Drivers are likely to face parking chaos over Christmas with motorists fighting for space to visit loved ones.
The festive period brings family and friends together meaning usually quiet streets could turn into busy car parks with neighbours fighting for the best spaces.
However, there are a series of little-known road laws already in place which could dictate where road users can and can’t stop.
Homeowners have no legal entitlement to park outside their house unless they have a designated bay.
It also means owners are not allowed to reserve a space for a family member if someone else wants to stop there.
The law says any member of the public is allowed to stop on a street as long as there is no other resident parking scheme in place
The AA explained: “Where there’s unrestricted parking, it’s OK to park outside someone’s house. Be sure that you’re not blocking a driveway or any other means of access though.
“Typically driveways will also have dropped kerbs, but always check to make sure you’re not blocking anyone’s path.”
Rule 243 of the Highway Code also urges road users to not stop their vehicles in front of a property.
Despite this, there is no specific rule which stops motorists from parking a vehicle directly in front of a driveway.
If someone has left a car in front of a driveway and is refusing to move it, renters or homeowners must also contact the local council instead of the police.
This is because it is a civil matter and will not be dealt with by the authorities as a criminal matter.
The RAC explained: “If your vehicle is on your driveway and another car is parked on a public highway and blocking your access out of your driveway, the council has the power to act.”
A legal loophole also means any stranger can legally park on someone else’s driveway whenever they like. This is because a vehicle stopped on a driveway is technically on private property where councils have no power to enforce rules.
Police will accept the car is trespassing but residents will likely need an eviction notice from a court to remove the vehicle in what is likely to be a lengthy process.
The RAC added: “But if that other car is on a drive, it’s technically on private property – and the council has no authority to remove it.
“Other situations in which parking isn’t permitted include streets governed by residents’ parking permits or any of the restrictions outlined above, i.e. double yellow lines.”
