Is Parking in Front of a Neighbor's House Illegal in Texas?

If your neighbor is hosting a party on your block with visitors parked in front of your house, are they allowed to do so?

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A stranger parking in front of your house or driveway can be a nuisance, but is it illegal?

If your neighbor is hosting a party on your block with visitors parked in front of your house, are they allowed to do so?

You might have the urge to get them towed or feel angry and confrontational (don't do that), but first, it's important to understand what Texas transportation laws say.

What does Texas law say about parking in front of someone's house?

In Texas, parking in front of someone's house is generally legal, as public streets are open for use by anyone unless local ordinances state otherwise. However, there are restrictions.

Here's what the Texas Transportation Code ( §545.302) says about parking in public places:

An operator may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle:

• On a sidewalk.
• At an intersection.
• On a crosswalk.
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or 20 feet of a crosswalk is prohibited.
• By blocking someone's driveway is prohibited.
• Or "double parking," a vehicle may not park in a way that blocks or obstructs the path of another vehicle.

Someone is in front of my house whom I didn't invite. Can I get them towed?

If a vehicle is left unattended for over 24 hours, the city or a neighbor may have it towed. To avoid issues, it's best to review local city ordinances or talk with the neighbor before leaving the vehicle for an extended period.

According to the Texas Transportation Code ( §545.305), here's what you need to know about towing unwanted vehicles.

A vehicle could be moved by force or be required by the owner to move for the following:

• Is unattended on a bridge, viaduct, or causeway, or in a tube or tunnel and the vehicle is obstructing traffic.
• It is unlawfully parked and blocking the entrance to a private driveway.
• Has been reported as stolen.
• It is unattended, and an officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the vehicle has been abandoned for longer than 48 hours.

What if I need to park in front of someone's home?

If you need to park in front of someone’s house, it's best to inform the homeowner that it’s only temporary. If you're the homeowner, consider speaking with the vehicle owner before resorting to a tow truck.