Picture this: After a long day at work, you return home and notice your neighbor is hosting a party. The gathering itself doesn't bother you, but one of the guests has parked directly in front of your house — even worse, that's your usual spot.
It's understandable to be frustrated, especially if it means you now have to park farther from home. But was the other driver actually in the wrong? More importantly, is it legal for someone to park in front of your property?
Here's what to know.
Is it legal to park in front of somebody's house in Missouri?
Yes, it is perfectly legal to park in front of most buildings in the state of Missouri.
In general, parking spaces on public streets are available for anyone to use on a first-come, first-served
basis. Individuals do not own or have any exclusive rights to any parking space on a public street, even if it's in front of their home.
There are rare exceptions, however, such as neighborhoods that designate specific parking spaces to a home's occupant. This would typically be outlined in their rental or homeowner agreement.
Of course, drivers must also abide by any posted street signs and regulations while parking.
Missouri parking laws for vehicles
Here are the places where it's illegal to park, according to Missouri law:
- In front of a public or private driveway
- Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant
- On a sidewalk
- Double-parked next to another vehicle
- In an intersection
- On a crosswalk
- Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
- Within 30 feet of a flashing signal, stop sign or traffic signal
- On railroad tracks
- Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing
- Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway entrance, or on the opposite side of the street within 75 feet of the entrance when properly posted
- On a bridge or in a tunnel
- Anywhere official signs prohibit parking
These restrictions do not apply in situations in which stopping, standing or parking is necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or is done in compliance with the law, a police officer's directions or an official traffic control device.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Can your neighbors park in front of your house? What Missouri law says
