🚧 Am I allowed to park in front of a driveway?

With conditions

Quick answer

In front of others' driveways no, in front of your own usually yes. Under §12(3) no. 3 of the road traffic act, parking in front of property entrances and exits is banned — regardless of whether anyone is obstructed. In front of your own driveway you may park — but not where the kerb is lowered (the lowering serves wheelchairs and prams, and even you as owner don't benefit from an exception). Fine: from €10, more with obstruction; wrongly parked cars can be towed.

📋 The rules

Parking in front of others' property entrances/exits is banned (even without obstruction)
In front of your own driveway parking is generally allowed …
… but not where the kerb is lowered
Opposite a driveway only banned where the street is so narrow that entering/exiting is obstructed
Even brief stopping can be unlawful if it blocks the access
Illegally parked cars can be towed at the entitled person's request

🔓 Exceptions

In front of your own driveway without a lowered kerb you may park
With the property holder's consent, parking in front of their driveway is possible
Loading/unloading may be situationally allowed if no one is obstructed

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Unlawful parking in front of a driveway: €10, with obstruction €15, over 3 hours up to €30. More important than the fine are the towing costs: if the car is removed at the entitled person's request, the keeper usually pays €100 to €300 plus admin fees.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can I park in front of someone else's driveway?

No. Parking in front of property entrances and exits is banned under §12 — even when no one wants to enter or leave just then. A concrete obstruction is not required.

Can I park in front of my own driveway?

Generally yes. One important exception: if the kerb in front of your driveway is lowered, even you may not park there. The lowering serves step-free crossing and applies regardless of ownership.

What does parking in front of a driveway cost?

€10 without obstruction, €15 with obstruction and up to €30 over three hours. It gets more expensive if towed: €100 to €300 in towing costs plus fees.

Can I park opposite a driveway?

Usually yes. It is banned only where the road is so narrow that entering and exiting on the opposite side would be obstructed. Then you must keep the spot clear.

Can my car be towed?

Yes. If your vehicle blocks a driveway, the entitled person can have it towed. You as the keeper bear the cost — separate from the fine itself.

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