Is it legal to block the sidewalk in NYC in front of the house?

[Zee]

Is it ok in queens, NY to either,

a) have 2 cars in my driveway so that the second car is blocking the sidewalk?

b) Park on the street blocking my driveway?

 

[Chu]

Related question : Is it true NYC has no alleys?

 

[nageov3t]

erm, NYC has a ton of alleys.

I think the the parking thing might be illegal, but i couldn't see a cop giving you a ticket for it unless someone complained.

 

[DaWhim]

yes, you can block your own driveway. a lot of people do that.

what is an alley?

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: DaWhim
yes, you can block your own driveway. a lot of people do that.

what is an alley?

you know... the space between two buildings (maybe 5' wide). mostly used for trash storage and rat traps, as well as fire escape exits.

 

[MournSanity]

Originally posted by: loki8481

Originally posted by: DaWhim
yes, you can block your own driveway. a lot of people do that.

what is an alley?

you know... the space between two buildings (maybe 5' wide). mostly used for trash storage and rat traps, as well as fire escape exits.

And drug dealers.

 

[adelphi]

well it'll be $400+ answer if it turns out u/we're wrong

 

[Kelemvor]

I'd say it's OK to block your own driveway as long as there's not No Parking signs for that part of the street. But I woudln't block the sidewalk.

 

[DnetMHZ]

everything is legal as long as you don't get caught.

seriously though, I'd say NO on both questions.

 

[ThePresence]

Dial 311 and ask.

 

[FuZoR]

i rarely see any car blocking a driveway unless its some party/family thing where alot of cars show up...

just ask a traffic cop

 

[Homerboy]

Interestingly enough I had a cop car park in front of and block my driveway yesterday when there was a perfetly good parking spot RIGHT IN FRONT of him.

I live in a suburb of Milwaukee, but I just wanted to share this cops stupidity and arogance.

As for the OP, if you mean youd be parking in your driveway but across the sidewalk, Id be willing to bet LARGE sums of money that it is illegal. I know it is here. Your lot line ends at the sidewalk in most cities/states. That part of your "driveway" and the apron leading to the street itself is city owned.

 

[rh71]

I've always heard that blocking the sidewalk with your car is a no-no. You're ok if nobody complains... but if they do... the cop would likely write you up.

Sorta like if you don't shovel snow from your sidewalk, it's ok, until someone falls on their ass and reports you...

Parking on the street blocking your own driveway entrance should be perfectly ok. Just don't park facing the "wrong way" ... I've seen people get tickets for that.

 

[Zee]

Originally posted by: ThePresence
Dial 311 and ask.

good idea! :light:

 

[d0ofy]

I saw a news report on channel 7 and they reported from Bayside saying there's a a ticket blitz for cars that stick out of the driveway and cover the sidewalk. Even if the car bumper comes 1 foot on to the sidewalk you can get a ticket. In the report, the problem was the homeowner had a legal driveway that's not long enough for a single car.
As for blocking your own driveway, that's ok as long as there's no sign prohibiting parking on that side of the street. Cops don't care about keeping your driveway free, though it would probably piss off your neighbors.

 

[Cal166]

Saw it on the news the other day, guy got a ticket for blocking the sidewalk infront of his house. He has a huge SUV and cant fit it in all the way. So watch out.