6 ways to solve the problem of someone parking in front of your house.
Parking in front of someone else's house is a common neighboring problem, as it violates privacy and often leads to disputes and major conflicts. Therefore, to avoid arguments and disputes, drivers should not park in front of other people's houses; otherwise, they may unknowingly face fines.
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Legal Information You Should Know When Parking in Front of Someone's House
First, let's understand some related terminology:
1. Road: A land thoroughfare used for both pedestrian and vehicular travel. It's divided into one-way roads (traffic in one direction) and two-way roads (traffic in both directions).
2. Path: A route or pathway used for travel, such as sidewalks, bridges, and roadways.
3. Traffic: The act of passing through.
Therefore, the overall meaning of a road is a means of traffic, where you can stop to pick up and drop off people, but you cannot park vehicles or use it as a parking lot. Parking in front of someone's house or blocking traffic is considered an offense.
Furthermore, parking in front of someone's house is considered a nuisance. This causes inconvenience and disruption to homeowners due to the obstruction of traffic, and also creates annoyance when such incidents occur frequently.
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What laws are violated by parking in front of someone's house?
Drivers have no right to park their vehicles blocking the entrance or exit of another person's house, whether on private property or a public road. This is a violation of the Road Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (and amendments), Section 55, paragraph one, punishable by a fine of 500 baht. The Act states that drivers are prohibited from stopping their vehicles:
1) In a traffic lane, except when stopping close to the left edge of the road in cases where there is no designated bus lane.
2) On the sidewalk.
3) On a bridge or tunnel.
4) At an intersection.
5) In an area with traffic signs prohibiting stopping.
6) At the entrance or exit of a building or driveway.
7) In a safety zone.
In a manner that obstructs traffic.
Furthermore, causing inconvenience and annoyance is also an offense. According to Section 397, paragraph one, of the Criminal Code, the offence is punishable by a fine not exceeding 5,000 baht. If the offense is committed in a public place or in front of the public, the punishment is imprisonment not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht, or both, as per Section 397, paragraph two.
Those who suffer damage from this can file a complaint and pursue legal action, including a civil lawsuit for damages under Section 420 of the Civil and Commercial Code. If the act occurs in a public place, there are also penalties under the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (and its amendments), where officials can issue a citation and tow the vehicle. If there is damage or public inconvenience, the public has the right to file a complaint.
However, in cases where it is necessary to protect one's own rights or the rights of third parties from an emergency danger and it is not possible to request assistance from government agencies, the vehicle may be moved by force.
Even if this results in damage or destruction of property, the individual may not be liable for compensation if the damage is not excessive, as this is an exception. According to the Civil and Commercial Code, Section 450.
(Information courtesy of the Public Relations Division, Central Office, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice)
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Problem Resolution When a Car is Parked Blocking Your House
If a dispute arises due to a car parked blocking your house, resolve the issue using the following initial methods:
1. Contact the car owner to warn or inform them of the situation.
2. Post a "No Parking" sign on your gate, clearly stating the problem for passing vehicles.
3. If you have an urgent matter, move the car from in front of your house (if possible).
4. Leave a polite note informing them of the situation.
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(Information courtesy of DD Property)
