A car blocking a driveway is not something most homeowners are eager to handle. It gets confusing really fast. Should you call a tow truck service or the police? What’s the best line of action?
For starters, if someone blocks your driveway, you can ensure they get a ticket and arrange a towing.
But that’s only scraping the surface. Let’s bring you up to speed with all your legal options for dealing with a blocked driveway in Wisconsin.
TL:DR
When a car parks too close to a private or public driveway, it is considered blocking.
If a car blocks a driveway entrance, it can be towed.
Towing a car from a space is authorized only by a property owner, traffic officer, or parking enforcer.
When you try to block a vehicle parked by or in your driveway, it could incur fines or ticket fees.
If a car is blocking your driveway, the first step is to look for the owner.
For hard-to-resolve blocking cases, you can call non-emergency local police lines.
Collect vehicle details, such as the plate number and car model/make, when filing a violation report.
Put a “No Parking” sign in your yard to prevent frequent driveway obstructions.
What is Considered Blocking a Driveway?
A car blocking access to a driveway or parked too close to the driveway’s entrance definitely qualifies.
In Wisconsin, parking too close to driveways violates the 4-feet parking rule, which is the benchmark for determining what is considered a blockage.
The rule, as stipulated in the Wisconsin state statute, is that parking within 4 feet of a private driveway is illegal.
Other Instances Considered as Blocking a Driveway
Parking across a curb cut, even partially, is still a violation. It doesn’t matter if you’re just a little over the curb cut itself, or if it’s 2 a.m.
Parking on a public road directly facing a parking lot (even without crossing the curb line) is considered blocking.
When construction vehicles or trucks temporarily block road access, that is considered a violation, too. However, there are exceptions for vehicles doing road work.
What You Shouldn’t Do When a Car is Blocking Your Driveway
Streets in the cities were not made with parking spaces in mind. The little one dedicated to you is always at the mercy of drivers in a rush. Or people who just need “5 minutes” or didn’t know they parked wrongly.
It could also be the occasional neighbor who treats it like their personal driveway, or construction work going on in the community.
Whoever is responsible for the blocked driveway, here’s what you shouldn’t do in response:
Get Aggressive
Finding a big old truck blocking your driveway is not the most exciting thing. But try not to lose your cool. Blowing up in this situation won’t help.
If anything, it can be dangerous for you and the person causing the obstruction. So be patient while trying to resolve it.
Don’t Call the Police Immediately
Yes, the first instinct might be to call the police right away. But filing a report can be time-consuming.
It takes valuable time away from officers who should resolve serious problems.
Before calling the police, try speaking with the car’s owner first. It can be a resolvable mistake that doesn’t require them getting involved.
Don’t Try to Block Them in
Blocking them in might seem like a smart move —you know, locking them in until they learn not to mess with your spot.
But it usually backfires fast because it only creates further obstruction. You might even end up getting a ticket. That’s a liability you don’t want to incur.
What to Do When a Car Blocks Your Driveway
Here are a couple of steps to follow:
Look For the Owner
Sometimes the owner can be in the car. Maybe they just parked to make a call. You can knock on the window and ask them nicely to move.
But what if it’s your neighbor? This makes it easier because a direct conversation can fix it quickly.
Drop a Warning Note
If it’s a partial blocking with a little space for you to maneuver, you can leave a small note on the car’s windscreen. This is your best line of defense, especially for one-off offenders and unknown vehicle owners.
For most people, the note is enough to prevent another episode. It’s even more effective than a ticket or a tow.
Contact Local Authorities
In Wisconsin (especially areas like Milwaukee and Madison), you can contact parking enforcement agencies. These agencies are dedicated to resolving parking-related violations.
As a resident, you can file a report with them online, by phone, or in person.
When a vehicle parks directly in your parking space, that’s trespassing. And in Wisconsin, the law gives you the liberty to remove a trespassing car from your property So you can call a tow company directly and have it removed.
But be sure to choose the best towing service with a solid reputation for private property tows.
You don’t want to damage someone’s car while trying to do the right thing.
Record the Violation
Before you make an official report, take some photos or videos of your blocked driveway. This will be solid evidence to present when the issue escalates.
Collect the Vehicle’s Details
Put down the right vehicle details —the plate number, model, and make. Also, any other information that’ll be useful in your report.
Put up a “No parking” signSource: unsplash
This prevents wrong parking in the long term and tackles objections like “I didn’t know it wasn’t allowed.”
A clear parking sign makes it easier for you. This is especially useful for leased storage spaces and commercial properties.
In Wisconsin, single household residences don’t need signage; you can always remove a trespassing car with or without the sign. But it does make life easier by preventing the problem.
Wisconsin’s Rules on Private Property Tows
Certain rules apply to towing from a property:
Towing a car from a space is authorized only by a property owner, traffic officer, or parking enforcer.
Towing services should send notices of removal, including details of the car’s identification numbers, plate number, model, and the location from which it will be towed.
The vehicle owner has to pay the tow fees. In Wisconsin, tow service costs range from $50 to $150 (sometimes more), depending on location, vehicle size, and type. You can calculate your towing costs here.
How Far Should I Park From a Driveway Entrance in Wisconsin?
In some cities, you need to be at least 5-10 feet away from the driveway entrance.
That gives the larger trucks enough room to move freely. More than that, it gives free access to emergency vehicles.
The rule is slightly different in Wisconsin. You can’t park or leave a vehicle standing 4 feet from the driveway. If you do, you’d be violating Wisconsin’s statewide parking rules.
FAQs
If someone parks in your driveway, can you block them in?
No you can’t. Blocking them is illegal and against the Wisconsin state law. However, the law gives you (as a property owner ) the right to have the car removed or ticketed for trespassing.
When Should I Call the Police?
Police officers probably have serious crimes to attend to.
As such, it’s best to phone them only in emergencies such as aggravated disputes beyond your control or suspicious activity involving vehicles.
To report driveway blockage, call parking enforcers.
Can I Move the Vehicle Myself?
Moving the vehicle yourself may be difficult since you’re not the owner. But you can ask for it to be towed.
