' which suggests that people should not stop in front of a driveway, but it is not legally obligatory since it does not contain the word "must." Still, blocking your driveway is illegal if you reside in London and a car that is ...

Is it illegal to block a driveway without a dropped kerb in the UK?

Can You Park In Front Of A Driveway Without A Dropped Kerb In The UK? Absolutely, you are allowed to park in front of a driveway as long as there's no dropped kerb in place.

Can Someone Park on My Driveway? UK Law Explained (Private Driveway Rules 2025)

What are your rights if someone blocks your driveway?

Someone blocking your driveway

If you can find the owner of the vehicle, we'd first recommend asking them politely to move it. If you can't find them, try leaving a note on their windscreen. After all, they may not realise they have caused a problem. If this doesn't work, please contact your local council .

Can I park in front of my own dropped kerb in the UK?

This means if you park in across a dropped kerb you are committing an offence unless you have permission. If you share a dropped kerb with your neighbour you will still need their permission before parking across the dropped kerb.

What can I do to stop people from blocking my driveway?

If the vehicle is blocking access to your driveway you should first make enquiries with the neighbours to see if they know who the car belongs to, so they can move it. If your local council hasn't taken on CPE, you will need to contact your local police force.

What to do if someone parks on your dropped kerb?

If someone parks on your dropped kerb, first try a polite word with the driver (they might not know they're causing an issue), but if that fails, report it to your local council's parking enforcement team, as they handle most cases, especially if it blocks access to your property, though policies vary, so check your council's website for specific reporting methods, often involving phone or online forms with vehicle details and location.

What are the laws on driveways?

Generally a new driveway or patio area does not require building regulations approval. However, you will need to make sure that any alterations do not make access to the dwelling any less satisfactory than it was before.

Is my driveway private property in the UK?

Under UK law, a driveway is considered private property. When someone parks on your driveway without permission, they are committing trespass, but they are not breaking any criminal laws. This means you cannot damage or clamp their vehicle, though you do have the right to pursue civil action.

Is it illegal to reverse out of your driveway in the UK?

If a driver reverses out of a driveway carelessly, causing an accident or forcing another driver or pedestrian to take evasive action, they could face prosecution. So, while reversing out of a driveway is not illegal in itself, it can become an offence if it is done recklessly or without proper observation.

Can I get a car towed for blocking my driveway in the UK?

The police have the power to tow away a vehicle that is breaching a parking restriction, is causing an obstruction or has broken down. Local councils also have powers to clamp cars and get them towed away. Councils might do this if a driver doesn't have car tax or insurance.

Can you get a parking ticket for blocking a dropped kerb?

Blocking a dropped kerb

Blocking or obstructing any dropped kerb is against the law, and our civil enforcement officers can issue a penalty. Once a penalty's been issued, the vehicle may be towed away. A vehicle doesn't have to be fully blocked to be committing a parking violation.

Can I park on my own white line outside my house?

A Fixed Penalty Notice cannot be given to a motorist who parks on the white line, but it will act as a strong deterrent and a visual aid to indicate an entry point at your property. Applicants should not park their own vehicle over the white line as it may suggest they condone obstructions at other times.

What are the new driveway rules in the UK?

Although the rules have been relaxed, there are still conditions. Now, charging units cannot exceed 0.2 cubic metres in volume and must be positioned a minimum of two metres from public roads.

Can you legally stop people from turning around in your driveway?

PSA, it is generally considered illegal to make a U-turn in someone's circular driveway without their permission, as it constitutes trespassing on private property; even if it's a circular driveway, it's still part of their land and using it to turn around without consent is not acceptable.

Can you block a driveway without a dropped kerb?

If you do not have a dropped kerb in front of your driveway, it's important to have one installed. It's illegal to access a driveway if the kerb is not dropped as it counts as a footpath. Furthermore, it means that vehicles will have a legal right to park in front of your driveway with no consequences.

How do I stop people from parking in front of my driveway?

If the vehicle is blocking access to your driveway you should first make enquiries with the neighbours to see if they know who the car belongs to, so they can move it. If your local council hasn't taken on CPE, you will need to contact your local police force.

Can I clamp a car blocking my driveway?

It is a criminal offence to clamp/block/tow away a vehicle on private land without lawful authority.

How do you stop people from blocking your driveway?

How to Stop Someone Parking In Front Of Your House?

1. Talk to the Person with Skills. ...
2. Put up Signs & Traffic Cones to Stop Cars Blocking Your Driveway. ...
3. Install Security Cameras to Stop Cars Blocking Your Driveway. ...
4. Call the Tow Companies to Help Stop People Blocking Your Drive. ...
5. Contact the Police and Other Authorities.

Can you block someone in on your own driveway?

If a car is parked on my driveway, can I block them in? If someone has parked on your driveway and you were to block them in, your vehicle may be causing an obstruction to the public highway, and this is a criminal offence. The owner of the blocked vehicle could therefore call the police.

What can I do if someone blocks my dropped kerb?

Report parking in front of a dropped kerb

You will need to leave a message with the details of the vehicle blocking your dropped kerb, your full address and dropped kerb (DK) reference number.

What is classed as obstructing a driveway?

overhanging vegetation. scaffolding, hoarding, skips and builders materials obstruction. overhanging vehicles (where your driveways isn't big enough to hold your car) building materials and other obstructions.