Parking across driveways
Rules for blocking vehicle access to private or shared driveways.
Last reviewed by NSW Parking Rules editorial team:
Parking across a driveway can be an offence if it blocks or restricts vehicle access.
If this rule is connected to a fine
Overview
Driveway rules are designed to keep vehicle access open. The practical answer depends on whether the driveway is active, whether access is blocked and whether a local sign applies.
What the rule means
Parking across a driveway can be an offence if it blocks or restricts vehicle access.
Practical details
Official detail
The key issue is access. A vehicle can cause a problem if it blocks or unreasonably restricts entry to or exit from a driveway.
What to check on the street
Check the driveway wings, garage or lane access, and whether a larger vehicle could turn in or out without mounting the kerb.
Everyday example
Leaving the back of a car across part of a driveway while picking someone up can still trigger a complaint if the driveway cannot be used.
First checks to make on the street
- Read the nearest sign face, including arrows, days and times.
- Check the driveway wings, garage or lane access, and whether a larger vehicle could turn in or out without mounting the kerb.
- Your vehicle blocks a driveway entrance.
- Do not rely on this common shortcut: assuming ownership of the driveway always makes it legal.
When the rule applies
- Your vehicle blocks a driveway entrance.
- A vehicle cannot reasonably enter or leave.
- The driveway belongs to a house, apartment, business or shared accessway.
Examples
- Parking across your own driveway in a way that blocks access.
- Stopping partly over a driveway while waiting.
- Parking close enough that turning into the driveway is obstructed.
Common mistakes
- Assuming ownership of the driveway always makes it legal.
- Leaving only a small gap for vehicles to squeeze through.
- Ignoring local council enforcement practices.
Exceptions
- Some short stops may be treated differently depending on access and local enforcement.
- Authorised roadworks or emergency vehicles can operate under different rules.
- Private property arrangements do not always override public road rules.
Fines and penalties
Possible penalties depend on the current offence code, location, time and evidence. Check the notice itself and official NSW sources.
What to do if you receive a fine
Read the notice, check the sign and location details, gather photos or permits, then decide whether to pay or request a review.
- Check whether the notice names Parking across driveways or a related offence.
- Compare the notice time and location with photos of the sign, road marking or kerb layout.
- Keep any permit, ticket, payment record, loading record or written authority if it changes the answer.
- Use Revenue NSW or the authority named on the notice for payment and review steps.
Related parking rules
Related parking signs
Official sources
Use these official sources to confirm the current rule, fine amount, sign wording or local council condition before relying on a parking decision.
- Transport for NSW
Official transport guidance and road user information for New South Wales.
- NSW legislation
Official NSW legislation source for road rules and statutory instruments.
- Relevant local council
Use the council finder to confirm local permits, parking meters and enforcement practices.
General information only.
This guide is independent and does not replace NSW legislation, the sign at the kerb, your penalty notice or advice from the relevant authority.