Can You Park Opposite a Driveway

Parking near or opposite a driveway is one of those everyday issues that can quickly become a source of frustration for both homeowners and drivers. While parking directly in front of a driveway is usually prohibited, the rules about parking opposite one are less clear to many people. This uncertainty can lead to disputes in residential areas, particularly where roads are narrow or parking space is limited. To answer the question properly, it helps to look at the Highway Code, local council powers, and practical considerations that affect road safety and access.

What the Highway Code says
The Highway Code provides a set of rules and recommendations designed to keep UK roads safe and accessible for all users. While it does not specifically ban parking opposite a driveway in every circumstance, it does highlight the importance of ensuring that access is not restricted. Rule 243 of the Highway Code states that drivers should not park opposite or within ten metres of a junction, and they must not obstruct access to a property. If parking opposite a driveway makes it difficult for a homeowner to enter or exit safely, this could be considered obstruction, and enforcement action may follow.

Obstruction and access rights
The key issue is not whether you are physically on the driveway but whether you are creating an obstruction. If a car parked opposite prevents a homeowner from turning in or out of their driveway safely, this could be treated as an obstruction of the highway. The law does not give homeowners ownership of the road opposite their drive, but it does give them a right of access. Blocking or severely restricting that access may lead to enforcement by either the police or local authority, depending on the situation.

Police involvement and enforcement
Police have the power to take action where a vehicle is causing a dangerous obstruction. This is more likely in situations where the homeowner cannot get out of their driveway at all, or where the positioning of the vehicle creates a safety risk for other road users. For example, on narrow roads where vehicles already struggle to pass, parking opposite a driveway can make the situation worse and force other drivers into unsafe manoeuvres. In such cases, the police may issue a fixed penalty notice or arrange for the vehicle to be removed.

Council powers and residential parking
In many residential areas, local councils enforce parking restrictions through wardens and penalty charge notices. Councils may not always intervene for cars parked opposite driveways unless there are marked restrictions such as double yellow lines or resident permit schemes. However, if the vehicle is blocking a dropped kerb or is positioned in a way that clearly restricts access, councils do have authority to issue fines. Homeowners can usually report these issues directly to their local parking enforcement team.

Narrow roads and turning circles
One of the most common problems arises on narrow streets, where parking opposite a driveway can make it impossible to swing a car in or out. Larger vehicles such as vans, SUVs, or delivery lorries often need a wider turning circle, and a car parked opposite can make manoeuvring impractical. Even if the parked vehicle is legally positioned, it may still cause difficulties. This is where the law leans on the principle of reasonableness: if a vehicle is preventing access, it can be treated as obstruction, even if no specific road marking is in place.

Parking etiquette and good practice
The rules on parking opposite a driveway are not always black and white, so much depends on common sense and courtesy. A considerate driver should avoid parking directly opposite a driveway if it is obvious that doing so will block access. Even if it is technically legal in some circumstances, it is rarely a good idea. Parking a few feet further along the road may prevent disputes, avoid fines, and keep neighbours on good terms. In fact, good parking etiquette is often the simplest solution to an issue that might otherwise become unnecessarily stressful.

Shared driveways and private access roads
Some properties share driveways or private access roads. Parking opposite in these areas is usually governed by private agreements rather than council enforcement. For example, a shared access road may be covered by deeds or covenants that restrict parking in certain places. Blocking the way into a private road could be treated as trespass or breach of covenant rather than a public offence. In these cases, homeowners may need to resolve the issue through legal channels or with the support of a management company.

Examples of enforcement in practice
In cities, parking pressure often leads to more complaints about vehicles parked opposite driveways. Councils in built up areas tend to be more active in enforcement, particularly where access for emergency vehicles may be compromised. In smaller towns and rural locations, enforcement is sometimes less frequent, but the same legal principles apply. If a vehicle makes it unsafe or impossible to use a driveway, the homeowner still has grounds to seek action. Some councils even offer white line markings across dropped kerbs and driveways as a visual deterrent, though these markings are advisory rather than legally enforceable.

Fines and penalties
Drivers who park opposite a driveway and cause an obstruction risk receiving a penalty charge notice from the council, usually in the range of £70, with reductions if paid quickly. If the police are involved, fines can also be issued under obstruction laws, and in serious cases vehicles may be towed. The costs of retrieving a towed vehicle can exceed £200, which acts as a strong deterrent against inconsiderate parking.

Common misconceptions
There are several misconceptions around parking opposite driveways. Some people believe that homeowners own the road outside or opposite their drive, which is not the case unless it is a private road. Others assume that the police will always remove a vehicle in these circumstances, when in fact most cases are handled by councils. Another common belief is that obstruction only occurs if a homeowner is trapped inside the driveway, but in reality obstruction also applies if someone is unable to enter in the first place.

Practical advice for homeowners
If you find a vehicle parked opposite your driveway and you cannot get out, the first step is to assess whether it is a clear obstruction. If it is a repeated problem, keep a record and report it to your local council’s parking enforcement team. If the issue is urgent and you are blocked in completely, contacting the police non emergency number may be appropriate. It is important not to take matters into your own hands, as damaging or moving the vehicle could result in criminal charges against you. Instead, use the proper channels, as these are designed to protect both residents and drivers.

Final thoughts
So can you park opposite a driveway? The answer depends on the circumstances. There is no blanket ban on doing so, but if it causes obstruction or prevents safe access, it may be treated as a traffic offence. Councils and police both have powers to act, and penalties can be significant. The best approach for drivers is to use common sense, avoid positioning vehicles opposite driveways, and think about how their parking affects others. For homeowners, knowing the rules and reporting issues through the correct authorities provides a fair and legal way to resolve problems.