"Car Blocking Driveway" Protocol
Hey All, Just wondering what the proper procedure to follow when someone parks directly in front of your driveway. This has happened for the second time now- the first time I didn’t need to get out for a while so I didn’t do anything right away and they moved after a day, but now I…
Hey All,
Just wondering what the proper procedure to follow when someone parks directly in front of your driveway. This has happened for the second time now- the first time I didn’t need to get out for a while so I didn’t do anything right away and they moved after a day, but now I will need my car tomorrow afternoon and am not sure the car will be gone.
Whose dealt with this before? Do you call the cops? A tow truck? Write a note on the window? Or try to sell it for scrap?
Both creative and realistic advice encouraged.
Thanks!
I’d be straight, “please don’t park here and block the driveway; next time your car will be ticketed/towed.”
If there is a next time, you can make good on your promise.
I wouldn’t be too rash since the car’s owner obviously knows where you live & might retaliate. I’d first try asking neighbors if they know whose car it is & where he lives or works nearby. I’d go to him to tell him not to park there any more. Failing that, I’d try leaving a snarky note if you’re not pressed to get out immediately. If you do have to go right away, ticket & towing are the only remedy.
A large sheet of paper with a polite message, stuck with nasty glue to the windshield may help.
Puncture 2 or 3 tires as it’s loaded onto the tow truck.
Also if it’s a small car you can flip it over into traffic and I’m sure the city will fetch it pretty quick.
A ticket is not sufficient if you have to get your car out. And you may not have to give your name but they know where you live already.
I have found the note secured to the windshield with a brick to be effective (we have no driveway – I’ve used the note technique when a constant car alarm parks in front of the house).
The cops will ticket a blocked driveway on request.
I second Fire Alarm Guy. It needs to be ticketed first before the towing company will come. However, you don’t have to have it towed either. Usually a ticket is sufficient. Also I don’t think you need to give your real name to both 311 or towing company.
You have to get the car ticketed and then you can have it towed. You should call 311 to have someone come out and ticket it. If you need quicker service head down to the avenue and flag down a meter maid. Once the car is ticketed you can call any tow company to tow it at the car owners expense. I have used Ridge Towing as they are quick and professional. Once when really angry I used a company in the Bronx.
Or you could just torch it and call sanitation to remove.